09 Sep 5 Creative Cover Letter Openings (& examples)

Compelling cover letter openings with cover letter opening sentence examples

 

If you’ve read a few of my posts, then you know I am a firm believer that writing a cover letter is a requirement and not an optional component in your job-hunting arsenal.

But not just any ol’ cover letter will do.

If the opening of your cover letter doesn’t grab attention and captivate the reader, they won’t bother getting to the rest of your cover letter, or resume, to ever find out why you are a perfect fit for the role.

Submit a thrown-together, few sentence, or uninspired cover letter, and it won’t serve its purpose to:

• Validate to the hiring manager or recruiter exactly why you are THE PERFECT candidate for the position and how you will add value to the company
• Answer any questions the hiring manager or recruiter would have about your candidacy, so they put you in the “interview” pile rather than the “pass” or “circular” file
• Demonstrate your professionalism, as well as your interest and enthusiasm for the position and the company

 

To learn more, see my post on “Why You Need a Cover Letter”

 

Yes, a cover letter can be a powerful tool to get you an interview and on your way to landing the job of your dreams…but only if it’s compelling and holds the reader’s attention.

A boring or cookie-cutter cover letter can have the opposite effect and turn the hiring manager off from continuing to read about your incredible work experience.

 

Need more assistance getting noticed in your job search? Receive my free resume checklist, “Resume Dos and Don’t That Get You Noticed.”

 

How to write a compelling opening for your cover letter (with examples)

Everyone knows you only have one shot at a first impression, and your cover letter is no different. So, your cover letter opening sentences need to be strong, compelling, creative and informative.

Whew, that’s a lot to pack into the opening sentences of a cover letter. But do not fear, it can be done!

Here are my strategies for writing a creative and compelling cover letter opening that will grab the attention of the hiring manager and get you noticed. I’ve even included example sentences you can personalize and add to your own cover letter:

1. What You Are Known For

Include in your opening sentences what you are known for (generating sales, saving money, motivating teams, improving results). Then connect the dots on how those skills will not only pertain to the position you are applying for, but also will benefit the company.

Example: My specialty is driving public relations programs that grow health and wellness companies through media coverage. I have driven PR and Communication strategies for both startup and large companies where I created measurable results within the first six months. I am excited about the prospect of creating significant awareness for [Company Name] as the [Position Title].

2. Relevant Experience

Open your cover letter by providing the work experience (not necessarily job title) you have that aligns with the position you are applying for and why this experience will drive results at a new company. This is a strong strategy if you have not held the exact title of the position for which you are applying , but have the required experience per the job description.

Example: I have successfully been leading sales teams to unprecedented results for the past 8 years. By implementing ongoing training programs, initiating sales rep check-ins, and creating new motivation and incentive tools, I have increased our close rate by 25% and revenue by 15% in the past eighteen months. I am excited about the prospect of delivering similar results for [Company Name] as the [Position Title].

3. Results and Accomplishments

By including impressive results and accomplishments from your previous positions in the opening of your cover letter (or, actually, anywhere in your cover letter), it validates you will achieve results wherever you go. Be sure to include quantifiable results and the numbers or percentages of how they were measured so the reader will understand the value you added at your previous companies and how it will be applicable to the new role.

Example: In one-year at [Current Company], I increased search-engine marketing (SEM) leads 150% while decreasing cost per lead (CPL) by 26%. I am excited by the prospect of bringing my experience and expertise in digital media to [Company Name] and drive similar results as your next [Position title].

4. Key Requirements

Use a few key requirements of the position (i.e. keywords from the job description) in your opening to immediately showcase how you have the relevant experience and skills. This strategy is particularly effective when applying at larger companies likely to be using an applicant tracking system scanning for keywords.

Example: Budget planning and financial analysis are two of my strongest areas of expertise. I not only oversee, review, and adhere to the budgets for each business department of [Current Company], I also ensure that all of the company’s financial practices are in line with regulations and legislation. Through my years of experience in finance, I have perfected my skills in financial analysis, budget development, and strategic planning, and I look forward to exploring the opportunity to bring this unique skillset to elevate the department at [Company Name] as your next [Position Title].

5. Network Referral

If a person from your professional network refers you to the hiring manager or recruiter, or recommends you apply to the position or company, include that information upfront of your cover letter. Having a personal introduction is one of the best ways to get (and keep) the attention of the hiring manager, so don’t be shy about using that in your opening.

Example: Joan Smith, my former supervisor, thought I would be a great fit for [Position Title] and recommended I reach out to you. I worked with Joan for three years. During this time, Joan witnessed firsthand how my unique ability to recognize real talent in a stack of resumes and get candidates excited about working for [Company Name] through phone interviews improved and streamlined our recruiting and hiring processes. I am enthusiastic to use these special skills, and many more, to help [Company Name] improve its employee team and corporate culture as the [Position Title].

Cover Letter Opening Sentences Not to Use

Sadly, I’ve seen too many articles and blog posts that provide what I believe to be poor advice on how to write the opening of a cover letter. Some of the tips and examples they share are not what I would consider a “compelling, attention-grabbing” opening.

Instead, some of these recommendations and examples look like the tired, overused, and outdated openings that I’ve read far too often in cover letters I read as a hiring manager.

I recommend you DO NOT open your cover letter by:

• Simply stating the position for which you are applying
• Providing general work experience without specifics or results
• Relying solely on your enthusiasm for the position or company
• Focusing on what’s in it for you, rather than what you can deliver the company

 

Examples of cover letter opening sentences I DO NOT recommend you use:

• I am very interested in the junior finance position that is open at Acme Company. I recently graduated from State University with a degree in economics and took courses in accounting, investments, and analysis, which have given me a solid base upon which I plan to build my career.
• I’m writing to express my interest in the Social Media Marketing position listed on your website. Given my two years of social media experience and excellent capabilities, I would appreciate your consideration for this position.
• I am writing to express my strong interest in the Human Resources Coordinator position open at Acme Company. My colleague Bobby Jones recommended that I contact you directly about this position, due to my years successfully performing similar responsibilities for ABC Company.
• I have a very strong interest in pursuing a sales career. With experience working in both traditional retail and outbound phone sales, I have a diverse background with much to offer.
• I was excited to read about the Public Relations Assistant position at Acme Company. I have several years of PR experience in a variety of fields including software and insurance.

 

Final Advice

The opening sentences are just that, the opening of your cover letter. Be sure to continue developing your cover letter with engaging language, strategically placed keywords, results and achievements, and a proactive close (click here for more information on each of these points).

Once you have written your cover letter, read, proof, edit, read and proof it again so there are no mistakes. Your cover letter and resume reflect your work abilities, so don’t let them be a poor representation of your abilities by having errors in them.

Be sure your cover letter (and resume) includes how to contact you (email, LinkedIn, phone). You don’t want all that hard work to go to waste because they don’t know how to find you!

Finally, customize your cover letter for every position you apply. You can begin with your own version of a template that includes your significant positions and corresponding results. Then, take the time to customize each cover letter to include the keywords, principal requirements, and desired experience outlined in the job description for which you are applying. You will find you have much better results if your cover letter (and resume) are clear, direct and specific to the position you are applying for and the requirements of the role.

Crafting a compelling opening to your cover letter can really make a difference in getting noticed by the hiring manager or recruiter.

I hope these creative cover letter openings work for you. If you use one of these ideas, please let me know, and share how it worked. If you have creative and compelling cover letter openings of your own, please share those too! I would love to see them!

For more on writing a cover letter, check out 5 Components of a Cover Letter (with a Cover Letter Example)

 

When you are ready to send your cover letter, read How to Send a Cover Letter to learn the best way to do so.

 

Grab a copy of Your Complete Guide to Cover Letters for free and get a cover letter template, creative opening templates, and more to help you craft a compelling and effective cover letter!