How to Begin a Cover Letter

First impressions mean a lot when you're trying to find a job. So, while you may be well-spoken and highly qualified, it's something as simple as the beginning of your cover letter that actually gives an employer their first impression of you. To create that great first impression, you're going to need to begin your cover letter in a way that makes the employer want to learn more about you.

Instructions

1. Choose a font that is easy to read. Georgia and Times New Roman are two fonts that are easy to read. They are both serif fonts, which are designed to guide the eyes along from word to word. One popular font, Arial, should not be used in a cover letter. Also, do not use a font that is big and bubbly. While it might catch an employer's attention, it will only make them notice how unprofessional the cover letter is.

2. Greet the employer personally at the beginning of the letter. Find out their last name, and then use Mr. or Ms. in front of it, depending on their gender. Ms. is always a safe bet when addressing a female. If you don't know their name, it only shows them that you haven't researched the company enough to know if you really want to work there in the first place.

3. Address the position you want immediately. Be specific. The more you know about how their company, the more professional you come across. Also, include where you found out about the position.

4. State specific qualifications, short and precise, that will explain why you are right for the specific job you are applying for. If you were a champion debater but are applying for a quiet desk job, this might not be the thing to put in the beginning of the cover letter, no matter how proud you are of the accomplishment. Don't just let them know what is good about you. Let them know exactly how the good things about you are going to benefit them.

Tips & Warnings

• Let someone else read your cover letter before sending it out. It is often hard to recognize one's own mistakes.

References

• Perfect Cover Letter