31 attention grabbing cover letter examples

31 Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter Examples

May 30th 2018

Traditional cover letter wisdom tells you to start a cover letter with something to the effect of:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Manager with the Thomas Company.

We say: The days of cookie cutter cover letter intros are long gone.

Here’s the thing: Your cover letter is the best way to introduce to the hiring manager who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of time to do all of those things. 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.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you—with 31 examples of original cover letter introductions. We don’t recommend copying and pasting them because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests, but you can most definitely use them to get inspired for your next application.

Start with a passion.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the team at Chartbeat feels the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found a personal stylist position at J. Hilburn.

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “find your passion” keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I really do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m only really good at two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

When I was growing up, all I wanted to be was one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

When I graduated from Ohio State last May, my career counselor gave me what I consider to be some pretty bad advice: “Just get any job, and figure the rest out later.” While I think I could have gained good transferable skills and on-the-job experience anywhere, I wanted to make sure my first step gave me opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and rotations through different departments. Enter: Verizon.

The other day, I took a career assessment, which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

The perfect cover letter template to show off your skills.

Start with your love for the company.

Similarly, many companies want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. And in these cases, what better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Bonus points if you can tell a story—studies show that stories are up to 22 times more memorable than facts alone.

Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because, um, no one likes an overly crazed fangirl.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that passion that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

Most candidates are drawn to startups for the free food, bean bag chairs, and loose dress code. And while all of those things sound awesome coming from my all-too-corporate cubicle, what really attracted me to Factual is the collaborative, international team.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first found the operations assistant opening (he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day). But as I learned more about Zoosk and what it is doing to transform the mobile dating space, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of the team, too.

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across the events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

When I attended Austin Film Festival for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So, a customer service role at RentHop, where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Having grown up with the Cincinnati Zoo (literally) in my backyard, I understand firsthand how you’ve earned your reputation as one of the most family-friendly venues in the State of Ohio. For 20 years, I’ve been impressed as your customer; now I want to impress visitors in the same way your team has so graciously done for me. (Via @JobJenny)

I was an hour out from my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling grocery delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across Instacart. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing the amazingness of Instacart to shoddy planners like me as your next social media and community manager.

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager for OHC, seeing the job description for Warby Parker’s PR director stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been a Warby glasses wearer for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

How to write a cover letter: 31 tips you need to know

Start with an attribute or accomplishment.

The unfortunate reality of the job hunting process is that, for any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other people—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. So, a great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out among other applications.

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.

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill Birchbox’s customer service leader position.

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at LivingSocial just might be it.

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an inter-office memo in my sleep. What I want to do next? Put that experience to work consulting executives on their communications strategy.

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of Meetups.

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders to the T and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig in to data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Ever since my first job at Dairy Queen (yes, they DO let you eat the ice cream!) I’ve been career-focused. I completed my first internship with a professional football team while I was still in college. I was hired full-time as soon as I graduated, and within six months I was promoted into a brand new department. I thought I knew it all. But as I’ve progressed in my career, I finally realized…I absolutely do not. Shocker, right? Enter The Muse. (Via @Kararuns729).

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup like ZeroCater. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial guru, and I think that means I’m your guy.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for SevOne.

Start with humor or creativity.

OK, before you read any of these, we feel we have to stamp them with a big disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learning everything you can about the company, the hiring manager, and whether or not they’ll appreciate some sass or snark. If they do, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Well, better luck next time.

I’m interested in the freelance writer position. But before I blow you away with all the reasons I’m going to be your next writer, I would like to tell you a little about myself: I didn’t grow hair until I was about five years old, which made everyone who crossed my stroller’s path believe me to be a boy (my name is Casey, which definitely didn’t help). Hope I got your attention. (Via @CaseCav)

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sounding incredulous that not more progress has been made since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at Airbnb! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas of what I would do once in the role.

You’ve slept on it. You’ve made lists of pros and cons. You’ve talked to your life coach, your hairdresser, and every barista on your block. So why haven’t you made your decision yet? When you’re looking for advice, what you need is not more, but better. If you’re constantly plagued with tough career decisions and presentation-day butterflies, you need an advocate, a listener, and sometimes, a kick in the pants. You need Rachel Elizabeth Maley. (Via @RE_Maley)

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.

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered iCracked—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say the following: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at Yext. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

This article is originally appeared on The Muse . It has been adapted and reposted here with permission.

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How to Start a Cover Letter That Grabs Attention

11 min read · Updated on August 03, 2021

Get your cover letter off to a strong start by addressing it appropriately, greeting your reader, and writing a memorable opening sentence.

In this age of digital job postings and applicant tracking systems, many believe that a cover letter is no longer expected or necessary--but thinking this can put your job application at risk. It's imperative to know how to write a cover letter , and how to do it well.

While there are many mixed messages out there about cover letters, one that's well-written can still put you ahead of other job candidates and sometimes be the deciding factor that gets you hired in that it gives the hiring person a good first impression of you.

In fact, unless the job posting specifically states that no cover letter is required (in which case the posting instructions take precedence), you should always plan to include a cover letter with your application.

What is a well-written cover letter ? One that grabs attention right from the start with the correct company name and address, the proper greeting, and a memorable opening sentence.

Addressing a cover letter (including an email)

Always place the company's name and address just before the greeting. If at all possible, find and include the name of the recruiter or hiring manager. (More on this coming up.)

Use the same heading, font type, and font size as your resume to create a feeling of organization and flow.

As for your name and contact information, there are several acceptable options. Remember that your name is the thing that immediately grabs attention, so make sure it's there along with the contact details.

Add only your name, phone number, and email address just above the company information as shown below. This gives a recruiter two ways to contact you at a glance. Leave a space between the end of your information and the start of the section with the company's details.

Here is an example of the layout:

[Your Name]

[Contact Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Name of Recruiter/Hiring Manager]

[Street Address]

[City, State ZIP]

Dear [Name],

Or you can choose to add more information if you like.

Use your name, full address, phone number, and email address in this same space at the top.

[Your Street Address]

[Your Contact Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Use either Option 1 or 2 under your signature line at the bottom of the cover letter.

When I was a recruiter, I liked having all the candidate's information all in the same place rather than broken up between the top and bottom of the cover letter, so I suggest choosing one or the other. It just makes life easier for the person (or system) reviewing your cover letter.

This information would generally be on a separate cover letter attached to an email. In this case, keep your email brief, and simply use a closing (Sincerely) with your first and last name at the end of the email.

However, if the email is actually the cover letter then choose one of the options above and use it in the actual email.

The correct cover letter greeting

Believe it or not, this can be what ends your job prospects with that particular organization. People take pride in their names and in their gender status. Depending on the hiring person, they could feel insulted if you get it wrong, especially because you might have found this information with a little research or didn't opt for something gender neutral.

Use the hiring manager's name

You can find the hiring person's name in any number of places. Here's an excerpt from another TopResume cover letter article with more detailed information.

If you're not given the name of the hiring manager, here are some effective ways to discover their name by using:

The job description: Check this document for the hiring manager's name. While it's not generally listed, you never know. If it's not obvious, there's also a trick to quickly discover an email in the job description that might contain the name; while in the document, press Ctrl +F or run Command + F and search for the @ symbol.

An email address: If you discover an email address, it may not have a full name but rather a first initial and last name or just a first name like [email protected] or [email protected]. A Google search combining the person's name as shown in the email and the company name might find you the person's full name.

A LinkedIn post: A name connected to the LinkedIn job posting is probably that of the hiring professional who posted it, so use that name in your greeting.

The supervisor's title: It's more likely that a job description will list who the new hire will report to — such as the director of accounting — without listing a name. In this case, there are several search options:

Search the company's website for listings of staff members by title.

Run an advanced LinkedIn or Google search for all directors of accounting at that specific company.

Check with your network for someone who might know the person's name or search the appropriate professional networking sites.

Contact the company by phone or email. Tell them you're applying for [job title] and want to address your cover letter to the right person.

Use job titles/department names if necessary

When asked about how to address a cover letter effectively , one of our TopResume Writers states, “ As a general rule, I always stay away from anything approaching 'To Whom it May Concern' (this may be obvious).”

Next, unless you are absolutely sure of the person's gender or gender preference, don't use “Mr.” or “Ms.” in your greeting. I also advise against using “Mrs.” at any time, since you generally can't discern a woman's marital status.

You can also use the person's job title if you have it along with their last name:

Hello Director Smith

Greetings Vice President Jones

Hi Accounting Manager Johnson

If you only have the person's job title or their general department from the job description, consider these options:

Dear Head of Design

Hello IT Department

To Company ABC Recruiter/Hiring Professional

Hello Marketing Hiring Team

Greetings Customer Support Hiring Group

Professional titles such as “Professor” or “Dr.” are definitely acceptable as a cover letter salutation and should be used with last names as a sign of respect. Be on the lookout for these and other titles to include.

If after all this you still don't have a name, job title, or department name, simply use Dear Hiring Manager.

Stay Professional

There's another less-common scenario worth mentioning: You already know and are on a first-name basis with the hiring manager. In this situation, I recommend staying with a formal greeting using the person's last name.

You never know who else is going to see your cover letter, and accusations of potential favoritism (even if false) will hurt both you and the hiring manager. Always be professional in the hiring process.

Never Leave It Blank

All these greeting options may seem awkward, but they are much better than using the wrong name or gender in your greeting, or worse: adding no greeting at all.

There's no reason to leave the greeting blank when there are so many options that can be used effectively in how you write your cover letter. Including a greeting, even a general one, will impress any hiring professional and greatly improve your chances of moving along in the hiring process.

Punctuate properly

In truth, it doesn't really matter what punctuation you use in your cover letter greeting. Generally a comma or a colon are equally acceptable after the person's name. However, don't include a comma between the words of greeting ( Dear/Hello/Greetings ) and the person's name and/or title.

This is correct for both a separate cover letter and an email as a cover letter.

Check (and check again) before you hit “send”

As a job applicant, it's generally fine to re-use the same cover letter for similar or even non-similar positions. However, you must make it a habit to review each cover letter thoroughly before you submit it.

Double and triple check that you've used the correct hiring manager name/company in both the address area and the greeting. The minute a recruiter/hiring manager sees a different name and company than their own, the cover letter--along with your resume and hopes for that job--will be thrown in the trash.

Next, be sure the position title matches the company. You might get by with this mistake, but a good recruiter will catch it and potentially toss your application.

Finally, review the body of the letter to know that you've included the right set of experience and skills for that job. The section below offers more details on this.

Crafting a great opening sentence

Your cover letter opening sentence should make it obvious to the reader that you're applying for that company's specific position.

This means you should include the job title in your first line. “Always include the position you are applying for,” says TopResume writer Brandon C. “Customize this sentence to make the rest of the cover letter feel custom as well - even if there is nothing else that you change as you use it for different applications.”

If the positions you're after are very similar, there's really no need to change other parts of the letter except the hiring manager name and position title--but it's always in your best interests to make sure.

When cover letter changes matter

Start by reviewing all your job descriptions against each other, looking closely and the skill requirements. If it appears that each job is looking for pretty much the same skills and experience, you can use the one cover letter for each of those applications (remembering to change the specifics mentioned above).

However, if you spot any major difference in what's required for each role you will want to change each cover letter to point out that you possess those specific skills and qualifications. If a company wants product development experience and you don't show them that or show completely unrelated skills from a generic cover letter, you likely won't get the job.

Also, check the education requirements for each role, and adjust that accordingly on your cover letter.

Once you have a basic cover letter, it only takes a few minutes to review and change any parts that show you to be a well-qualified candidate for the job.

Good opening sentence examples

Here are some additional examples of strong cover letter opening sentences from TopResume writers.

I like to begin by introducing the customer as who they are as a professional, including their line of work and a few adjectives. For example: "As an executive product development professional with a passion for transforming new concepts into finalized, breakthrough products and solutions, I am an ideal candidate for your (Job Title) opening."

If someone is a recent grad or new to the workforce, I tend to highlight their recent degree, a few transferable skills, and/or their passion for whatever industry they're trying to tap into.

Niki Beaulieu, Senior Resume Writer

I would always recommend something along the lines of, "As a dedicated and established leader in (career field) with a passion for driving (specialty) operations, I eagerly submit the attached resume in hopes of joining your organization as a valuable member of your (specified field) team."

This is of course just one example, and this particular opening could be broken up in a multitude of ways as well.

Brandon C., TopResume Writer

There are a variety of ways to create your opening sentence, but as the above examples show you should include whatever specifics make sense and will get you noticed, including:

Your current or desired career field

Specific skills applicable to the job

Related work experience

Related education

On-going career goals

And it bears repeating: Always include the correct position title, company name, and greeting.

One final note: Since this article focuses on starting a cover letter, you might want to check out some good sources on how to effectively complete the cover letter , including additional paragraphs and the best way to close your letter. You might also want to review another great article on how to avoid cover letter mistakes .

To sum up, hiring managers do read cover letters , so always plan to include one with your application. It will help you stand out from the crowd and improve your chances of getting hired.

Is your cover letter is cutting it? Our resume writers don't just help you with your resume .

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The Art of Writing an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

Description: Do you want to grab the most in-demand job with an exceptional cover letter? This post will highlight some tricks to grab an attention-grabbing letter.

In the current competitive job market, the cover letter remains a potent tool for job seekers to leave a lasting impact on prospective employers. Beyond introducing yourself and highlighting your qualifications, a well-crafted cover letter demonstrates your communication skills and genuine enthusiasm for the position.

It provides the perfect opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants and present a compelling case for why you are the ideal fit for the job. However, crafting an effective cover letter is an art that demands careful thought and strategic planning. It goes beyond merely listing experiences and skills; instead, it requires the creation of a persuasive narrative that captivates the reader and motivates them to consider you a strong candidate.

This comprehensive step-by-step guide will delve into the intricacies of mastering the art of writing a cover letter .

The Importance of a Well-Crafted Cover Letter

A well-written cover letter is essential for the hiring process. It is a potent tool for leaving a lasting impression on potential employers and may significantly affect how they view you as a candidate. A persuasive cover letter shows how your exceptional capabilities fit the position’s criteria by clearly outlining your credentials, skills, and experiences.

The chance to express your personality, passion, and excitement for the position and the firm extends beyond the résumé. A strong cover letter distinguishes you from other candidates fighting for the same position and grabs the reader’s attention.

It demonstrates that you have put out the time and effort necessary to comprehend the demands of the business and that you genuinely care about helping them succeed. A strong cover letter may help you land an interview in a competitive job market and further your professional goals.

Understanding The Purpose and Structure of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is an important addition to your resume since it gives readers a better understanding of your qualifications and highlights your potential for a particular position. Its main objective is to introduce yourself to the potential employer and discuss your reasons for being interested in both the position and the business.

A cover letter normally starts with a salutation, followed by an attention-grabbing introduction, a skilfully written body highlighting relevant experiences and talents, and a strong conclusion reiterating your interest and asking for further communication. It is wise to follow some great cover letter examples to get a better idea.

This format helps a cover letter tell a coherent story and shows potential employers your personality, enthusiasm, and ambition. It serves as a chance for you to show how you can meet the demands of the business and contribute to its success, ultimately encouraging them to think highly of you for the position.

Tips For Researching and Personalizing the Cover Letter

Your chances of creating a good impression on potential employers might be significantly increased by researching and tailoring your cover letter. Here are some cover letter tips to assist you:

Understand the Company: To comprehend its brand identity, extensively research the business to learn about its beliefs, culture, offerings, and most recent successes.
Identify the Hiring Manager: Address your cover letter to the individual hiring manager or the person in charge of the employment process whenever it is practical.
Tailor the Content: Make each cover letter relevant to the position you’re applying for. Emphasize your qualifications and experience that are most pertinent to the job.
Show Passion and Enthusiasm: Show your sincere interest in the organization and the position you’re looking for. Describe your motivation for joining the organization and how your ideals match the latter’s.
Avoid Generic Templates: Utilizing a cover letter template as a starting point is acceptable, but be sure you heavily customize it. Generic, mass-mailed letters are easily recognizable by employers and may not make a good first impression.
Showcase Company Knowledge: Show that you know the company’s difficulties and how you can help it overcome them. This demonstrates that you took the time to learn about their needs.
Keep it Concise: Stick to the main themes and write concisely. A targeted and well-organized cover letter is more likely to keep the reader’s interest.

Key Elements to Include in A Compelling Cover Letter

A compelling cover letter should include the following key elements to showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position effectively:

Contact information and salutation
Engaging introduction
Relevant skills and experiences
Company Knowledge
Cultural Fit
Unique Selling Points

Dos And Don’ts for Writing an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

Remember the following do’s and don’ts when crafting a compelling and attention-grabbing cover letter.

Customize the letter highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Address the hiring manager
Research the company
Show enthusiasm
Focus on the employer’s needs
Keep it concise and use a professional tone

Don’ts

Avoid generic templates
Don’t reiterate the resume
Skip irrelevant information
Avoid negativity
Don’t make it too long
Refrain from focusing solely on yourself

Acquiring the skill of crafting an impactful cover letter is indispensable for job seekers. This article’s comprehensive step-by-step guide empowers you to create a compelling cover letter that captivates hiring managers, thus enhancing your prospects of securing your desired job. Each stage, from meticulous research and comprehension of the job requirements to a strong closing statement, is crucial in showcasing your qualifications and suitability for the position.

Shraddha Sinha

Senior Marketing Manager at Talent500. Practical, light-hearted and witty. Mom to a young toddler and has endless patience. Can talk about memes and motherhood endlessly.

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Friday, june 27, 2014, 31 attention-grabbing cover letter examples, start with a passion.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the team at Chartbeat feels the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team .

Start With Your Love for the Company

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that passion that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs .

Start With an Attribute or Accomplishment

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 .

Start With Humor or Creativity

I’m interested in the freelance writer position. But before I blow you away with all the reasons I’m going to be your next writer, I would like to tell you a little about myself: I didn’t grow hair until I was about five years old, which made everyone who crossed my stroller’s path believe me to be a boy (my name is Casey, which definitely didn’t help). Hope I got your attention. (Via @CaseCav )

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7 Proven Tips for an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter (Examples)

Table of contents.

Why you need a creative cover letter
7 Tips for grabbing the Hiring Manager's attention

Hiring Managers see dozens of cover letters every single day. Most of them end up in the shredder. The standard "I want to work for you because I value your business and am qualified" doesn't work any more. Writing a creative cover letter, on the other hand, is what you need in order to land the job.

But how do you go about being creative in such an important document? Do you include charts, graphs, and drawings? Do you come up with an engaging story? Do you rewrite your resume in the form of a poem?

Don't worry, you don't have to go to such great lengths, but there are some tips that could be a game-changer for you. We're here to guide you through the process.

in this guide we'll teach you:

Why you need to have a creative cover letter
7 Tips for spicing up your cover letter and landing the job

Before we dive into it, make sure your resume is flawless. Head over to our resume builder for expert help.

Why You Need a Creative Cover Letter #why

So, why do you need a creative cover letter? Hiring Managers get dozens of applications daily. Most candidates stick to the safe format of a brief one-page cover letter that talks about their motivation for wanting the job.

While this approach works, it ends up creating repetitive content. Think of having to read the same phrases over and over again on a daily basis. You definitely wouldn't enjoy it, and it won't help you distinguish between candidates. This is how Hiring Managers feel.

The best way to cut through the noise and beat the competition is to be different. Avoid clichés like:

"This is the exact job I'm looking for"
"I believe I'm perfectly qualified for the position"
"I'm willing to work really hard"
"I think outside the box"
"As listed on my resume"

These are some of the most abused phrases a cover letter could have, and Hiring Managers see them as unoriginal.

31 attention grabbing cover letter examples

If you want to find out more of the clichés you have to stop using, check out 10 Cliché Cover Letter Lines to Stop Using Right Now .

When you put some creativity in your writing, however, you show the recruiter right away that you're willing to go the extra mile and truly think outside the box.

7 Tips for an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter #tips

Now let's get to the tips on how to write a creative cover letter.

1. Start by asking a question

Break the ice with a question instead of making the same old statement.

"Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply as a Sales Associate with Company X."

This is the most overused phrase in cover letter history. The recruiter already knows what position you're applying for. After all, it's listed throughout your entire profile. Go with a question instead:

Have you ever tried to sell ice to an Eskimo? I have. And I made quite a bit of money, too. I believe that sales is all about..."

Using a question will engage the reader right away. The Hiring Manager is much more likely to continue reading if you open with an interesting question as opposed to a generic statement.

2. Tell a story

The best way to show why you're qualified to do a certain job is by using the show vs tell method.

Instead of repeating the qualifications on your resume, explain how you've actually put them to work.

"I've got experience with dealing with angry customers and turning them around."

While this fact may be true, it's a boring statement. Spice it up by illustrating with an example.

"During my time as a Personal Banker, we had a security breach and a few clients' accounts got hacked. Understandably, they were really upset. I stepped in and guided them through the entire process of getting their money back. In the end, they were so grateful and happy with the service, that they remained our most loyal customers."

While being qualified on paper is good, what actually matters is how good you are in action. Get creative and think of a powerful and relevant example to illustrate your skills.

3. Include information about the company's current projects

Show that you're serious about the job by referring to relevant news about projects the company is involved in.

You can find out what they're up to by reading the company blog and following the business on social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

"I'm really excited to see your work on (current project) because (relatable reason) which is one of the reasons why I'd love to be a part of the team."

4. Show passion

Hiring Managers always choose those who are most motivated and passionate about the position, not simply qualified.

Express your desire and interest in the position. You can say:

"If loving sales is wrong, I don't want to be right."

A creative statement like that will surely get noticed.

5. Talk about relevant accomplishments

Sharing your accomplishments is another way to demonstrate how you put your skills to work in real life.

Instead of saying:

"I'm trained in sales"

"I won the Sales Associate award of the month all 5 years while I was at my previous job. At this point, I can sell ice to an Eskimo."

Make sure to include your accomplishments on your resume as well, so that

6. Use humor

Humor is something that most cover letters lack. Brighten up the recruiter's day and stand out from the competition by using a joke or two.

"I know you've been waiting for a detail-oriented, focused, and highly-social associate. You've been asking friends, family, your hairdresser, even a genie for one. Well, here I am."

One note here is to be mindful of the type of company you're applying to. If it's a trendy startup, you've got more room for humor as opposed to an established bank. Whenever appropriate, make use of humor.

7. Show your personal connection to the company

It's always a good idea to talk about any personal experience with the company. Showing that you've been a customer for a while can be really helpful for writing a creative cover letter.

"As a (Company Name) user for 5 years now, I know that you stand for amazing customer care, have the friendliest repairs department, and are always there when your computer breaks down in the middle of the night in a remote part of Indonesia."

Hiring managers always like seeing that the candidate knows the company well. The best way to illustrate that is to mention your own experience.

Ditch the boring cover letter template and get creative. Use a sense of humor, mention relevant accomplishments, and demonstrate your knowledge of the business in order to stand out and land the job.

Have one last look at your resume, and get to applying. For expert help, head over to our resume builder .

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6 Ways to Craft an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter

Learn how to write a great cover letter (with examples) that doesn't just get scanned by the hiring manager in a couple of seconds. Grab the reader's attention!

Think of your cover letter like it’s the first page of a book.

Most hiring managers only scan a cover letter for a couple of seconds.

Then they move on to the next one.

You want your cover letter to grasp the reader’s attention in a way that makes them want to keep reading to the very last word.

1. Introduction is Everything

The key to an attention-grabbing cover letter is the very first sentence.

You want your opening sentence to catch the reader’s attention.

In other words, it needs to be interesting.

One way to do this is by starting with a professional anecdote.
It hooks the reader and gives your cover letter some personality.

Here is a cover letter example for a Flight Attendant position at Delta Airlines:

I have always been a dreamer.

When I was four years old, I dreamed I would grow wings like a butterfly. Then when I was seven, I dreamed that I would invent the very first flying car.

Now I am older, and I realize those dreams weren’t exactly achievable (yet), but my passion for flying has never left me.

For me, being a flight attendant isn’t just about the job. It’s being able to work and achieve my dream of flight every single day.

So, I told you why working for Delta Airlines is perfect for me, now let me tell you how I can be an asset to Delta Airlines.

2. Add a Slogan

A slogan should express the value you bring to an employer.

It’s a brief statement that can be placed under your name at the top of your letter in the far-left margin, or in italics at the bottom of your cover letter.

This tagline helps to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Below are some examples of taglines for several industries :

Tagline for a web developer:

Creating secure, user-friendly websites for your business needs.

Tagline for a sales professional:

Closing sales, overcoming challenges, and crushing quotas.

Tagline for a customer service rep:

Showing customers that you care; it’s only fair.

Tagline for a recruiter:

Helping talented individuals find the job of their dreams.

Spend some time thinking about the value you would bring to the company.

Try working that into a personal slogan that is unique and memorable.

3. Be Confident

Showing confidence in your cover letter shows an employer that you believe you have what it takes to do the job you are applying for.

Don’t end your cover letter with a phrase like, “I hope to hear from you soon.”

Instead, try something like, “I look forward to hearing back from you.”

This shows confidence.

You want the job and you are qualified to do it, so act like it.

But don’t be over-confident, as this can make you seem overqualified.

4. Be True to Yourself

You want your cover letter to show who you are.

You want to demonstrate that you are a real person and give the reader an idea of how you will be a great culture fit for their company.

Show a little bit of your personality in your cover letter.
Add some humor in places where it would be applicable.

Would you want to read through over 100 cover letters that all essentially say the same thing?

No, you aren’t a robot. Luckily, robots don’t read your cover letter; humans do.

So, don’t be afraid to show your humanity.

5. Find the Addressee

Do everything you can to find out who will be reading your cover letter.

This way, you can address them directly.

If your cover letter is addressed, “To Whom It May Concern,” you have already made your first mistake, and you haven’t even gotten to the actual letter.

If the name isn’t listed in the job posting, go to LinkedIn. Look up the company’s name and try to find the person who is responsible for doing the hiring for the position you are applying for.

If you can’t find it, call the company and ask for the hiring manager’s name.

If all else fails and you can’t find an actual name to address your cover letter to, default to “Dear Hiring Manager”.

6. Do Your Research

Researching the company you are applying for is vital.

Personalizing your cover letter with information about the company shows that you want the job. You want to make it evident that your resume is tailored to the company you are applying for.

Hiring managers automatically assume that you are going to send off the same resume and cover letter to every job that you apply to.

So, demonstrate that this is not what you are doing.

Don’t just use the name of the company a couple of times.
Use keywords from their mission statement.
Explain why you will be an excellent fit for the company overall, not just the position you are applying for.

You can also use information from the job posting to show how your skills and achievements align with what they are searching for.

Cover Letter Templates

If you are not interested in crafting a cover letter from scratch, you can also think about using an online cover letter template provider.

While templates can be great tools to get started, remember that you are going to want to customize your cover letter for each job you apply to.

Focus on adding value to the company, and only highlight skills that are going to be relevant to the role you are applying for.

Closing Thoughts

Good luck landing that dream job!

If you’d prefer to leave your resume and cover letter in the hands of professionals, we can help.

Find My Profession is a top-rated professional resume writing service.

We also offer fully customizable cover letters for any position and company. You can purchase a cover letter on its own or with a new resume .

Job searching is hard enough as it is. The last thing you want to do is risk being passed up for your dream job because of an inferior cover letter.

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