Writing a cover letter is already a whole program. But starting with the wrong foot is running to failure. A job search trainer puts the points on the I: some hooking sentences are to be banned.
The intro has a double. This is what the person who reads first sees. This is what makes you want to read more. Or close the email. This is why Chloé Ngassa, trainer and founder of Job Mentor, pushes a rant. On Linkedin,, She says it frankly: “I am tired of debating on this subject. But really …” This subject is the importance of the cover letter. A document that she is imperative to write well. And in “Writing well”, there is one thing that she often repeats: it all starts with the grip.
A hook that slams, which shows that we have inquired, that we understood who we were addressing. Its objective: to avoid the formulations which lead to a candidacy from the first line. Because even if many recruiters zap this letter, others hold it. And when they read it, it is better that they hang immediately. First, when she sees letters that start with “My name is”, “I’m a student in …”she looks up at the sky. For her, the cover letter is not there to repeat what is already in the CV. Nor to expose your own needs. She is there to show her desire to join a business and it must be felt from the first sentence.
In addition to these banalities, there are certain intros which, according to Chloé Ngassa, are to be banned. She listed them in a carousel published on Linkedin. First of all : “Currently, I wish …” Translation: I’m talking about myself, not you. Afterwards : “Your ad caught my attention.” Very well, like all the others. Nothing new. “I am writing to tell you about my interest …” This is the evidence itself. “Your business is an undisputed leader …”: It is an empty flattery if you do not specify why it makes you want to work there. “”I allow you to send you my application … “ : too pompous, too formal, too dated. And finally: “To whom of law.” No. You need a name. A real recipient.
Chloé Ngassa therefore expects a letter that she starts strong. Not by a lukewarm, automatic or solemn sentence, but by a real start of conversation. Direct, living, targeted. A grip that shows that the company, the position, expectations. In short, forget the frozen formulas, be creative.
