With these tricks you can create the perfect first sentence of an application
Formulate cover letter: Arouse more interest with the first sentence
Quelle: Getty Images/Cultura RF
HR professionals read countless applications. The first sentence of the cover letter therefore plays a key role. With a good introduction, job seekers can significantly increase their chances.
EThere is a golden rule in journalism when it comes to good texts: The first sentence has to pop! This basically means that the reader will probably get out quickly if the first sentence is not formulated in an exciting way – at least mentally.
This is also known in HR departments. Many HR managers are now nodding eagerly. Because even HR managers sometimes receive hundreds of letters for an advertised position and read standardized formulations countless times, such as: “I would like to apply here.”
This is okay so far, the introductory sentence certainly does not stand or fall the application, but job seekers leave potential here to stand out. Career editor Andreas Weck from “t3n” reveals how every application benefits from an original first sentence.
Formulate cover letter correctly
In principle, the following applies to applications: If you don’t stand out from the crowd, you will easily go under. And the cover letter in particular is there to get a first impression of the person.
Job portal
JOBS.WELT.DE
Do you want to change? We’ll find the job!
How does she describe herself? How passionate is she about the job? But also: how does it formulate it? Instead of writing that an applicant wants to apply for the advertised position with the cover letter, job seekers can use a surprising sentence here to raise the reader’s attention. It should be clear that a person wants to apply. Otherwise the application documents wouldn’t be on the HR manager’s desk, would they?
The first sentence could, for example, address current scenarios such as the current development of the company: “I was excited to hear that you are opening a new office in Cologne!”
Another possibility could also be the new website: “A friend told me about your successful new website. When I wanted to look at it, I became aware of your job advertisements. “
Another option would be to explain why the company is so attractive: “A few weeks ago I heard your CEO speak at a conference and was able to get a pretty good picture of the corporate culture.”
The shorter and more concise the first sentence, the better
Depending on the industry and employer, applicants can formulate more traditionally and sometimes more freely. Another tip from the journalism school is: the shorter and more concise the first sentence, the better. Long nested sentences are not the best way to get started. Extremely long sentences should be divided into several sentences with periods.
** Find the job that really suits you at WELTJobs. **
And: the more specific and understandable, the better. In this respect, the above examples, which are initially only intended to show possibilities, could certainly be formulated even more comprehensively. Thinking a little longer about the first sentence can certainly be worthwhile. When in doubt, just to come up with an aha effect.
This article was first published in January 2020.
.