What Makes Your Cover Letter Introduction Stand Out?

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

Many job seekers fail to thoughtfully consider the importance of the cover letter introduction.  Oftentimes, it’s viewed as just another paragraph among many in the document.  But in reality, the cover letter introduction holds a lot of weight.  In fact, it can be the determining factor in whether a hiring manager will continue to read on through the remainder of the letter.  So what makes your cover letter stand out—not just among other paragraphs within the document but among other candidates’ cover letter intros? Continue Reading

4 Goals Your Cover Letter Introduction Should Accomplish

It’s no secret that every element of your cover letter is important from top to bottom.  But the cover letter introduction may be just a bit more significant simply because it works as the bait to lure in your readers, encouraging them to learn more about you.  To make sure that your introduction does its job, take a look at four goals every cover letter introduction should accomplish. Continue Reading

Two “Magic Words” to open and close your cover letter with…

Everyone wants to be appreciated and acknowledged. That’s a fact. But it’s one that many job seekers forget about in their rush to write a cover letter that will impress a hiring manager with their talent and skill.

You can take a different route and get to the destination (a job interview) faster than anyone else by focusing on two magic words: THANK YOU. And you can make an even better impression if you open and close your cover letters with an expression of sincere gratitude. Continue Reading

A Terrible Cover Letter Introduction – Are You Using It?

As a former recruiter and HR manager I’ve read some really fantastic, compelling cover letters.  I’ve also seen my share of lackluster ones as well.  To me, the one element that can really make or break a great cover letter is the introduction.  The intro is the perfect place to capture the employer’s attention and really communicate that you know what they need and that you can meet that need.  Take a few moments to consider the following: Continue Reading