Quick cover letter question

[GreenFrog]

At the end of all my cover letters, I always write something along the lines of, "Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss blah blah blah." Do you think that the "the" implies an expectation -- perhaps even an arrogant assumption -- that they will be giving me an interview? Should I replace it with "I look forward to an opportunity..." to suggest hopefulness? I've received several interviews so far.. but just in case as I apply to more firms. Thanks! Oh, P.S. I have this sentence for a cover letter to a consulting firm, "I believe this is a testament to the effectiveness of the company’s recommendations and blah blah blah." I was thinking about changing it to "company's consulting capabilities" or something along those lines. Maybe "strategic recommendations." I dunno. Thoughts? Am I being too analytical/anal? Edit: It's a boutique consulting firm. I obviously wouldn't say consulting capabilities if I were applying to MBB or one of the top tier consulting firms. I'm worried that 'consulting capabilities' kind of has that implication that the firm isn't a huge consultancy, or rather, that it makes it salient that it's not one. Dunno if I'm explaining that right.

 

[fashion_newbie]

Keep the. Its a cover letter, you are selling yourself. A little bit of an assumption is better than hopefulness.

 

[pebblegrain]

"the" is slighly more assertive, yes. But not obnoxious.

If this is the only change in the entire letter, I would use "the".

also, fyi, as a hiring person, I never noticed these things...

 

[GreenFrog]

cool. thanks guys.

how about in regards to my second question?

 

[pebblegrain]

"company's recommendations" is vague. It's a cover letter, so you are forcing the reader to do a double-take ("does he mean someone writing a recommendation for this job? no wait, I see now")

I can't say what the best phrasing is unless i have the whole letter, but you get the point.



also, again, in the grand scheme of things, a hiring person would (should) not hang you for things like this...

 

[jgold47]

Personally, I like a slightly more agressive cover letter. Makes you seem confident which doesnt hurt. Dont put something kitstchy like 'so when can I start', but something like, I look forward to talking with you further. Or I look forward to setting up a followup conversation. Those subliminal things can make people respond in kind.

 

[Gutman]

"the opportunity" is accepted idiom. "an" opportunity sounds wishy-washy. no points for being indirect, say what you mean.