How NOT to Start Your Cover Letter

July 14th, 2010
from Great Resumes Fast

This
was one of our most popular blog posts this year, and we think the
advice is so good it should be repeated!  If you’re looking for some
awesome cover letter advice on how *NOT* to start your cover letter (and
some great examples of how you should be starting it) then read on!

On a weekly basis any hiring manager probably receives between 50 and
… well, probably hundreds of resumes and cover letters.  The key is to
catch his or her attention from the start; and the best place to do that
is in your cover letter.  So I am going to tell you about the worst
possible way to start your cover letter—and then give you some creative
alternatives to use instead.

Here is the most boring intro line because everyone uses it:

Please accept my resume for consideration of the (XYZ) position within your organization.

What a snoozer!  Everyone uses that line; let’s see … being like
everyone else isn’t going to get you very far in your job search now is
it?  No, it’s not.  So you need to be different.  But not just
different—you need to be unique and appear more valuable than the
average joe.  Let’s take a look at some more creative and attention
grabbing opening lines:

Administrative:

If you are spending too much time compiling tedious lists of general
office duties and administrative tasks, then I have the solution for
you.  Try this: “My experiences in office administration and client
services have equipped me with a multitude of skills including office
management, business operations, and exemplary customer service.  I am
confident that my application of these and my many other skills would be
an asset to your company.”

Customer Service:

It’s twice as hard to attract a new customer as it is to maintain an
existing one.  Unfortunately, this fact is often overlooked by many
businesses.  So exploit this reality.  Here’s an example of what you
should write:  “Delivering high-quality, responsive service is vital in
(industry x).  And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you hire me.  As
my resume indicates, I have worked in client services for more than
(number) years, so you won’t have to incur great expense while training
me.

Nonprofit:

Try something like this: “In today’s challenging economic climate, many
people will respond to your advertisement.  Few will be interviewed.
 One will be hired.

However …

Of the many who will respond, few will be as qualified as I am,
having in-depth experience in community and public outreach.  No one
else will bring my track record and the expertise I offer—expertise that
equips me to immediately begin delivering results for you with maximum
positive effect to your bottom line.

General:

“Integrity.  Innovation.  Initiative.

If you have these qualities in mind for the position of (position
title) then I suggest we meet to discuss the numerous qualifications I
would bring to your organization.  With my demonstrated track record of
successfully directing pharmacy operations and introducing initiatives
that directly impacted the bottom line, I am confident that I would be
an excellent fit for the position at (company name).

Of course, these are only a few sample introductions, and the
remainder of your cover letter needs to be just as dynamic as the
introduction.  But nothing is more important than that initial first
impression; and you are sure to win them over when you choose something
unique, creative, and captivating.

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume
writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and
President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact,
best-in-class, resumes and cover letters that transform job searches
into interviews and ultimately job offers. For more information about
professional resume writing or to read more career and job search
related articles visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com or call 1.800.991.5187.