Are you hunting for a new job?
If so, you’re probably dusting off your pens and getting ready to write yourself a new cover letter.
As all job seekers know, cover letters can be one of the worst parts of the job hunt.
If you don’t know all of the tips for a better cover letter, you could be hurting your job applications instead of helping them.
Here, we’ll tell you how to start your cover letter in 2023.
The following cover letter basics and some advanced tricks will help you create a memorable introduction for any job opportunity.
What Is the Best Greeting for a Cover Letter?
The best greeting for a cover letter will require a few different things.
An applicant will want to be very professional when writing the address for their cover letter.
Even if you happen to know the person who will be reviewing your application materials personally, you will still want to show respect and address them along the following examples:
- Dear Mrs. Black
- Dear Mr. Black
- Dear Miss Black
- Dear Dr. Black
Never assume gender or marital status when writing to applicants.
Try to research as much as possible to learn all you can about the company and individuals checking out your application, as properly addressing a cover letter is essential for your first impression.
How To Start a Cover Letter Without a Name
In some situations, you may not be given a name or won’t be able to find one.
Some job sites may not have much information about who your application will reach.
If you are unsure, saying something like “Dear Hiring Committee” is acceptable.
“To Whom it May Concern” is an older salutation.
While it’s still acceptable, you may feel more confident if you can be more specific in your greeting.
Researching to find exact names is always preferable, but sometimes you have to start a cover letter without a name, and that’s okay.
Just be polite and your first impression will be stellar.
What Is a Good Introduction for a Cover Letter?
A good introduction for a cover letter will pull the hiring team in.
Above all, you must sound like you know what you’re talking about.
Luckily, you probably already will, especially if this position is one you are especially qualified for.
Start your cover letter by saying your name and mentioning the position you’re applying for.
Including the company name and its mission statements is also valuable.
It shows that you have researched the company and its goals, and demonstrates that they resonate with you.
What Is a Good Catchy Introduction?
A good catchy introduction will help the hiring team meet you and your skills.
You might mention your alma mater, your degree, and the years of experience you have.
If you’re applying for a creative position, adding a hint of personality is a good way to go.
What Is a Good Short Introduction?
A good short introduction will tell the hiring team everything they need to know about you and, most importantly, why you are a good fit for the position.
This should include your name, the position you’re applying for, and 2-3 reasons why you are the best candidate.
How To Introduce Yourself in a Cover Letter
Start with your name, talk about the job position and job posting, where you found it, and say something that will make it clear you’re great for the role.
Numbers are also important!
Solid statistics provide proof of your abilities.
Name your years of experience, the number of people you’ve helped, or any other facts and figures that may help your case.
How To Start a Cover Letter
Starting a cover letter is easy when you know a few tricks to help you begin.
Alternatively, you can use a cover letter generator to get some inspiration.
1. Use a Professional Greeting
The best way to get your cover letter and candidacy taken seriously for this position is to be professional throughout.
You can’t do that if the greeting itself is not professional.
Research the hiring team if possible.
If you know who’ll be looking at your application, address them professionally by their title.
Use formal language and avoid slang terms.
2. Be Direct in Your Introduction
Your introduction can make or break the hiring team’s decision to keep reading your cover letter.
That’s why you need to keep it short, simple, and to the point.
3. Mention a Referral or Contact If You Have One
If you have someone within the company who recommended you apply for the role, mentioning them in the intro will help with your candidacy by showing your connections to the company.
4. Use Keywords from the Job Ad
Some cover letters are through keyword searches, looking for the specific works put in the job posting.
Make sure you use the adjectives from the requirements and responsibilities sections to make yourself stand out.
For example, if a job posting says they are looking for individuals with “strong organizational skills”, use those words in your introduction.
5. Express Your Enthusiasm
Be excited! Why would you apply for a job if you aren’t interested in it?
Make sure that the hiring teams reading can tell you’ve given a lot of thought about the position, have done the research, and will commit to the role if they hire you.
Discuss what you hope to get out of the role.
Mention how it will help you grow and how it aligns with your professional career goals.
6. Bring Up a Big Accomplishment
You want to make yourself stand out in your cover letter.
You can do this by bringing up a worthy accomplishment.
Using numbers is also important here.
Talking about your years of experience in numbers is also helpful!
7. Bring Up Something Specific About the Company
While the hiring committee wants to hear about you, they also need to hear about themselves in connection to you.
Making that kind of connection helps them consider why you’d be a good fit for them.
Talk about the mission statements of the company and things that you enjoy about it.
Maybe you like their dedication to diversity and inclusion or their dedication to addressing climate change.
Whatever it is, make sure you talk about it.
Above all, make sure you talk about what you can do for them, not the other way around.
Creative Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples
Here are a few examples of creative cover letter openings to help you get started writing your own.
Example 1
Dear Dr. Smith,
My name is Joseph Brown and I am writing to share my interest in the open accountant position at (Company Name).
With my 3 years of accounting experience, I think my experiences and skill set make me suitable for the (Position) here at (Company Name).
Example 2
Dear Hiring Committee,
My name is Angela Ford, and I am writing to express interest in (Company Name)’s content writer position.
I have written professionally for 5+ years for news publications such as The Mist, The Shopper, and The Times.
I think my experience meets the job expectations you’re looking for, and I think I could grow with (Company Name) as a content writer.
Wrapping Up
Writing a cover letter can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be a tedious task.
While job hunting can be stressful and frustrating, knowing what to do with your cover letters can help make the search easier.
Starting a successful cover letter involves something short and sweet, professional, direct, and enthusiastic.
Remember how you want to introduce yourself and let that guide you in how you write about yourself and your accomplishments.
Do you have more questions about how to start a cover letter in 2023?
Let us know in the comments below.
Good luck with your job hunt!
