How to Start Your Cover Letter

How to Start Your Cover Letter The opening line of the cover letter is your hook, and it can often be challenging to nail that perfect opener. Much like the resume, its a likelihood the your reader will skim through your letter looking for the most pertinent and relevant information. You want to reel them in with a strong opening line that tells them why you deserve their attention and why they should continue on to read about your qualifications. Here are a few ideas for nailing the intro: Dear Hiring Manager: Im reaching out with interest in being considered for the [JOB TITLE] opportunity with [COMPANY NAME]. With over 10 years of experience across X, Y, and Z, Im confident that I can bring a significant amount of value and expertise to the role. or Hello: My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am interested in being considered for the [JOB TITLE] opportunity with your organization. My background combines more than 10 years of expertise in X, with additional experience in A, B, and C. and… Attention Hiring Department: I am enclosing my resume in response to the [JOB TITLE] opportunity, as advertised on [JOB BOARD]. My background combines over 5 years of experience across A, B, and C, complemented by a Bachelors degree in X from the University of Wherever. Just to give you a little more context, now lets plug in some verbiage for each of these and create a solid opener to your cover letter: Dear Hiring Manager: Im reaching out with interest in being considered for the Marketing Director opportunity with Brooklyn Resume Studio. With over 10 years of experience across brand development, marketing strategy, and public relations, Im confident that I can bring a significant amount of value and expertise to the role. Hello: My name Dana Leavy-Detrick, and I am interested in being considered for the Senior Copywriter opportunity. My background combines more than 10 years of expertise in developing compelling and earth-shattering digital content, with additional experience in client management, team leadership, and project management. Attention Hiring Department: I am enclosing my resume in response to the Sales Manager opportunity as advertised on your LinkedIn company page. My background combines over 5 years of expertise across new business development, partnership sales, and account management, complimented by an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University. Your goal is to create a compelling introduction that gives a lead into who you are, what position you are applying to (important), and why youre a potential fit for the role based on the needs of the position. Photo Credit: Bearstache of Flickr What Next? A solid resume is the key to landing the job interview. Check out our suite of resume and branded content services. Do you need help crafting an impactful digital brand presence?  BRS offers  professional design services  to help you create fresh, creative, and professional websites, infographics, logos, and business cards to complement your resume and other job search marketing materials.