cover letter openers

How to Start a Cover Letter - 4 Tips for the Perfect Opening

Here you are, looking at a blank document that’s supposed to be your cover letter.

You have a general idea of what your cover letter is supposed to be about, but you’re having trouble writing those first few sentences.

We get you! Whether you’re writing your resume, an article, research paper, or a cover letter, getting started is sometimes the hardest part.

Lucky for you, though, there is a very straightforward way to get started with your cover letter, and in this article, we’re going to teach you how to do that!

Read on to learn how to effectively get started with your cover letter! 

• What should your cover letter opening contain
• What to include in your contact information
• How to start a cover letter greeting
• How to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph
• 6 Examples of how to start your cover letter

What Should Your Cover Letter Opening Contain

To successfully get started with writing your cover letter, you should include these 3 main elements:

• The header with contact information. Includes your & the recipient’s contact information.
• The greeting to the manager. This is where you address the cover letter by greeting the hiring manager, department, or company.
• An attention-grabbing opening paragraph. The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your chance to grab the recruiters’ attention and get them to read the rest of your cover letter.

Below, we’ll teach you how to do each of them in the right way.

If you’re applying for an entry-level job and wondering what’s the best way to write your cover letter, head over to our article on entry-level cover letters . 

What to Include in Your Contact Information 

As we mentioned, the first thing to add to your cover letter opening is your contact information. 

The header’s essential information include the following: 

• Full name and professional title (if applicable)
• Phone number
• Email (a professional email, that is)

In some cases, you can also add the following: 

• Social media profiles. By this, we mean profiles that are relevant to the position. This includes websites like LinkedIn , GitHub (for developers), or Medium (for writers).
• Personal website. If you have a personal website you’ve created for your industry (i.e. you’re a writer with a blog), then make sure to include the link to your website on your cover letter.

After you’ve added your information, you should add the date and continue with the recipient’s name and address. So:

• Manager’s name
• Manager’s job title
• Company’s name
• Company’s street address

Once you’ve done this, here’s what your cover letter will look like:

And just like the essential DOs, there are also some things you should NOT include in your cover letter header: 

• Unprofessional email. It’s going to be difficult for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is something you coined when you were still a teenager (i.e. [email protected] ). 

How to Start a Cover Letter Greeting

After you’ve properly listed your contact information, it’s time to start writing your cover letter. 

The first thing this includes is addressing the cover letter to the hiring manager. 

Yeap, that’s right! And by greeting the hiring manager, department, or company, we don’t mean using the old-fashioned “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To whom it may concern.”

Instead, you want to show your future employer that you’ve done your fair share of research about the job/company and that you’re not just using one cover letter template to apply for ten jobs. After all, one of the most common mistakes job seekers do (84% of them!) is not finding the hiring manager’s name and personalizing the application.

So, make sure to address the hiring manager that’s going to review your manager directly. 

Now, there are a few ways you can do that. 

The simplest - and most obvious - option is to look up the head of the department you’re applying to on LinkedIn. 

Let’s assume that you’re applying as a Communications Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer. 

After a quick LinkedIn lookup, you can probably find out who that person is (that’s me!). 

And just like that, you have your hiring manager! Piece of cake!

Not a fan of LinkedIn? You can also check the company’s website and look for the “Team” or " About Us " page.

If none of these work, consider using one of the following greetings when you’re addressing the hiring manager: 

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,
• Dear Hiring Manager, 
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear Director of [Department],
• Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team

How you conclude your cover letter is just as important as how you start it. To learn how to ace yours, head over to our guide on how to end a cover letter . 

How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Paragraph

The last, but the most important, part of your cover letter opening is your opening paragraph. 

You want your opening paragraph to be engaging and attention-grabbing to ensure that the hiring manager will continue reading the cover letter.

After all, recruiters receive hundreds of applications daily. Obviously, they can’t spend all their working hours reading cover letters, so, instead, they simply skim your cover letter in a handful of seconds, and if it catches their attention, they re-read it more thoroughly.

And the part of the cover letter that helps catch their attention is usually the opening paragraph! 

Compare these 2 cover letter openers and judge for yourself which one you’d rather read:

Dear Mr. Brown,

My name is Anna and I’d like to help your company exceed its sales target as a Sales Manager. My 5-year experience as a Sales Representative at XYZ Inc. has given me substantial skills in sales. During my last year working there, we beat KPIs by around 50%. I believe that my strong track record in sales makes me the perfect candidate for the position. 

Hello, my name is Mary and I am interested in working as a Sales Manager for your company. I have 6 years of experience working as a Sales Manager for Company X, so I think I’m a good fit for the position. 

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the first example, it’s not all that imaginative. Chances are, every other applicant is going to use a similar opening statement.

The second example, on the other hand, is more customized and personal, helping the recruiter understand why Anna is a good candidate for the role.

In this section we’ll give you all the tips & tricks you need to ace your cover letter introduction:

Tip #1. Show Passion and Commitment

Showing the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the job will instantly boost your chances of getting hired. It’s not a secret that committed employees are more engaged and, therefore, more productive.

After all, research shows that engaged employees are 17% more productive than their peers.  

So, it’s only logical that the hiring manager will greatly appreciate a candidate who shows commitment and enthusiasm. 

As such, these are both qualities that you want to showcase right from the start of your cover letter. Here’s an example of how you can do that:

I have been immersed with human rights since I specialized in Conflict Resolution and started working with Amnesty International. During my 5 years of experience in the field, however, I haven’t seen any organization do the work that you’ve accomplished with human rights. Your dedication makes me want to work for your organization and put my skills to use for the work you do. 

Tip #2. Mention a Mutual Contact (if Applicable)

If someone referred you to the position, the opening paragraph of your cover letter is a great place to mention that. 

Referrals are key to securing an interview, but at the same time they’re not something you can mention on your resume, so take the opportunity to let the recruiter know at the start of your cover letter. 

The idea is that if someone the hiring manager knows recommended you for the position, your skills and qualifications immediately become more credible.

I was excited to learn about this job opportunity from John Doe, who has worked at your firm for five years. John and I worked on an architectural project together for over one year and he thought I’d be a good fit for the role at Company X. 

Tip #3. Prove You Have Researched The Company 

A generic cover letter will not give you many points in the eyes of your potential employers. 

The recruiter reading your cover letter wants to know that you’re excited to be applying for that particular company , and you’re not just applying to dozens of jobs randomly, hoping that one will stick. 

As such, it’s very important to do some research about the company you’re applying for, and in the cover letter, mention why you’re a good culture fit. 

I have always admired the work that your organization does with vulnerable communities. I have always been passionate about social justice and I think the mechanisms you have in place to empower those in need are really making an impact. I believe my previous experience as a social worker could bring value to your mission.

Tip #4. Lead With An Achievement

There’s no better way to grab attention than to lead with an achievement. It immediately gives you credibility and makes the hiring manager curious to read more about you. 

To make sure your achievements stand out, though, do this:

• Whenever possible, make your achievements as quantifiable as possible. “Improved sales by 20% in 2 months” is more impressive than “improve sales.”
• Show how your past achievement is relevant or can add value to your current position. 

As a Public Relations representative for Company XYZ, I worked with the press to improve its reputation and public image. This translated into a 40% increase in customer satisfaction and better public reception of the company’s values and identity. I am eager to yield the same results as the Head of Communications in your organization. 

Tip #5. Start With a Powerful Belief

A short and impactful belief statement that represents your work ethic and professional values is another great way to attract the recruiter’s attention. Obviously, you get bonus points if said belief statement aligns with the company’s goals and objectives. 

However, don’t just copy-paste the company’s mission statement to make a good impression. Rather, use your own words and beliefs to sound more genuine and original.

As a teacher, I believe every child should have access to quality education early on. This is the only way to ensure future generations’ equity and the best chance we have at improving our society. I admire your institution’s commitment to enabling quality education in the most remote areas of our country and I’d be honored to contribute to those efforts by becoming a teacher here. 

Tip #6. Be Direct  

Oftentimes, beating around the bush gets you nowhere. So, a great strategy to follow when you start writing your cover letter is to just be direct about the position you’re applying for and the reasons you believe make you the perfect fit for the job. 

There’s another upside to this. Recruiters receive hundreds of applications daily - sometimes, even for different positions within the same department - so it helps them to know what position you’re applying for early on, as well as what exact qualifications make you the perfect fit for the job. 

I’d like to officially apply for the marketing manager position at Company X. Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked with 6 clients, helping them drive more than $2,000,000 worth of sales. I am confident that my marketing skills and proven sales results make me a perfect match for the position. 

Match your cover letter with your resume to make a better impression on the recruiter and reinforce your personal brand !

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Hopefully, you’re now more confident about how you can start your cover letter!

Now, let’s do a small recap of the most important points we covered in the article:

• Your cover letter opening should contain a header with contact information, a greeting to the hiring manager, and an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
• Your header should include your contact information, such as your name, phone number, and professional email, the date, as well as the contact information of the recipient.
• You should try to find the hiring manager’s full name in order to greet them. If you can’t find their name or title anywhere, then you should greet them using Dear Hiring Manager , Dear [Department] Team , or something similar.
• The opening paragraph of your cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to read your cover letter. Some tips to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph include being direct, starting with a strong belief statement, or leading with a relevant achievement.

Related Readings 

• How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024
• Cover Letter Tips 
• Cover Letter Mistakes
• Do I Need a Cover Letter?

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How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]

Published: August 11, 2021

According to Career Builder, 40% of recruiters look for a cover letter when they're considering job applicants.

But if you had to flip through a hundred cover letters a day, and each one began, "To whom it may concern, I am applying for the digital marketing position at your company ...", how important would you rank them?

Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, display your interest in the job, and include relevant information that otherwise wouldn't be surfaced in your application. An ideal cover letter leaves the hiring manager with a positive and memorable impression of you, something a resume alone won't always do.

To help you overcome writer's block and hook your reader right away, take a look at some sharp opening sentences you can use for inspiration.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Fill out this form to access your cover letters., creative cover letter opening sentence examples.

• This position has me written all over it.
• I've wanted to work in [your industry] since [this moment of inspiration].
• Although [current employee] suggested I apply for this position, I don't just want to work with my former colleague again -- I want to join all of you in transforming the industry.
• I like to think of myself as a round peg thriving in a square hole kind of world.
• Aside from the requisite industry bona-fides in my CV, I bring the following to the table:
• Last year, I generated [this much money] in revenue for my company, generated [this many leads], and almost tripled our social media ROI.
• You might not know me, but your client services team certainly does, and now I want to join the vendor that made me such a successful [type of professional].
• When I discovered [name of company] was hiring, I knew I had to apply.
• I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter, describing all the reasons why I'm the person who can take [name of ecommerce company] to the next level.
• You might compete with my current employer, but why can't we be friends?
• As a [current job position] with high-level management experience in the [industry], I learned that the best way to achieve success was to [biggest lesson you've learned].
• I understand that you have been deluged with resumes since you've been listed as one of the best companies to work for. Mine is one more, but I do have experience that is hard to come by.

Read on to find out 14 ways to grab an employer's attention with an exceptional cover letter introduction.

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Start off your cover letter (and finish it) with a bang with 5 Free Cover Letter Templates. The templates are professional and completely customizable to help you get your dream job. 

How to Start a Cover Letter

1. start with humor..

Employers are humans too, and they'll often appreciate a good joke, pun, or funny opening line as much as the next person. If done tastefully and respectfully, starting your cover letter off with a joke can be an excellent way to stand out.

Plus, a joke can still include a powerful explanation for why you're the right person for the job, without coming off as boastful. For instance, think about something you love to do or something you're really good at, and then imagine how friends or family might make a joke about it -- if you're really good at analyzing data, for example, a joke or pun related to that might be a good way to exemplify both your skills and personality.

Here's a good example of using humor to bring attention to your skills, from The Muse  (you'll notice this is one of our picks for most creative opening lines, earlier in this article):

"I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter, describing all the reasons why I'm the girl who can take Stylight's business to the next level."

Why This Works

Right away, the personality displayed here grabs the reader's attention. Even better, this applicant uses humor to convey an important message to the employer -- she loves shopping, and she's well-versed in ecommerce as a consumer -- which might've otherwise not come up on her resume or phone screening.

2. Start with passion.

For an employer to know you'll stay dedicated to the role and company, they'll want to ensure you're passionate about what the job entails. Passion is more incentivizing than a paycheck.

For an employer, demonstrating how your passion matches the required skillset is a promising sign that you'd enjoy your job -- if you enjoy your job, you're more likely to stick around longer, help drive company growth, and become a dedicated member of the team.

Consider starting your cover letter templates with a few lines that showcase your passion: "I've been passionate about writing since I was ten years old. My love for writing has led me to write two personal travel blogs, get published in a local newspaper, and pursue two summer internships at publishing firms. Now, I'd love the opportunity to combine my writing skills with my interest in storytelling as a content marketer at Company A."

If you don't have extensive work experience in the industry you're trying to break into, but you've been unofficially preparing for years, let the employer know. In the above example, the candidate's resume would probably look weak, with only internships indicating professional experience. Her cover letter introduction, however, shows the employer she's been writing for audiences and advancing her natural ability for years.

3. Start with an accomplishment.

Employers like seeing numbers. It isn't enough to mention you're a "digital marketer with proven success in SEO strategies." Proven success? Okay, can we see?

It's more powerful to provide statistics. You want to show the employer you're capable of solving for long-term results. How have you contributed to your company's bottom line? For instance, did your Facebook marketing campaign grow your social media following, or has your blog content increased organic traffic?

Consider starting your cover letter with something like this: "Over the past year as digital marketing manager at Company A, I've generated $30k+ in revenue, increased organic traffic to our blog by 14%, and almost tripled our social media ROI."

Even if you don't have the work experience to report impressive numbers, you can still offer proof when opening with an accomplishment. Think about the qualitative feedback you've received from employers. For instance, how would your boss compliment you or tell you you're doing a good job? An accomplishment can be as simple as your boss sending you an appreciative email regarding your diligent meeting notes.

In this example from The Muse , the applicant provides an example of a skill for which he's been previously acknowledged: "My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably diffuse an international hostage situation. I've always had a knack for communicating with people -- the easygoing and the difficult alike -- and I'd love to bring that skill to the office manager position at Shutterstock."

Even though the applicant doesn't offer numbers as proof of success, they do manage to highlight some proof of their past performance in the form of a former boss's praise. The candidate's candid and funny explanation -- that his last boss liked his phone manners -- is another good way to brag about accomplishments without, well, bragging.

4. Start with excitement for the company.

Employers want to know why you like their company, and they'll appreciate an explanation on why you're interested. But it's imperative your reasoning is thoughtful and considerate, and specific to the company. For instance, if you're applying for a financial position, don't write about your interest in finance; write about how your interest in finance relates to the company's goals.

You don't want to just say, "I'm excited to work at Company A because I'm passionate about finance, and I think my skills and experiences will be a good match." Sure, you've explained why you want to work in the financial industry, but you've done nothing to explain why Company A specifically suits your interests.

Instead, you'll want to mention something about the company and culture in correlation to your interest in finance. Take a look at this example from Glassdoor : "When I discovered Accounting Solutions was hiring, I knew I had to apply. I've been waiting to find a company where I feel like I can make a difference while working as an accountant. Not only are your clients awesome, but the overall mission of your company is something I believe in, too."

This candidate shows they've done their research and care about Accounting Solutions in particular. Remember, employers want to hire people who have a demonstrated interest in working at their company. They want someone who will enjoy the nature of the work, but just as importantly, they want a candidate who enjoys the work culture and the company mission as well.

5. Start with news about the company.

Mentioning company news in your introduction indicates you've done research on the company. Plus, including company news might give you the chance to incorporate your own values, as well. If the company just won an award for its innovative solutions in the computer industry, for instance, you might add how you value forward-thinking methods in technology, as well.

Here's an example of an introduction that uses a newsworthy event, from Indeed : "When I saw that Company ABC was featured in Fortune Magazine last month for its commitment to renewable energy and reducing waste in the workplace -- all while experiencing triple-digit revenue growth -- I was inspired. With my track record of reducing costs by 30%+ and promoting greener workplaces, I'm excited about the possibility of taking on the account executive role to expand your company's growth and work towards a more sustainable future."

The candidate does a good job demonstrating how Company ABC's news aligns well with the candidate's personal achievements. She shows she's done her research on the company, and also indicates she values similar environmental efforts in the workplace.

6. Start with what they don't know.

According to one seasoned hiring manager , a cover letter that begins, "I am writing to apply for [open position] at [name of company]" is grounds for nearly instant rejection. Of course you're applying for this job -- why waste your lede with something so boring and obvious?

Your cover letter should never directly state what they already know -- or restate what's already listed on your resume. Instead, start your cover letter by offering something new, expanding on what the employer already knows about you, and presenting new details about what you can bring to the company. Impress employers by telling them something about your skills or experiences they don't already know.

To offer new information not displayed on his resume, one of my colleagues at HubSpot wrote this cover letter introduction: "My resume will tell you I'm Content Marketing Certified. Your records will tell you I've interviewed for a few different HubSpot positions in the past. What neither one will tell you is that I've been working with your customer success team to build a new campaign strategy for my company -- one of your latest (and largest) clients."

The candidate wrote an introduction that captured the reader's attention and demonstrated he wasn't interested in wasting anyone's time. This is a memorable and impressive tactic. Consider writing a similar introduction, where you provide information absent from your resume, or even writing a letter of introduction instead of your typical cover letter.

7. Start with what you can bring to the table.

A hiring manager here at HubSpot told me she always looks for cover letters to tell her how the company and applicant can benefit each other.

Any employer is going to want to know why you think you can grow from the position you're applying to. An employer is more inclined to hire you if she thinks you have a genuine, intrinsic motivation to work hard in the role.

A hiring manager is also going to want to know how you'll contribute to the company's larger vision and goals. It's important for the manager to know what you want to get out of the role, but it's equally important to know how you'll help the company grow. How will the company benefit from you, over someone else?

Here's an example: "I am seeking opportunities to improve my writing ability in a forward-thinking environment while growing organic traffic and optimizing content to beat out competitors in search engines. At Company A, I believe I will find that match."

See how it works? In the example above, the candidate explained how she'd benefit from the role. She also explained what Company A could get out of the transaction -- increased organic traffic, and optimized content -- so the hiring manager is informed of the equality of the potential relationship.

8. Start with a statement that surprises them.

When applying for a role at HubSpot, one of my colleagues began her cover letter like this: "I like to think of myself as a round peg thriving in a square hole kind of world."

Doesn't that make you want to keep reading? It certainly kept me interested. Of course, you'll only want to include a bold statement if you can follow it up with some concrete supporting information. My colleague, for example, continued by writing this: "What does this mean? It means that my diverse background makes me a well-rounded candidate who is able to comprehend, develop and execute various functions in business."

While the rest of her cover letter veered on the side of professional, her opening line was casual, quirky, and surprising. Plus, you feel her personality in the line, and when an employer feels like a real person is behind the cover letter, she's going to want to keep reading.

9. Start with a lesson you've learned in your career.

A great way to start a cover letter is with a lesson you've learned in your industry from your experience.

For example, you might say something like, " As a [current job position] with high-level management experience in the [industry], I learned that the best way to achieve success was to [biggest lesson you've learned]."

This opening sentence lets a recruiter know your experience level. Not only that, but it starts off with how you can benefit the company, not how the company will benefit you.

10. Start off with intrigue.

When you're applying to larger corporate companies, you know that recruiters are getting hundreds of applicants for one entry-level position.

It's important to intrigue the hiring manager and recognize that they're looking at several applicants.

For example, you could say, " I understand that you have been deluged with resumes since you've been listed as one of the best companies to work for. Mine is one more, but I do have experience that is hard to come by."

After this, it'd be great to list examples, stats, and experience that set you apart from other candidates and will benefit the company.

Recruiters see countless resumes and cover letters every day. It's important to start your cover letter in a unique way so you can stand out amongst the crowd.

11. Start with a mutual connection. 

If an internal employee suggested you apply for a role at their company, don't be shy about highlighting that fact. Hiring Managers will want to see that you've been vetted — even informally — by someone else at the company. Recognizing the name of someone they know internally will likely persuade them to give you another look. 

To do this tactfully, start with something like this: "At the suggestion of my old colleague Jane Smith, I am submitting my resume for your consideration for the senior copywriter position. Jane's knowledge and enthusiasm for Company X further convinced me that this is a company where my communication skills, passion for travel, and desire to be challenged can be met."

Why This Works 

When the hiring manager sees a fellow employee can attest to your work ethic, it helps assuage any risk she might feel she's taking by hiring someone she doesn't know personally. Plus, it shows you've done your research and you're truly interested in the company itself — rather than sending off a slew of generic cover letters, you took the time to identify an internal connection.

12. Begin with your personal mission statement. 

Don't have a personal mission statement? You might want to take some time to create one . A good mission statement can help hiring managers understand why you're passionate about what you do — which goes a long way towards ensuring you'll work hard in your next role. 

A few examples on how you might start a cover letter with a personal mission statement look like this: "As a content creator, I believe inspiring readers through creative, persuasive copywriting is vital for helping them excel professionally."

Or: "As a leader, I believe encouraging innovation and creativity is critical for ensuring my employees can do their best work and improve the lives of our customers."

A manager can help you level up on certain key skills, but she can't teach you to love your job. By demonstrating an intrinsic motivation, you're essentially telling the hiring manager, "I know the importance of this role — so I won't slack off on it."

Editor's note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE (The Muse)

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Your cover letter is the best way to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. So if you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

Click here to read the full article by The Muse.

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Personality + professionalism = the perfect cover letter

by Jodi Leese Glusco — March 4, 2024

The job market has finally reached a point where it could be considered “good” compared to a few years ago. Prospective workers no longer have to deal with mass downsizing and hiring freezes in most industries. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s easy to get the job you want.

Most people still contend with countless others when applying to open positions. You’ll need to understand how to write a cover letter to gain a potential employer’s attention and separate yourself from the pack.

This will help substantially during your job search. Let’s explore the key information you need to keep in mind when moving forward.

Expand on your resume

Writing a cover letter is a great opportunity to expand on your resume. These are often an entire page in length, so you have plenty of room to talk about how you’d be a great asset to the company.

Key points to mention include your work history and unique skills. Don’t copy and paste information from your resume, as this will only create redundancy.

The more insight you provide into your experience and skills, the more of an impact you’ll make. Avoid including fluff, though.

This can detract from your cover letter’s overall quality. Hiring managers will also quickly discern that you’re trying to take up as much space as possible with unnecessary statements.

Say as much as possible without embellishing. If you don’t take up an entire page, that’s nothing to worry about. It’s better to trim the fat and keep your letter straightforward than bloat it with irrelevant information.

Customize your letter to a specific job

You can’t write one cover letter and then mass-apply to different jobs . The entire purpose of a cover letter is to illustrate why you’re a good fit for the company.

This means they should be highly specific and avoid generic language. For instance, consider a cover letter that conveys the worker is diligent, proactive, and has strong communication skills. While these are great attributes to have, they’re mentioned in a vague way that doesn’t help hiring managers envision you at the company.

Instead, the cover letter should be contextual and mention how these skills can be put to use at the company. Someone applying for a tech job could talk about how they’re well-versed in conveying difficult concepts to team members without a tech background. This is far more effective than saying “I have strong communication skills.”

Showcase your personality

Hiring managers aren’t just looking for workers who can achieve top-tier performance. People are often hired based on their future value instead of their current value. Every employer knows that it will take time to get new workers up to speed and expand their skill sets.

The primary differentiating factor between applicants in this regard is their personality. If someone isn’t a good personality fit for an organization, hiring managers will likely overlook them. This is true even if they have strong professional skills and substantial experience.

In some cases, hiring managers could overlook their applications even if they’re the only ones who have applied. Your tone, vocabulary, and phrasing are the primary ways you’ll illustrate your personality in your cover letter.

For example, someone outgoing and confident might use many action words and maintain an energetic tone. You should avoid misrepresenting yourself in your cover letter for the sake of generating employer interest. Two possibilities could occur:

• You get an interview and they quickly find out you’re not who they thought
• You get the job and don’t resonate with anyone else at the company

This will waste the time of everyone involved, and it could even get you a bad reputation in the industry. The last thing you want is to unnecessarily burn bridges.

Stay professional

It can be tempting to get too casual when writing your letter. This often occurs when focusing on showcasing one’s personality.

While your intention might be to illustrate your uniqueness as an applicant, it could come off as informal. To avoid doing so, you can maintain consistency in your writing and use a professional vocabulary.

Research the company

Research the company before writing your cover letter so you can include information that aligns with their values. You can do this by looking at their website, LinkedIn profile, and their overall presence in the industry. Their social media profiles will also offer insight into the values the company cares about the most.

It’s imperative to look into their company culture , as well. Hiring managers look for candidates who will have no problem assimilating.

This means that not every company you encounter will be the right fit for your needs. It’s much better to continue your search for the right company than try to fit in where you don’t belong.

Edit before you submit

Under no circumstances should you submit a cover story before you thoroughly edit it. Even a single spelling or grammar error could ruin your chance of getting the position you apply for.

It’s not a bad idea to get a second pair of eyes to look over your cover letter. They might notice awkward phrasing or areas of concern that could be improved.

Some people make the mistake of foregoing this obligation due to the extra time it takes. However, a few extra minutes could mean the difference between concluding your job search or having to continue looking for additional weeks/months.

Understand how to write a cover letter

It’s crucial to understand how to write a cover letter when looking for jobs. It won’t necessarily get you a job, but not having the right one could lose you a job. The information in this guide will help ensure you make the best decision for your needs when moving forward.

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Short Cover Letter Examples and Tips to Help Job Seekers in 2023

• Cover Letter

Free Short Cover Letter Examples for Fresh Graduates & Students

Following short cover letter examples can help you compose a comprehensive cover letter. A general cover letter contains around 300 to 550 words. But keeping it shorter can still help you make an impact on the employers.

It doesn’t matter which job you’re looking for. It’s essential to know how to write a cover letter perfectly. If you’re planning to keep your cover letter one or more pages long, it might not work in your favour.

Most hiring managers and employers don’t have enough time to read information-stuffed documents. You might be wondering how to compose an appropriate cover letter?

We’ve got you covered!

This post covers examples, tips, and valuable information that help you in compiling an awesome cover letter.

What is a Cover Letter?

It’s a one-page document that you submit as a part of a job application with a CV or resume. Attaching a cover letter to your application is essential because it introduces you and summarizes your professional background.

You need to provide relevant information, but it shouldn’t be lengthy. It needs to be convincing enough to spark a hiring manager’s interest. 

While writing a cover letter, don’t forget that it serves as a supplement to your resume. It isn’t a replacement for your resume. Therefore, avoid repeating whatever you’ve mentioned in your resume or cv. 

If you have any confusion, you can always take assistance from various cover letter writing services available on the internet. These websites will help you to compile a professional cover letter to attach with your resume. 

Are Cover Letters Important?

Cover letters showcase professionalism and personality. This factor makes them essential. Therefore, if there’s a requirement, you should attach a well-written cover letter with your job application.

It needs to be targeted to the job offer you’re seeking. That’s why you shouldn’t send a generic letter as it could portray some bad writing examples . The best way to make your cover letter effective is to edit it according to the position’s requirements.

Ensure that your cover letter is clear and concise. Following short cover letter examples can help you write a precise letter.

You can try making persuasive connections between your work experience and the skills mentioned in the job description.

Moreover, your cover letter is one of the first things a hiring manager will see. Impressing an employer can be a bit tricky. But you can opt for cover letter writing services to get a professional cover letter.

Because you need to use it to grab the potential employer’s attention and encourage them to review your resume further.

Benefits of Learning from Short Cover Letter Examples

There’s no denying that submitting a cover letter is a great way to introduce yourself before speaking in person with an employer.

If you’re applying to different positions, it’s best to use a cover letter showcasing your skills and expertise.

A well-crafted and concise cover letter is undoubtedly an opportunity that helps you stand out in the pool of other candidates. If you’re struggling to compile one, consider short cover letter examples.

On the other hand, writing a short cover letter can be beneficial for different reasons.

It Grabs Attention

Do you want to grab the recruiter’s attention instantly? If so, try attaching an exceptional cover letter to your resume or CV.

But ensure to incorporate essential information with power words , highlighting your qualifications and achievements to appear as potential candidates.

Follow Short Cover Letter Examples to Save Time

Hiring managers or recruiters receive plenty of resumes and cover letters, even for one position. Reading long-form cover letters of multiple candidates isn’t a possibility for employers. 

Therefore, writing a short cover letter is a smart way to stand out in the high volume of applications and save employers’ time. 

It Distinguishes You

Compiling a short cover letter featuring necessary information is an art of brevity. When you ace it, you encourage employers to prioritize your cover letter over the detailed ones. 

Tips to Write Short Cover Letters with No Experience

A good cover letter makes the right first impression. And every job seeker wants to impress a potential employer. If you’re the one, these tips may help you.

Go for the Right Template

As mentioned, a good cover letter is the one that leaves the right first impression. Therefore, you need to begin with a well-formatted visual template. 

Look at Short Cover Letter Sample for Freshers to Write a Header

Best short cover letter examples feature a contact information section. It contains essential information, such as:

• Phone number
• Hiring manager name
• Professional title
• Company name

Greeting Hiring Manager

After listing contact information, you need to work on other important factors, such as greeting the hiring manager . 

To ace this part, you need to avoid common phrases such as “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam” instead address the hiring manager by name. 

Because you want to appear as a motivated individual who has researched the company and knows who he’s writing to. 

Write an Impressive Introduction

First impressions are significant, especially in a job search since recruiters get hundreds and thousands of cover letters and resumes every day. 

Hence, avoid providing generic information and discuss your top achievements to catch the employer’s attention.

Avoid Overusing Opening Lines

You need to focus on the opening lines and avoid using generic introductory lines. For example, don’t open your cover letter with “With due respect, I’m writing…”

If you look at short cover letter examples, you will observe creative opening lines that may help you get noticed by potential recruiters. 

Explain your Expertise

At this point, you’re supposed to discuss your professional skills and convince the hiring manager that you’re perfect for the position.

Focus on the essential requirements given in the job description and ensure that your skills and expertise align with the job’s requirements. 

Don’t Mention Work History

Words such as “detailed oriented” or “self-starter” might sound good to you, but buzzwords don’t grab the recruiter’s attention.

Therefore, instead of describing yourself as “self-motivated,” you need to give an example that showcases your quality. 

Avoid Mentioning Past Jobs

There’s no need to mention every job role you’ve taken over the years. To keep your cover letter short and concise, discuss the relevant work experience. 

You can also follow short cover letter examples to see how they write a relevant letter without mentioning past jobs. 

You need to read the job description to find which skills the company is seeking and highlight them in your short cover letter. 

Save Details for the Interview

You can provide information about your work history and education on your resume. Therefore, your cover letter doesn’t need to cover them. 

When it comes to adding career achievements, you can use bullet points or bite-sized statements to provide some context. 

Stick to a Fewer Points

You need to stick to two or three points that help communicate your interest in the job position. You can also talk about the abilities that make you a perfect fit for the company.

This way, you can keep your letter nice, short and informative. In the case of confusion, follow short cover letter examples. 

Analyze Short Cover Letter Examples to Avoid Writing Long Phrases

It’s wise to use snappy or short words instead of long phrases. When you finish writing a short cover letter, reread it and replace longer phrases with single or fewer words. 

For example, if you’ve written “I’m capable of,” replace it with “I can” to avoid wordiness in your cover letter. 

Focus on Incorporating Links

Instead of providing exhaustive details about the project you did, you can try adding a link. It is a smart way to provide important information without taking space on the cover letter. 

For example, if you’ve done a website project, you can link to the website instead of explaining features and other factors. 

Incorporate a Call to Action

After putting efforts into the introduction and body parts, now it’s time to wrap your cover letter with a professional conclusion.

Great short cover letter examples include the last paragraph where you talk about whatever would help the hiring manager decide. You need to thank the recruiter and close your cover letter with a call to action .

Grab employer’s attention with a professionally written cover letter!

Sample Cover Letter for Job Application

You can stand out by attaching a short and simple cover letter to your application. When starting your job cover letter , try to address the hiring manager personally.

As mentioned above, you need to mention the company name, position, and skills. Writing a short cover letter doesn’t mean providing incomplete information.

This simple cover letter sample makes the best cover letter example. It addresses the recruiter in the right way. If you observe, the candidate has provided relevant information without taking too much space on the document.

Short Cover Letter Examples with No Experience

Don’t worry if you haven’t got work experience to include in the cover letter. You can still appear as a potential candidate by mentioning relevant courses or internships.

In the example, the candidate discussed his course and reference. If you’ve got internship experience, mention it to elevate your chances of selection.

Moreover, you can also discuss what inspires you and showcase that you’re enthusiastic about joining a company and starting your career. 

Short Cover Letter Examples for Customer Service

Talk about meeting and exceeding a customer’s expectations when writing a cover letter for customer service.

It’s always the best idea to discuss your skills and utilize them to achieve targets or objectives. The example also showcases the candidate’s strengths as a trainer.

If you’ve taken steps to build confidence, morale, and team members’ skills to boost sales, don’t hesitate to mention them and make a strong impression. 

Good Cover Letter Examples

A good cover letter includes relevant information that captures the hiring manager’s attention and boosts your chances of getting an interview call. 

For example, if you want to appear as a passionate applicant, you can describe it without overwhelming the employer.

Best Short Cover Letter Examples for Students

On the other hand, candidates often have exceptional skills and work experience. But they fail to summarize information in a cover letter.

The above teacher cover letter is ideal for those applicants who want to incorporate essential details about their work history clearly.

Moreover, cover letters allow you to demonstrate your interpersonal skills to impress employers or recruiters.

The applicant didn’t hesitate to describe herself as experienced and professional. You can also provide information on what makes a potential candidate by highlighting your achievements. 

From attendance to increased sales, the applicant discussed everything that boosts her chances of selection without overwhelming the employer.

No doubt, summarizing your hard and soft skills in a few words can be challenging. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, try referring to the following example.

Free Short Cover Letter Examples for Administration

The cover letter is brief, but it features essential information such as the state has recognized their sympathetic qualities and performance.

If you’ve been associated with a similar role, this example will tell you how to incorporate your skills and qualities in fewer words.

Similarly, if you’re writing a cover letter for a chef position, talk about your passion, cooking craft, and managing kitchen staff.

You can see how the applicant discussed his expertise, coursework, and experience without overwhelming the recruiter.

Discover More Related Articles:

• Job Cover Letter Complete Guide
• Tips To Add Cover Letter Job Referral

Focusing on short cover letter examples will help you compose a cover letter without using jargon and weak adverbs. These jargons and adverbs can make your cover letter needlessly long. 

You need to look for passive voice, long phrases, and wordy sentences. It is quite crucial to find and remove them to make your content precise and relevant. 

A short cover letter with the proper format can convey your professional image to future employers or recruiters. And you’re likely to elevate your chances of selection. 

You can follow the tips and examples mentioned in the blog to compose a short and simple cover letter. But if you’re still struggling, our professional writers are here to assist you!

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Money Report

‘Exact same cover letters word for word': Career consultant says Gen Z are misusing AI

By sawdah bhaimiya,cnbc • published 6 hours ago • updated 5 hours ago.

Gen Z are digital natives and have quickly adopted AI , using it for everything from assignment research to planning holidays.

But, it seems, they've been making mistakes along the way.

Shoshana Davis, a Gen Z career expert and founder of the career consultancy Fairy Job Mother , told CNBC Make It in an interview that the generation (generally defined as those born between 1996 and 2012) have become too reliant on AI tools like ChatGPT to generate cover letters and job application answers.

"So I speak to businesses and employers who hire anything from like 10 to 1000s of Gen Z every year," Davis said. "And one of the main challenges that I'm seeing at the moment is the use of AI, specifically ChatGPT, and it's not being used in the right way, and it's not being used effectively."

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Davis explained that "employers are getting hundreds of the exact same cover letters word for word," or answers to job application questions that are the same, and suspect that ChatGPT use is in play.

In fact, 45% of job seekers have used AI to build, update, or improve their resume, a Canva survey published in January of 5,000 hiring managers and 5,000 job seekers from the U.K., U.S., India, Germany, Spain, France, Mexico and Brazil found.

And it appears that Gen Z is leaning the most on AI, according to a February Grammarly survey of 1,002 knowledge workers and 253 business leaders. It reported that 61% of Gen Z said they can't imagine doing work tasks without using generative AI ­— the most out of any of the generations.

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Davis said that we should definitely "embrace technology and AI" but said copying answers from ChatGPT can hurt your chances of getting a job.

A Resume Genius survey of 625 hiring managers found that over half disliked AI-generated resumes and would consider it a red flag that would make them less likely to hire a candidate.

'100 identical responses'

One of the reasons why copying ChatGPT's responses is an ineffective way of using AI is that the chatbot does not always provide reliable information.

One initial issue with ChatGPT was that its knowledge base was limited to data released before September 2021 but this was resolved in September 2023, its owner OpenAI announced on X .

"ChatGPT is not connected to the internet, and it can occasionally produce incorrect answers," it says on the company website . "It has limited knowledge of world and events after 2021 and may also occasionally produce harmful instructions or biased content."

Davis shared a recent story from an employer she works with who was hiring for a brand marketing position, and asked a question in the job application about candidates' favorite fitness-related product launches in the past year.

"They said they got about 100 identical responses of 'my favorite campaign launch was Peloton' and the employer was like 'ultimately that was ChatGPT, but then also equally Peloton was released like four or five years ago'," Davis said. The employer was referring to an ad campaign from Peloton in 2020.

Davis said that young people "need to educate themselves" on how to use ChatGPT properly and not just to copy answers.

'It should be used as a tool, not a replacement'

There are several uses for AI in the job application process from helping you prep for interviews or researching a company.  

"In my opinion, you can use ChatGPT in the job search process but it should be used as a tool, not a replacement," Davis warned.

Michelle Reisdorf, district director at recruitment firm Robert Half, shared a similar view with CNBC Make It previously and said that AI is great for "proofreading and enhancing what you've already written but it's not a one-stop shop to generate the perfect resume."

Reisdorf added: "Recruiters will be able to tell if you're not including specific details from your past jobs or writing in a personal, human voice." 

Davis said she uses ChatGPT to help her structure documents, brainstorm ideas, and produce drafts but "I never just type in a question and then copy and paste my responses."

Also on CNBC

• The No. 1 skill companies are hiring for is also the hardest to find
• Ex-Google recruiter’s 2 best tips for writing an effective resume
• The ultimate guide to acing your interview and landing your dream job in 2024

This article tagged under:

Today's Wordle answer for Monday, May 6

Help with solving Monday's puzzle.

• Wordle hint
• Today's answer
• Previous answers

Whether you're looking for a quick refresh of your daily guesses or you're in desperate need of today's Wordle answer, we've got all the help you could ever need right here. There's even a clue for the May 6 (1052) puzzle waiting below too, designed to give you a hand without giving the game away.

I picked today's opening word on an idle whim, so it was a surprise to see so many green letters instantly appear because of it. Finding the last one to secure my win took a little longer than I'd have liked, but overall I had a lot of fun finding today's Wordle answer.

Wordle today: A hint

Wordle today: A hint for Monday, May 6

Someone would do this to themselves or someone else if they wanted to remove body hair. You'd usually need to use some sort of razor for this.  

Is there a double letter in Wordle today? 

There are no double letters in today's Wordle. 

Wordle help: 3 tips for beating Wordle every day 

If you've decided to play Wordle but you're not sure where to start, I'll help set you on the path to your first winning streak. Make all your guesses count and become a Wordle winner with these quick tips: 

• A good opener has a mix of common vowels and consonants. 
• The answer could contain the same letter, repeated.
• Avoid words that include letters you've already eliminated. 

You're not racing against the clock so there's no reason to rush. In fact, it's not a bad idea to treat the game like a casual newspaper crossword and come back to it later if you're coming up blank. Sometimes stepping away for a while means you can come back with a fresh perspective. 

Today's Wordle answer

What is today's Wordle answer?

OK, let's get started. The answer to the May 6 (1052) Wordle is SHAVE.

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Previous Wordle answers

The last 10 wordle answers .

Previous Wordle solutions can help to eliminate guesses for today's Wordle, as the answer isn't likely to be repeated. They can also give you some solid ideas for starting words that keep your daily puzzle-solving fresh.

Here are some recent Wordle answers:

• May 5: DECAL
• May 4:  VALUE
• May 3:  EBONY
• May 2:  SLICE
• May 1:  DIARY
• April 30:  PROWL
• April 29:  CRAFT
• April 28:  PRUNE
• April 27:  GLEAM
• April 26:  VAPID

Learn more about Wordle 

There are six rows of five boxes presented to you by Wordle each day, and you'll need to work out which five-letter word is hiding among them to win the daily puzzle.

Start with a strong word like ALIVE—or any other word with a good mix of common consonants and multiple vowels. You should also avoid starting words with repeating letters, so you don't waste the chance to confirm or eliminate an extra letter. Once you've typed your guess and hit Enter, you'll see which letters you've got right or wrong. If a box turns ⬛️, it means that letter isn't in the secret word at all. 🟨 means the letter is in the word, but not in that position. 🟩 means you've got the right letter in the right spot.

Your second guess should compliment the first, using another "good" word to cover any common letters you might have missed on the first row—just don't forget to avoid any letter you now know for a fact isn't present in today's answer. After that, it's just a case of using what you've learned to narrow your guesses down to the correct word. You have six tries in total and can only use real words and don't forget letters can repeat too (eg: BOOKS).

If you need any further advice feel free to check out our Wordle tips , and if you'd like to find out which words have already been used you can scroll to the relevant section above. 

Originally, Wordle was dreamed up by software engineer Josh Wardle , as a surprise for his partner who loves word games. From there it spread to his family, and finally got released to the public. The word puzzle game has since inspired tons of games like Wordle , refocusing the daily gimmick around music or math or geography. It wasn't long before Wordle became so popular it was sold to the New York Times for seven figures . Surely it's only a matter of time before we all solely communicate in tricolor boxes. 

When baby Kerry was brought home from the hospital her hand was placed on the space bar of the family Atari 400, a small act of parental nerdery that has snowballed into a lifelong passion for gaming and the sort of freelance job her school careers advisor told her she couldn't do. She's now PC Gamer's word game expert, taking on the daily Wordle puzzle to give readers a hint each and every day. Her Wordle streak is truly mighty.

Somehow Kerry managed to get away with writing regular features on  old Japanese PC games , telling today's PC gamers about some of the most fascinating and influential games of the '80s and '90s.

Today's Wordle answer for Sunday, May 5

Today's Wordle answer for Saturday, May 4

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StarTribune

Review: kenny chesney gets overamped in familiar show at vikings stadium.

How appropriate to blast AC/DC's "Rock 'n' Roll Train" through U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday night immediately before country superstar Kenny Chesney took the stage.

Chesney, the king of country stadium concerts, and his band came out roaring, the guitars, energy and fun cranked to 11. Even when Chesney got to a ballad, "Save It for a Rainy Day," it was so amped that it didn't feel like things had slowed down at all.

Finally, on "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems," the show's ninth selection, the music downshifted as Chesney delivered the Western swing fiddle tune that has become a mantra for him. Next up was "Somewhere with You," a stylish R&B ballad that reached No. 1 in Nashville in 2011, punctuated Saturday with a soaring Kenny Greenberg guitar solo.

There is no slowing down Chesney, the Energizer Bunny of country music. At 56, he knows only one mode for concerts — hyperactive. If he were wearing a Fitbit, he would have easily covered 10,000 steps with his running, scooting, skipping, sashaying, bouncing and jumping (including jumping jacks) on the T-shaped runway.

As exciting as it may have been for Chesney and the near-capacity crowd, the winning performance felt like a rerun of his concert at the Vikings stadium a mere 21 months ago. Like seldom-seen George Strait, Chesney just hasn't changed much in concert. Strait has the golden voice and gravitas of being the King of Country Music with a record 44 No. 1 singles. Chesney is no slouch with 32 chart-toppers, but he visits often — this was his seventh Twin Cities stadium appearance since 2012 — and needs to mix it up more.

After an overloud, rambunctious "Young" (reminiscing about high school), the four-time CMA entertainer of the year interjected a song Saturday that five people asked him about earlier in the day — an acoustic version of "Old Blue Chair," which showed he can be a nuanced singer when he tries.

His vocal prowess was apparent on other selections, David Lee Murphy's "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" (on the recording of which Chesney sang) and a duet of "Drift Away" with opening act Uncle Kracker, who remade that 1973 Dobie Gray hit into a 2003 hit. Kracker also joined Chesney for their '04 country triumph, "When the Sun Goes Down."

Ironically, Chesney's ended his 25-song, 1¾-hour performance with "Don't Happen Twice" with Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell joining the superstar onstage — just as then-Coach Mike Zimmer had done in 2018 — to present a Vikings helmet to a lucky fan.

Like 2022′s marathon that featured Dan + Shay, Old Dominion and Carly Pearce, Saturday's program included three openers — sometimes-stadium headliner Zac Brown Band, rising newcomer Megan Moroney and aforementioned Chesney crony Uncle Kracker.

The always-eclectic Zac Brown Band was terrific and increasingly soulful, recast slightly with a horn-punctuated Doobie Brothers-evoking groove, propelling "Same Boat" and spiking "Toes" with peppy trumpets. The 12-member ensemble found an up-tempo reggae vibe for Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved" and got swampy for "Who Knows," which featured Clay Cook's Woodstockian guitar solo.

In 90 minutes, ZBB covered the Eagles, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, the Tokens and Charlie Daniels Band. Lest they ignore their beach bona fides, Brown dedicated the new "Pirates and Parrots" ballad to Jimmy Buffett, crooning, "We'll pick up where you left off / Strummin' on a sailor song." That was quite a contrast with a cover of the Beastie Boys' noisy rabble-rouser "Sabotage" before the hoedown hit "Chicken Fried," which featured a Marine salute and a Brown-led "U.S.A." chant midsong.

Moroney evoked early Taylor Swift with her rhinestone guitar, wavy blond hair and broken-hearted tunes. What sets this 26-year-old Georgian apart is her smart songs with unexpected twists.

"28th of June" was about a wedding anniversary that no longer resonates the same way after divorce. "No Caller ID" complains about her ex phoning at 3 a.m. just as she's involved with a new, standup guy.

As Moroney explained, her songs are therapy and "country music lets us feel a little less alone." She then offered "Girl in the Mirror," singing that "she loves the boy more than she loves the girl in the mirror." Moroney pivoted to show her resilience on the hit "Tennessee Orange" about being a University of Georgia girl willing to wear rival University of Tennessee orange for her boyfriend.

Jon Bream has been a music critic at the Star Tribune since 1975, making him the longest tenured pop critic at a U.S. daily newspaper. He has attended more than 8,000 concerts and written four books (on Prince, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan). Thus far, he has ignored readers’ suggestions that he take a music-appreciation class.

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