Cover letters, when used effectively, will get you the attention you need from potential employers. A strong cover letter opening can get you the interview. The opening paragraph of your letter is your first, best opportunity to hook a recruiter's attention. Your goal should always be to write an opening that impresses the employer, establishes your expertise, and piques their interest!

Here, we review some strategies and tactics to do just that. Choose which approach works best for you, your industry and your career.

One eye-catching approach is to start by highlighting key words taken from requirements listed in the job ad or from typical words used to describe a successful candidate for the position. Choose points that best describe you and that you can support with examples in the letter's body.

In this opening, Joe is applying for a senior-level sales position with a technology solutions provider:

Hunter or farmer...VAR or solution selling...sales channels or vertical sales...warrior or cowboy...

 

No matter how Opex Systems describes it, I have done it and have done it successfully. As your next Channel Development Manager, I meet each of your requirements, have the experience you need, and will deliver on company goals and objectives.

In this opening, Sandra is applying for a Human Resource Manager position with a top New York City law firm:

Compensation & Benefits...Training & Development...Leadership...Change Management...

 

So often in this field we find a Human Resource Manager is good at some aspects of the job, but not all; in my career, I have been recognized for my accomplishments in each area. I enjoy Human Resource work and am focused on continuing in this role for a large, international firm such as Halt and Mathers, LLP.

These next examples are only slightly different. When you have limited information about the position or company, it's a great tactic to proactively suggest attributes and skills that you can assume the employer will value and be looking for.

Here Sandra is aggressively pursuing an Office Administrator position, a field related to Human Resources, with another major law firm:

The Office Administrator for Jamison Law Partners must be experienced and motivated. Managing the benefits and compensation programs is just the tip of the iceberg. The Administrator must effectively manage operations across your four locations and understand the psychology of employees of varying backgrounds. I am that person for Jamison Law Partners.

Here, Joe is using this approach to apply for a Sales Manager position with another company:

As a successful Sales Manager, I work with my teams to set goals and I understand how to motivate and coach them to reach those goals. Knowing products inside and out, in addition to working hard to research clients' needs, sets me apart from other Sales Managers. With over 15 years experience and highly developed management skills, I will be a great leader for your Sales Team.

Cover letters become more difficult to write when you're trying to transition from one field into another. If this is the case, you'll do well to introduce yourself as a qualified candidate by drawing upon the skills and expertise that will transfer easily to the new position.

In this opening, Greg is leveraging his media experience in sports TV to apply for an Executive Director position. He's volunteered with the hiring organization for several years:

During my almost 20 year career in sports media I have handled many challenging, entertaining and interesting projects. However, one of the most inspiring and rewarding aspects of my career has been as the Media Liaison for The Jeff Turbin Alzheimer's Foundation. Now, realizing I can combine my media experience and passion for sports with my devotion to this organization, I am formally applying for the Foundation's Executive Director position.

Looking to move within your current company? Companies often require a formal application process for internal moves and promotions. Here is the language Andrea used to get the attention of a Senior Manager of the international construction company where she works:

Construction Estimating is an exciting and demanding field that I enjoy immensely. Working with subcontractors and calculating the materials, quantity take-offs, and service estimates requires attention to minute details and expertise managing the entire bidding process. Getting my start in this field at your firm, I was conscientious about my skill development and have now earned a reputation of producing professional, complete and consistent estimates for our clients.

All of these candidates used the rest of their cover letters to back up their opening paragraphs and describe exactly how they fit the job. Joe talked about his skill creating partnerships and cross-selling with peer companies. Sandra made several specific points about her abilities to manage people and also gave examples of how she handled challenging projects, including mergers and expansions. Greg supported his claims by talking about project management, recruiting, budgets, and public relations work he has done. Andrea went on to give examples of big projects she had worked on which she knew the Senior Manager would recognize.

The opening of a cover letter is your opportunity to get the employer's attention; using one of these strategies will surely set you apart from candidates using boring, boilerplate, or "old standby" openings. Once you've got the employer's attention, keep it! Remember to back up your opening paragraph with great content throughout your letter and include a solid resume. A "Wow!" opening combined with solid information will get you to the next step!