Below you'll read some opening sentences from cover letters. Do you think they are good as they are or would you like to change them? Explain.
Exercise 1
On the website monster.co.uk I read that you are looking for a Junior Product Manager. I would hereby like to let you know that I am interested in this position.
This is an impersonal one-size-fits-all opener, which is not likely to increase your chances of getting an interview.
"I would hereby like to let you know?" is quite a rusty sentence. You can avoid the problem of standard openings by inserting a subject line, which means that you will not have to refer to the job ad in your opening.
Exercise 2
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" (JFK), a statement which refers to the reciprocal relationship between state and citizen, but which you might also apply to the employer - employee relationship. Both have to make an effort, but for both the outcome will be a win-win situation.
An opener like this will undoubtedly make your letter stand out from the rest, but it might be in a negative way. Being original can be risky.
This specific quote is also quite far-fetched and pompous and it has got a political connotation. Be careful with political or religious allusions in the application process, since you never know whether or not the recruiter shares your views.
If you decide to use a bold opening, do not forget to refer to the vacancy in your subject line.
Exercise 3
Considering the knowledge and the expertise I have acquired during the past four years at Harvard University, I can safely state that I am your ideal future Account Manager.
The opening sentence is hardly the place to start making your case. Additionally, this statement is far too arrogant and it does not even make a lot of sense.
