How to start your Cover Letter
The introduction: why is it important? What to avoid in the introductory sentence Don't use empty phrases Avoid the subjunctive No exaggeration Tips for starting your cover letter The right approach Follow up on personal conversation Start with your qualification Illustrate your motivation Start with a question Introductory sentence for an unsolicited application How to start your cover letter: the right wording
By this point in the cover letter, most recruiters will have fallen asleep or - if you're lucky - will look at your CV first. The cover letter gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your strengths and skills. That is why a convincing introduction is necessary if you want recruiters to read your job application. In the following text you will find some tips and tricks on how to start your cover letter.
The cover letter is always the first document in your job application. Although many recruiters start with the CV, the cover letter is usually the first thing your potential employer sees.
Therefore, not only should it be error-free, but it should also:
Understandably, it's not easy to fit all of this into just two or three sentences. So here are a few examples on how to start your cover letter.
Before we give you examples of successful introductions for your cover letter, let's first clarify what you should avoid.
You should never use common phrases such as "I hereby apply for the position of ..." and "I read your job advertisement with great interest" are not only meaningless, but most recruiters have already read them a thousand times.
You only have a limited amount of space in your cover letter. Use every sentence to convince your potential employer of your qualifications for the job.
The subjunctive has no place in a cover letter nor its introduction. It gives the impression that you yourself are not sure whether you are suitable for the job.
"I would be delighted if I could support your team with my professional expertise."
"My professional expertise makes me the perfect addition to your team."
While the first sentence comes across as polite, the second variant exudes much more self-confidence. Use the right language to impress the employer with the introduction to your cover letter.
Self-confidence is important in the opening of your job application, but don’t overdo it: "Stop looking, because with me you've found the perfect candidate for your job advert." Not only does it sound arrogant, but it also sets very high expectations for the rest of your cover letter.
Now that you know what to avoid, here are some tips for you on how to start your cover letter.
The perfect introduction doesn't start with the first sentence, but with the right address. "Dear Sir or Madam" is not wrong, but it is impersonal and, at worst, can give the impression that this is a mass job application.
Taking the time to find out the name of your contact person will make a better impression. You can often find the name in the job advertisement or on the company's website. Of course, you can also make a phone call - this will give you a chance to introduce yourself in person. If, despite your best efforts, you cannot find out a name, you can always use the general form of address to start your cover letter.
If you have already had contact with your potential employer, it is a good idea to mention this in the introduction to your cover letter. For example, if you introduced yourself at a job fair or perhaps made a phone call to enquire about the job.
If you mention the meeting or phone call, the person is likely to remember you, which automatically gives your cover letter more personality. It also confirms your interest if you introduce yourself again in writing after the interview.
If you want to write a cover letter, start by analysing the job advertisement. What competences, soft skills and experience are desired or required? In your cover letter, you should provide examples of how you meet these requirements. If you want to stand out from the crowd, start your cover letter with a strong argument.
You can also start your cover letter with your motivation for the position. Why are you applying for this particular job? Is there something about the company that is important to you? A general line such as "I read your advertisement with great interest" does not say anything about what really interests you about the job.
You could also tell a short anecdote to describe a moment that shaped your career aspirations. This type of introduction gives your cover letter a personal touch and will, at best, arouse emotions and interest.
You can also start your cover letter with a question. This is a simple, yet effective tactic to grab the reader's attention.
This example shows how to start your cover letter in an interesting an informative way. It also proves that you have researched the job advert and know what skills are required.
Of course, you can't include all the important information in three sentences. After all, the main purpose of the introduction is to arouse interest and encourage people to read on. Nevertheless, you should briefly explain what your current professional situation is: For example, whether you have just completed your training or are looking for a new job after a long period of employment. However, the position you are applying for should be in the subject line, not the introduction.
An unsolicited job application is a special case: You are not applying for an advertised job, but asking a company of your choice if they are looking for an employee. Therefore, in the opening sentence of your unsolicited job application, you must state which position you are interested in. Include your job title and the department you would like to work in. To avoid confusion, you should also state that this is an unsolicited job application.
In addition to the content of the introduction, the wording is also important. Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing the start of your cover letter.
As you can see, there are many ways to write the introduction to your job application. The most important thing is to be authentic. For example, you should not mention that you have been interested in a company for years if this is not the case. If such a lie comes to light, you will appear untrustworthy and, in the worst case, you will have lost your chance of getting a job.
It is important that you are aware of who is receiving your job application - in a serious industry, a humorous introduction to your cover letter may not be the best solution.
In general, humour in your cover letter should be used with caution: it may put a smile on the recruiter's face, but it can also give the impression that you are not taking the job application seriously. And people have different ideas about what is funny. So, think carefully about how you want to present yourself.
No matter how you start your cover letter, it should always be error-free. Check your cover letter several times and, ideally, ask a friend or family member to proofread it.
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