Hong Kong is facing a manpower shortage, one that’s likely to be exacerbated by its rapidly ageing workforce. As the government predicts, the median age is set to rise from 48.3 in 2023 to 50.2 in 2028, one of the highest median ages among developed economies.
If you’re a mid-level career professional in Hong Kong, you would be all too aware of the challenges associated with contending with younger professionals.
Like many of us, you might have stared blankly at your last cover letter, trying desperately to stand out in the competitive job market.
Never fear – youth isn’t your only ticket to new opportunities.
As the old saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” It’s a sentiment that cannot be forgotten, especially when finalising your cover letter.
While resumes serve as a vehicle for highlighting your skills, your cover letter is your opportunity to convince a prospective employer that you are an ideal fit. And it’s important to understand that experience alone won’t set you apart these days – enthusiasm counts!
We understand that this short document can be stress-inducing. There's much to consider, from grappling with age bias and competition to feeling uncertain about balancing professionalism with personality.
Join us as we explore how to show enthusiasm in a cover letter - from the dos and don’ts to the tried and tested template that will empower you to take action, express genuine enthusiasm and leave a lasting impression on Hong Kong employers.
Why Enthusiasm Matters
A carefully crafted cover letter can make or break your chances of landing your dream job (or scoring an interview at the very least). But many candidates make the mistake of simply rehashing their resume.
According to Raymond Pang, Division Director at Robert Half, enthusiasm is the secret to standing out. As a specialised finance and accounting recruiter, Raymond is acutely aware that strong impressions are critical in the competitive job market.
He says, “We’re currently seeing fewer vacancies and higher application rates, indicating a growing desire among professionals to seek new opportunities. For mid-level candidates, this can very stressful – as many have expressed, their desire for career growth is being trumped by their fear of being overlooked.”
“Don’t discount the value of a strong impression, and don’t wait for an interview to make it. To truly stand out, you must showcase genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company – this starts in your initial cover letter. Of course, businesses want qualified candidates, but they want them to be motivated and excited too.”
Effectively conveying enthusiasm in your cover letter is advantageous for many reasons:
It demonstrates genuine interest in the role and company.
It differentiates you from other candidates.
It highlights your passion and commitment.
It conveys your energy and drive.
Knowing how to show enthusiasm in a cover letter while maintaining professional credibility is a sure-fire way to make your mark.
Related: Cover letter template and examples
The ‘how to guide’ to show enthusiasm in a cover letter
We get it; cover letters are short, but they can take considerable time to perfect.
While you don’t want it to sound generic, you don’t want to “overdo it” with the enthusiasm either.
Raymond says it’s a natural concern for candidates.
“Many mid-level professionals ask me for advice about how to show enthusiasm in a cover letter. It can be tricky for many because they are concerned about coming across as “fake” or unnatural. They want to show energy without seeming inexperienced, and they’re often uncertain about how much personal voice to bring into a formal cover letter.”
The good news is that there are ways to show genuine excitement for the role and stand out from other experienced applicants.
Let’s explore five ways to swap cover letter concern for cover letter confidence.
1. Tailor your cover letter to the specific role
It might seem obvious, but tailoring your cover letter is pivotal in expressing your enthusiasm.
“Generic cover letters simply don’t have the same impact as bespoke ones,” says Raymond.
“Carefully tailored cover letters demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and are more effective at highlighting how your skills and experience align with the needs of the company,” he says.
If you want to take the personality up a notch in your cover letter, be sure to:
Do your research - Investigate the requirements of the role as well as the organisation’s values, culture and achievements. Incorporate these findings into your cover letter to show that you’ve learnt about the business and understand what the team are looking for.
Make a connection – Acknowledge how your skills and experience will be invaluable in navigating the specific requirements and challenges of the role. This level of consideration is sure to set a positive and proactive tone.
Unsure how to tailor your cover letter to a specific job posting in Hong Kong? Try the below:
When I came across the (Job title) position at (Company name), I was thrilled. As a passionate (industry professional), I have long admired (Company’s specific achievement or value), and I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute my skills to your team. I wholeheartedly believe that my (key skills) would make me an asset to your team.
This exudes enthusiasm and excitement to engage the hiring manager.
2. Showcase your passion
Showing a genuine passion goes a long way in grabbing the reader’s attention (while also showing that you aren’t relying on generic cover letters).
Raymond says employers are attracted to candidates who demonstrate eagerness to join the team.
He says, “Passion is infectious – employers are always on the lookout for employees who can motivate others. They are the people who are likely to stick around, work hard and stay committed.”
If you want to highlight your genuine enthusiasm for the role and industry, be sure to:
Use strategic keywords – Leverage keywords that are related to your field and the specific role to demonstrate your knowledge and passion.
Highlight your achievements - Outline your professional strengths and reference quantifiable results that showcase your enthusiasm, commitment and ability to deliver.
Below is an example of how to weave passion into your cover letter without sounding overly effusive.
Ever since I built my first website in high school, I’ve been passionate about creating engaging and immersive digital experiences. This passion led me to pursue a career in software development, where I thrive on bringing creative ideas to life to meet user needs. The opportunity to join (Company name) excites me because of your commitment to innovative design and user-centric solutions. This aligns with my drive to create seamless and impactful web experiences.
Specificity is key - share why the role interests you and why the company appeals to you.
Remember, spotlighting your passion will help to make your application more memorable to hiring managers.
Related: Accounting cover letter template
3. Use action verbs
It’s no secret that words are powerful tools (especially in a cover letter).
The right language can be particularly effective in conveying not only enthusiasm but confidence, proactivity and leadership.
If you’re wondering how to show enthusiasm in a cover letter, know that action verbs are often a fail-safe strategy.
Strong verbs like "led," "developed" and "achieved" can make your accomplishments more compelling, showing employers that you aren’t afraid to take initiative and make an impact.
If you’re looking to build a dynamic and engaging narrative that gives you a competitive edge, look to include some key action verbs such as the ones below:
Spearheaded
Managed
Accelerated
Optimised
Implemented
Negotiated
Revamped
Orchestrated
Expanded
Championed
Coordinated
4. Express your value
Highlight your energy by shining a light on your experience.
As Raymond says, “Some mid-level professionals find it hard to show that they’re still passionate and engaged in their field. Expressing your value is all about outlining your unique strengths and past achievements to show that you possess confidence and enthusiasm.”
“Ultimately, it helps to set you apart from the competition. Hiring managers can better understand how you can contribute to the success of their business. Plus, it’s more likely that they will flag you as a valuable asset.”
Unsure how to articulate your value? Pique the reader’s interest by touching on your:
Contributions – How your skills and experience can benefit the company and drive its success.
Problem-solving abilities – How equipped you are to solve complex problems and overcome challenges.
When it comes to articulating your value proposition, be sure to make it concise and compelling.
“Don’t repeat phrases that they’ve already read - you need to keep their attention. Use fresh language to make your case and remind them how your skills will benefit their organisation,” says Raymond.
Need some inspiration? Try customising the below:
With a passion for talent acquisition and a proven ability to connect the right talent with the right teams, I’m confident that I can effectively contribute to (Company name)’s recruitment plans. My extensive stakeholder management experience aligns perfectly with your company’s dedication to finding stellar talent. I’m eager to explore this opportunity and help (Company name) optimise the power in people.
Related: How to write an email cover letter
5. Strike the right tone
Raymond says the right tone is integral to cover letter success.
He says, “Candidates often ask me how to show enthusiasm in a cover letter. While the general elements are easy to get right, the tone can be hard for some people to master.”
“While a cover letter needs to be confident and compelling, it needs to be polite and in no way presumptuous. Try to show professional enthusiasm without sounding pushy.”
Hit the sweet spot by leveraging:
Professionalism – Maintain a polite and professional tone while expressing your enthusiasm.
Authenticity – Embrace your unique value and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.
Gratitude – Give thanks and show respect for the process and all those involved.
Ultimately, your tone should express your ability to communicate professionally and empathetically. While it may sound simple, it has the power to position you as a desirable candidate.
Expert tip: Beware of the cultural nuances that could impact your expression of enthusiasm in Hong Kong’s workplace culture. Be sure to balance your enthusiasm with professionalism, respect and humility. This will help to avoid overt self-promotion and excessive emotion that could be seen as inappropriate.
Your tried and tested template
Ready to grab the hiring manager’s attention with your enthusiasm? This cover letter template has been designed to set a positive tone, balancing your enthusiasm with your experience.
To Raymond,
My name is John Smith, and I would like to express my interest in the Recruitment Manager position at Robert Half.
When I came across this position, I was thrilled. As a driven recruitment professional, I have long admired Robert Half’s commitment to specialised recruitment solutions. I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute my skills to your team - I wholeheartedly believe that my interpersonal skills and negotiation abilities would make me an asset.
Over the past 10 years, I have successfully led recruitment strategies, streamlined hiring processes and built strong talent pipelines across multiple industries. In my current role at Example Recruitment, I spearheaded initiatives that reduced time-to-hire by 25% and enhanced candidate experience, leading to higher retention rates.
My ability to develop client relationships, optimise recruitment operations and mentor teams aligns with Robert Half’s commitment to delivering exceptional hiring solutions.
With a passion for talent acquisition and a proven ability to connect the right talent with the right teams, I’m confident that I can add value to your recruitment plans.
I’m eager to explore this opportunity and help Robert Half to optimise the power in people.
I welcome the opportunity to speak more with you about how I can contribute to your team.
Please feel free to contact me at (Phone number and email).
Thank you for your consideration.
John Smith
Related: How to write a cover letter in HK
Common mistakes to avoid
Knowing how to show enthusiasm in a cover letter is a valuable asset for mid-level professionals in Hong Kong. Knowing how to avoid the common pitfalls is equally important.
Let’s take a look at what NOT to do when crafting your cover letter:
Overdoing it - Excessive enthusiasm can come across as insincere and unprofessional. Be sure to balance your energy with quantifiable results and experience.
Generic Statements – Vague phrases and impersonal touches won’t convey genuine enthusiasm or commitment to the position. Avoid generic statements like, “I am interested in the job” or, “I could be a good fit” – they only show that you have not tailored your letter to the specific company or role.
Focusing on yourself – While your cover letter does need to distil your achievements and abilities, it must align with the opportunity at hand.
Establish a strong connection by focusing on the company’s needs and your unique ability to contribute.
In an aging population like Hong Kong’s, it can be easy to worry about age bias when applying for new opportunities. For mid-level professionals, the secret to success lies in knowing how to show enthusiasm in a cover letter. By shining a light on your enthusiasm and your experience, you can leave a lasting impression on your prospective employer before they even meet you.
Looking for your next exciting career move? Contact Robert Half today and let our recruiters help you find a job that is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to express enthusiasm for a job in a cover letter?
Tailor your cover letter to the specific role.
Showcase your passion.
Use action verbs.
Express your value.
Strike the right tone.
How do you express enthusiasm for a job?
Use engaging language.
Employ a polite, positive and professional tone.
Display genuine interest.
Highlight relevant achievements.
Align your abilities with company goals and values.
How to show motivation in a cover letter
In addition to all the above tips for expressing enthusiasm, be sure to lean into the power of language in your cover letter.
Use language that conveys energy and dedication – for example, “I am eager to contribute my software development skills to your team to make a meaningful impact.”
Conclude your cover letter with a strong, forward-focused statement. For example, “I welcome the opportunity to speak more with you about how I can contribute to your team.”
This will show that you are motivated (and excited) to progress to the next stage of the process.
How to show enthusiasm in writing
Use engaging language.
Employ a polite, positive and professional tone.
Display genuine interest.
Highlight relevant achievements.
Align your abilities with company goals and values.
