Main image of article Take Care With Your Cover Letter's Opening Sentence

Tip of the Day

The first paragraph of your cover letter is worth spending time on. Because it sets the mood and provides a preview of what’s to come, a generic or flimsy opening just won’t cut it. Right off the bat, capture the reviewer’s attention by briefly mentioning the employer's needs. The hook could come from something you read in the job description or heard on the news. If someone referred you, mention their name. The idea is to show them that you know something about their company and challenges. In that same sentence, introduce yourself and express confidence in your ability to do the job or solve their problems. Then, in the second and third sentences, offer examples of your key skills and accomplishments. But just hit one or two highlights: Your first paragraph shouldn’t be more than two or three sentences long.

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