Cover letter - Create an Opening Statement

The opening paragraph will tell the employer several things:

• Your interest in the job; the company and why
• Your skills or experience that would persuade them to invite you for an interview
• Your personality- especially your enthusiasm
• Thesis statement that summarizes the key qualifications you have that match their needs

Often they will make a decision at this stage whether it is worth reading the rest of your material, so this first paragraph is critical to a successful letter. Employers tell us that they respond best to letters that show your enthusiasm for the job and company. They want to see original versus standard template letters as well as letters that are tailored specifically to the job and /or company

Cover letters are difficult to write and many people struggle with the words. You can make it easier on yourself by just being yourself.

Tell them why you are an excellent candidate for this job. Get their attention by showing your knowledge about their business, industry or the job. This is where the research you have done will be very useful. Once you know what is important to the employer combined with what you can do with this position to help them, then you will be confident enough to write it in the opening paragraph.

Samples in our resume section can provide an example of poor vs. improved Cover Letters