You don’t have to stick to the same generic cover letter introductions. Here are 7 creative cover letter opening sentences that will help you stand out today.
Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of cover letters daily. Most cover letters start with a predictable opening statement like:
“To Whom It May Concern,
My name is XXXXX, and I am applying for the above-mentioned position at your Company.”
I know most of us are guilty of having used this more than once. If that’s the case, how do you expect to stand out? The answer is by creating creative cover letter opening sentences.
According to Career Builders, 40% of recruiters look for cover letters when scheming through job applications. What does this mean? It means a cover letter is your chance to humanize yourself and show your personality, job interest, and qualifications to the recruiter. Therefore, this is not the time to write boring cover letter opening sentences.
A good cover letter opening sentence should leave the recruiter wanting more. The recruiter should want to keep reading and have a memorable impression of you, which is something a resume will not do. To help you get the recruiter hooked, here are tips on making creative cover letter opening sentences.
7 tips on how to make creative cover letter opening sentences (with Examples)
1. Show your enthusiasm
If you are genuinely excited about working with the company or industry or have used the company products before, use this as a starting point for your cover letter. Describe your enthusiasm in the cover letter opening sentences. Recruiters and employers value excitement because it breeds highly successful and motivated employees.
Example:
“When I came across the job advertisement on LinkedIn, I was overjoyed, especially because my qualifications and experience fit the job description. I am a highly skilled sales marketer who thrives when increasing brand awareness, sales traffic, and growth. I am confident that my five years of experience in increasing sales and creating high-traffic marketing concepts in the corporate space make me a great fit for the role.”
2. Highlight an impressive accomplishment
Start with your top achievements and quantifiable results, if any. Work on emphasizing your best accomplishment and show how you can add business value if you get the job. The accomplishment you highlight should relate to the role you're applying for. Use this opportunity to show how your achievement benefitted your previous role and assure the recruiter that you are capable of more.
Example:
“In the previous two months, I tripled the brand awareness and social media presence of Company ABC, which increased their social media following by at least 4000 followers on their platforms. Furthermore, I spearheaded three social media advertising campaigns that generated revenue of more than $18,000. I would love to bring my expertise and expand your social reach in your company's social media manager position.”
3. Inform the recruiter of a mutual connection
Have you been referred to apply for the position? This is your chance to leverage your connections. The start of your cover letter can be your opportunity to mention the person. The recruiter will want to know why someone they know and possibly respect thought you’d be a good fit for the role.
Example:
“I was excited to hear about this opportunity from my friend, Idris Elba. Idris and I have worked together in the past, and recently he assisted me in spearheading a social media ad campaign that generated revenue of $25,000 for my previous employer. Idris is confident I am a good fit for the role due to my skills, expertise, and years in the industry.”
4. What is your belief statement?
Step away from the generic cover letter opening sentences and wow them with a memorable and short belief statement. Here are a few tips for writing an impactful belief statement:
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It should show the goals and values of the company
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The statement should be original.
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List down the steps you have taken to support your beliefs throughout your career
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Explain how your values can contribute to the Company.
Example:
“As a caregiver, I believe everyone deserves the chance to live a fulfilling life. Health should not be a limiting factor to them achieving their dreams. If I can assist them in getting maximum life quality, I will encourage their growth and facilitate their dreams.”
5. Tell a story
Scheming through hundreds of resumes and generic cover letters must take a toll on most recruiters and employers. So, what is the best way to make their experience better and more memorable? The answer is by telling a creative story in your cover letter opening sentences. If you decide to take this route, research the company and its culture and use this in your story.
6. Show that you are passionate about what you do
Passion is one of the elements that recruiters and employers look for when scheming through cover letters and resumes. The passion of a job seeker shows their drive, enthusiasm, and self-motivation in their work, which is a green flag for any employer or recruiter.
Example:
“Writing has been my passion since I was six years old. I enrolled in my junior secondary school magazine editing department, and 20 years later, here I am. I live and breathe writing which has been translated into my website that has about 30,000 monthly viewers and readers. I have featured articles cutting across many industries, including health, construction, fashion, and beauty, and founded a writing program for children to grow their skills.”
7. Highlight the company’s newsworthy history
If the company has recently made the news, you can harness this in your cover letter opening sentences. Show your admiration after mentioning the exact fact, event, award, or notable statistic that was the highlight in the news. Don't highlight negative news surrounding the company because it may jeopardize your job application.
Example:
“When I saw the company highlighted in Samantha’s Bridal Magazine as one of the best natural wine sellers in the republic, I knew that I had to be part of the team. With my experience in increasing sales traffic and social media engagement, I believe I can make your brand visible within and outside the Country. I’m excited about the possibility of increasing your brand awareness and driving growth with high-traffic ads as a skilled social media manager.”
Conclusion
You’ve got your eyes set on a specific job advertisement, and your resume is ready, but that damn cover letter is giving you sleepless nights. Say goodbye to writer’s block and apply any of the above creative cover letter opening sentences to start writing your cover letter. Let us know in the comments below how the examples above have helped you kick-start your cover letter.
