phrases for cover letter

10 Proven Cover Letter Phrases FREE to use in your cover letter

The cover letter is the most important part of applying for a job. It’s the first contact that a potential employer has with you. It’s where the employer forms their first opinions. The cover letter decides who gets a job interview and who doesn’t. That’s why it’s crucial to include these 10 key cover letter phrases to ensure a callback!

“Dear Mrs. Jane Doe or Mr. John Doe”

This may seem like such a small phrase. It’s one that you need to use, otherwise, you run the risk of having your cover letter tossed out before a potential employer even reads it. Why’s that? It’s because you have to be very careful with pronoun choice. Many will start their cover letter by saying “Dear Sir” because its a habit. If the hiring manager is a women it is possible that you may offend her and she might toss your resume out. It’s ideal that you get the hiring managers name. This shows that you took a little time to do a little research.

“Your company ranks number one in companies I prefer to join. I admire your mission statement”

In the cover letter it’s alright to go ahead and tell them what you admire about them. This shows them that you’re not just looking for any job, rather you’re passionate about their company and what they have to offer. Also, take the time to read the company’s mission statement and mention a little bit about what strikes you about the company.

“The position strongly appeals to me because”

Follow up with why you want to work for the company. If you go into great detail about why you want a certain position, it shows that you have a passion for the career path you are on. Potential bosses admire someone who knows what job they want to hold. That’s because this shows that an employee will potentially stick with the job for years to come.

“My friend John Doe has worked for your company for the past 5 years and has made me interested because… He has told me all about…”

It’s common knowledge that internal referrals count for a huge number of hires. Therefore, you’ll want to highlight your connections fairly early on. Employers generally trust their employees, especially the good ones, and they take into account their opinions. Often times, employers will ask their employees if they know anyone who is looking for a job.

“I feel that I could help your company grow by”

This is a tricky area when it comes to cover letter writing. It’s one that many shy away from. If you thoroughly do your research on the company, this is one of the key cover letter phrases that will help you land a job. All companies want to be the best. Potential employers will admire someone who isn’t afraid to point out what they’ve been known to do wrong and give examples of how they will help. All you have to do is search for a few challenges that the company is having. Perhaps they’re a restaurant that’s not getting positive reviews on social media? Take a sentence or two to explain specific examples of how you’ll be able to help this. It shows that you’re just what they’re looking for.

“Last year I was tasked with a few challenges. First I was responsible for…”

Show your potential boss that you know how to work well under pressure. Explain to them a few times where you were really in boiling water and how you got out of it. Bosses want tough employees who have proven their worth. This is how you show them that nothing gets you down and that you persevere under pressure.

“I’ve been awarded, recognized, selected for, etc.”

Now is your time to shine! Make sure to talk yourself up in just a few sentences. Mention a few key awards you’ve won or that you were recognized for. This shouldn’t turn into a long paragraph because some of this will be touched upon in your resume. Instead, mention a few proud moments so that you can peek their curiosity and get them interested in meeting you!

“I am the candidate for the job”

This is a short phrase that you can add almost anywhere in your resume. It shows that you’re confident in your abilities. This phrase will please a potential employer because it shows that you’re not afraid to make bold statements about your abilities. It sounds much better than using if and maybe statements.

“I am very excited to learn more about this opportunity and share why I’ll be a great fit”

As you near the end of your cover letter, you’ll want to include a call to action. State to your potential employer that you will be following up with them. A statement like this is great. It’s concrete without being too pushy. Avoid giving an exact date of when you’ll be following up because that may turn a potential employee off from wanting to hire you.

“If I am offered this position, I will be ready to hit the ground running”

Finally, conclude your cover letter by further reiterating that you are serious about landing the job. It’s also okay to include an example here of one thing you’d like to try and contribute to the company.

Conclusion: Key Phrases are Importance

Cover letter writing can be hard but if you include these key phrases, you have a better chance of landing an interview and the job! Cover letters are your chance to get a little bit personal so don’t be afraid to reveal a few details about yourself and your job passions.

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14 common cover letter phrases and what you can use instead

When you’re working on a cover letter, it’s very difficult to keep your writing fresh throughout the whole document.

It’s all too easy to repeat the same word twice across multiple paragraphs without even realizing you’ve done so. And unfortunately, this can be the sort of thing that hiring managers will mark against you — especially in positions that require a strong written ability.

So, we’ve put together this helpful list of words that might appear in your cover letter along with some synonyms to use instead. Let’s transform you from a strong people manager with a strong background in building strong teams into a more well-rounded candidate, eh?

In most situations, there’s likely to be a more suitable way to say ‘eager’. Here are some options for you:

• “I’m eager to hear from you” —> “I look forward to exploring my fit for this role with you”
• “I’m eager to join a company like yours” —> “Joining a company I respect is important to me”
• “I’m a marketing graduate eager to find my first role” —> “I’m a marketing graduate looking to grow as a professional”

On its own there’s nothing wrong with the word ‘excited’, but you shouldn’t be saying it 17 times throughout your document. If that happens, here are some synonyms you can use instead:

• “I’m excited to apply to you” —> “I had to apply as soon as I could”
• “I’m excited to progress my career with you” —> “This would be the next natural step in my career”
• “I’m excited about expanding my skills in the role” —> “This role is an ideal place for me to expand my skills”

3. Experience

It’s very easy to say ‘experience’ too frequently in your cover letter, so try these alternatives to keep things varied:

• “My experience with cloud systems makes me” —> “My expertise in cloud systems makes me”
• “I’m looking to build more experience in marketing” —> “This position would help me become a more complete marketer”
• “I’m experienced with leading teams and setting goals” —> “Working as a team leader at [company name] has made me comfortable managing direct reports and setting goals”
• “I’m a great fit for this role because of my experience in sales” —> “My background as a senior salesperson makes me a natural fit for this role”

4. I am confident

The issue with “I am confident” isn’t that it’s likely to get overused — it’s just not necessary in most cases. Here, we’ll show you:

• “I am confident I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team” —> “I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team”
• “I am confident that my customer service experience will prove vital in the role” —> “My customer service experience will prove vital in the role”

5. I believe

‘I believe’ is the same as ‘I am confident’; you don’t usually need it:

• “I believe I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team” —> “I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team”
• “I believe that my customer service experience will prove vital in the role” —> “My customer service experience will prove vital in the role”

6. I have experience

It’s perfectly fine to start a sentence with ‘I have experience’, just don’t use it in every single one. Use these alternatives instead to avoid sounding like a broken record:

• “I have experience in social media and paid ads” —> “I’m well-versed in social media and paid ads”
• “I have experience in startup companies” —> “I’ve come to thrive in a startup environment”
• “As requested in the job description, I have 2 years of experience in hospitality” —> “I’m a qualified hospitality professional with 2 years of relevant experience”
• “I have experience in similar positions to what you’re hiring for” —> “I’ve previously worked as a [job title] so would pick up the responsibilities quickly”

7. Interest

You might be looking for synonyms of ‘interest’ for a couple of reasons. Either you’re using it too often, or it’s sounding overly formal. We can help with both:

• “I’m writing to express my interest in this position” —> “I’d like to apply to your [job title] position”
• “I’m interested in reading and spending time in nature” —> “I enjoy reading and spending time in nature”
• “My interests include reading and spending time in nature” —> “Outside of work you’ll find me reading or spending time in nature”

According to your cover letter, you love the company you’re applying to, the job itself, and the opportunity to learn. But just how many **things can you love in a job application? Keep your writing fresh with these substitutes:

• “I love what your company does to support its employees” —> “I respect how your company supports its employees”
• “I love to work in a team” —> “I work best when collaborating with others”
• “I love working in a small company because I can see the results of my work” —> “Seeing the results of my work inspires me to keep improving”

9. Opportunity

How can you apply to a job opportunity without constantly saying ‘opportunity’? With these synonyms, of course:

• “I would excel in this opportunity” —> “I would excel in this position”
• “I had to apply to this opportunity” —> “I had to apply to this vacancy”
• “Thank you for the opportunity to join you” —> “Thank you for your consideration”

10. Passion

People can get a bit too passionate with their use of this word — not to mention it’s a weaker choice than some of the alternatives. Shake it up with these contenders:

• “I’m a passionate marketer who’s ready for a new challenge” —> “I’m a dedicated marketer who’s ready for a new challenge”
• “I have a passion for helping others through my work” —> “Helping others through my work energizes me”
• “I have a passion for deploying quality-of-life improvements” —> “I find deploying quality-of-life improvements to be immensely satisfying”

If you’re skilled in everything, doesn’t that dilute the word’s meaning? Here are some other ways to talk about your skills:

• “I have skills in paid marketing and social media” —> “Paid marketing and social media are my top strengths”
• “I’m skilled in Photoshop” —> “I’m an expert in Photoshop”
• “I’m a skilled people manager” —> “I’m a capable people manager”

The same goes for ‘strong’. If everything is a strength of yours, then the hiring manager is going to question how much weight that word holds with you:

• “I’m a strong marketer” —> “I’m an exceptional marketer”
• “I have strong knowledge of Premiere and other video editing software” —> “I have in-depth knowledge of Premiere and other video editing software”
• “I would be a strong addition to your team” —> “I would be an immediately-contributing member of your team”

13. To whom it may concern

Unless you’re applying in an exceptionally formal industry, then it’s time to ditch ‘To whom it may concern’. If you know the name of the hiring manager, then address your cover letter to them directly. If you don’t know their name, there are still plenty of alternatives:

• Dear hiring manager

14. Yours sincerely

Here’s another cover letter phrase that’s outdated. Unless you’re applying in a formal industry, then end your cover letter with a more modern sign off, like:

• All the best
• Best wishes
• Kind regards

If you’ve found the synonym you were looking for but still need help with your cover letter, we have some other resources to guide you:

💡 Full cover letter guide

🎓 Writing a cover letter for an internship

All that’s left to say is the very best of luck with your application! We’re all rooting for you here.

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Cover Letter Phrases. How to Start a Cover Letter?

This article contains useful cover letter phrases in English for your job application. Here you can learn: how to start a cover letter, to describe the reasons for applying, to write about your skills, and how to close a cover letter.

Table of Contents

Cover letter phrases. How to Start a Cover Letter.

Start a cover letter phrases.

• I noticed with interest your advertisement for …
• I am writing in response to your advertisement posted on…
• I am very interested in applying for the position of …
• I am applying for the position of ….., which was advertised in …..
• I was interested to see your advertisement for …
• I was referred to you by …./name/, who informed me of a …./position/
• I have pleasure in applying for the advertised position, as …
• Please accept this letter as my application for the position of…

Cover Letter Phrases: Reasons for Applying for a Job

• I would be well suited to the position because …
• My professional skills appear to be well suited to your company’s requirements.
• I have a lively interest in … and would appreciate the opportunity to work with you.
• As you can see from my enclosed résumé, my experience and qualifications match this position’s requirements.
• My strengths are …
• I believe the combination of my education and experiences have prepared me…
• It is a challenging position for which I believe I am well qualified.
• This position represents an opportunity to continue my committed career path…

Write about Your Skills

• I have a working knowledge of …
• I believe I possess the right combination of …
• I am an experienced user of …
• My professional experiences are supplemented by…
• My interest and knowledge in this area was further enhanced by…
• My particular area of effectiveness is…
• I have an excellent command of …

Close Cover Letter Phrases

• I would appreciate the chance to meet with you to discuss …
• I look forward to our meeting.
• If you are interested, please contact me at …
• I am eager to talk with you about the contribution I could make to your firm.
• I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these and other qualifications with you.
• Thanking you most sincerely for your time and consideration.
• I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further details of the position with you personally.
• Thank you for considering me for this very important position.
• I look forward with enthusiasm to an opportunity for an interview.

See also job interview answers and job interview phrases to avoid .

Marin Valchev, PMP is an IT Project Manager with more than 10 years of experience. He implements cutting-edge technology in a wide-range of Financial and TELCO companies in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Marin shares his knowledge of software, analysis, project management and other business areas.

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10 Powerful Phrases to Include in a Cover Letter

• Anna Verasai
• August 26, 2019

The cover letter is the foundation of the job application. It’s the first contact between you and a potential employer. The cover letter decides who gets called in for an interview and who doesn’t. This is why it’s important to include powerful phrases that provide a glimpse of your job experience.

Here is a list of ten powerful phrases you must include in your cover letter

All of us deserve to get a career that we truly believe and are passionate about. So here’s the thing: You’re scanning through the job site and unexpectedly you come across your ultimate dream job . You want that job badly, but you don’t have the necessary qualification or skills to convince the hiring manager to give you an interview opportunity. What do you do? In such a scenario, most candidates wouldn’t even bother to apply. But you have nothing to lose, right? Why not get one step closer to landing your dream job by using a bunch of powerful phrases in the cover letter? Here, give it a go:

“This position strongly resonates with my interest and work experience.”

“I have immersed myself in your groundbreaking work in the pharmaceutical industry.”

“I hope to work for an agency like yours to grow my experience.”

“I am excited to learn more about this opportunity and share why I’ll be an ideal candidate.”

“My background in _____ (related skills, knowledge, or experience) has helped me prepare for the challenges of the position.

“I have continually strived to improve _____.”

“I believe that my combination of experience, skills, and a positive attitude makes me the ideal candidate to fill this position.”

“Because of my breadth of experience, I believe that I would make an excellent candidate for the position.”

“Based on what I know, ______ (name of company)’s customer service and company culture are a couple of things that interest me the most.”

“If you have time to talk or have a cup of coffee that would be great, otherwise I’d appreciate your feedback.”

With these powerful phrases in your cover letter, you’ll land a dream job that you aren’t even qualified for.

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Phrases to use in your cover letter

Your cover letter may make the difference between securing a job interview and having your CV ignored.  A well-written cover letter is the key to making a great first impression.

Each job application you submit should be accompanied by a cover letter created specifically for that position, but in all cases the layout should resemble that of a formal business letter.  Use a professional tone, but don’t be too stiff and formal – just be yourself!

Your cover letter should consist of three paragraphs.  The first paragraph specifies the position for which you are applying and the means by which you came to know about the job opportunity.  The second paragraph identifies the job requirements and lists your skills and qualifications as evidence of how you would be the ideal person for the position.  The third paragraph outlines your availability for an interview, thus suggesting a concrete follow-up to your application.

The strength of a cover letter lies in the language and the detail, so it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing an effective cover letter.  Use words and phrases you would use when speaking to the employer.  Remember – it is important not to start every sentence with “I”.

An effective cover letter would include phrases similar to the following:

I am writing in response to your advertisement in the Sunday Times, dated 28 April 2012.

Please accept this letter as an expression of my interest in the position of…

A copy of my résumé has been enclosed for your review.

I would like to express my interest in the position of….

I am writing to express my interest in the …. position at … (company name).

As a recent graduate with …. experience, I believe I am a strong candidate for a position at … (company name).

Although I am a recent university graduate, my .… (skill) and …. (skill) will make me an excellent ….

As seen from my enclosed résumé, my experience and accomplishments match the requirements of this position.

I would like to point out …. (information relevant to the position).

During my two years with … (company name), I initiated extensive improvements that resulted in garnering 30 more clients for the period ending ….

I possess the right combination of …. skills to be an asset to your organisation.

I understand the value of ….

I have a very strong interest in .…

Experience has taught me how to .…

For the past two years I have been working as …. at …. (company name).

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications make me ideally suited to the position.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet and speak with you in person.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my potential contributions to your company.

I believe that my skill-set perfectly matches your requirements.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I look forward to your response.

If I may, I will contact you next week to discuss ….

I would be interested in learning more about ….

I look forward to speaking with you about….

Thank you for your time and consideration.

My CV contains additional information on ….

It would be an honour to start my career with your company, and I am confident that I will be an asset to the business.

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Keywords and phrases for your cover letter

If you want to score an interview and land your dream job, you need a great cover letter and resume. Crafting an engaging cover letter involves much more than highlighting what you do well and why you want to work there. You’ve also got to use the right cover letter keywords. Here’s what you need to know.

If you want to score an interview and land your dream job, you need a great cover letter and resume. Crafting an engaging cover letter involves much more than highlighting what you do well and why you want to work there. You’ve also got to use the right cover letter keywords. Here’s what you need to know. 

What are cover letter keywords?

Cover letter keywords are phrases or terms that will stand out to hiring teams when they review your application. For continuity’s sake, you should also include cover letter phrases in your resume . After all, these documents are meant to be complementary tools that give hiring teams a glimpse into who you are, your skill set, and your aptitude. 

You are probably wondering, “Do human resources professionals really look for cover letter keywords?” Absolutely! Many actively look for terms that illustrate you understand the position and have read the job description. They may also be subconsciously looking for certain phrases.

Additionally, 60% of HR professionals are using artificial intelligence for hiring and recruiting purposes. (1) AI-powered CV and resume review tools may scan your documents for select phrases and terms. If you don’t include them, your application may get filtered out of the selection process. 

Phrases and keywords can add spice to your cover letter

The top cover letters are well-organized, concise, impactful, and engaging. By adhering to cover letter best practices, you can stand out and increase your odds of landing an interview. Cover letter keywords play a key role in spicing up your application and differentiating you from the average candidate. 

When working key terms into your resume and cover letter, focus on industry- and role-specific terms. For example, if you are applying to an IT position, mention certifications or specific skills that match the role you want. 

Not sure which phrases to incorporate into your application? Review the job description and build your list around the employer’s list of qualifications, preferred abilities, and summary of the role. If you use similar language to that found in the job description, the employer will notice.

However, be careful not to use too many cliche keywords. For the most part, you should avoid things like “punctual,” “great communication,” or “organized.” While these are valuable traits, they are typically prerequisites for any job. If you are hired, it’s presumed that you are going to show up on time and stay organized. 

Employers want to know what makes you different from everyone else. That’s where industry-specific cover letter keywords really shine. 

Check out several cover letter examples for a better understanding of what to do (and what not to do) when writing up your job application. You can also get helpful suggestions from resume examples , CV examples , and CV templates .

Impactful keywords and phrases to include in your cover letter

Regardless of what role you are applying for, it’s important to use terminology that showcases your value to the organization. Again, avoid cliches but instead focus on action language. Some great action verbs you can use include:

• Transformed
• Spearheaded

Use these words with more common descriptors to make a connection between your involvement and what the project or task required. For instance, you could say that you “improved client satisfaction” and then explain what you did to achieve these results. This approach is much more impactful than saying generic things like “I offer great customer service.” 

This cliche phrase leaves hiring teams with more questions than answers. They want to know what you did that made your customer service “great.” Conversely, using action words and describing what you achieved showcases how you might bring value to their business. 

For technical roles, mention specific technologies, methodologies, or frameworks. For example, you can mention things like “Agile project management” or “Python programming.” Be careful not to mention any skills unless you are very proficient in them. If you make it to the interview stage, most employers are going to ask you to provide examples of your work or elaborate on your skills. 

Remember, you can’t just stuff a bunch of terms in your cover letter and hope for the best. The document needs a natural and engaging flow. If you are overhauling your professional documents, use cover letter templates to help you maximize engagement and readability. You can also use resume templates to ensure continuity across all of your documents.

Expert tip:

Tailoring your cover letter with job-specific keywords is crucial, but it’s equally important to narrate how you embody these terms through your experiences. This approach transforms your application from a list of skills to a compelling story of your professional journey.

Cliches and basic keywords and phrases to avoid

When crafting a cover letter, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using cliches and generic terms that recruiters have encountered hundreds of times. Though these terms are popular, they can cause your application to blend in, not stand out. Here are some examples of cliches and basic cover letter keywords to avoid:

• Hard Worker: This is overly vague and expected of any candidate 
• Team Player: While important, it’s better to demonstrate this through specific examples
• Self-Motivated: Instead of stating it, show how your motivation has produced results
• Problem Solver: This is too generic without context. Highlight a specific issue you resolved 
• Dynamic: This adjective gets used so much that it has lost its impact 
• People Person: Talk about how you’ve successfully worked with teams or led projects
• Detail-Oriented: Share an instance where you noticed the little things and it mattered 
• Proactive: Provide examples where you took initiative beyond your usual responsibilities 
• Results-Driven: Quantify your achievements to prove your focus on results 
• Passionate: Overused and subjective 
• Strategic Thinker: Detail a situation where you saw the big picture and made a difference 
• Go-Getter: As with “proactive,” it’s better to illustrate this through examples 
• Innovative: Share something you contributed to rather than using this generic term
• Creative Thinker: Mention a hurdle you overcame by flexing your creativity 
• Excellent Communicator: Provide examples of how you used this skill in a professional setting 
• Track Record of Success: Quantify what you’ve achieved to make your words more meaningful
• Responsible: This is expected; instead, share how you’ve managed your responsibilities effectively 
• Extensive Experience: Specify what this is and how it’s relevant 
• Skilled in [Generic Skill]: Don’t just say you have an ability — showcase it 
• Highly Qualified: Share how your qualifications match the job’s requirements

By avoiding these cliches and focusing on specific, quantifiable achievements and experience, you can create a cover letter that stands out. Remember, the goal is to show what makes you valuable and how it aligns with the needs of the employer. 

Looking for more helpful tips on how to stand out in the hiring process? Read some cover letter articles and resume articles that detail best practices and things to avoid. It’s also important to find out how to end a cover letter so you’ll make the best impression possible.

“ Employers want to know what makes you different from everyone else. That’s where industry-specific cover letter keywords really shine.”

Integrating cover letter keywords into your application can be a true game-changer. Here are some simple tips to help you make the most of eye-catching buzzwords and phrases:

• Don’t oversaturate your cover letter with phrases; use them strategically
• Avoid too much technical jargon
• Use similar keywords in both your resume and cover letter
• Treat these documents as complementary and minimize redundancy 
• Whenever possible, back up your keywords with hard data

That last tip is probably one of the most impactful. Making a statement is not nearly as powerful as supporting your claims with specific numbers. For instance, if you led a successful project, share what you achieved, such as beating the deadline by one week or reducing costs by 10%. 

Stand out with powerful cover letter keywords and phrases 

Cover letter keywords are an important way to differentiate yourself from other job seekers. As you write your next resume, CV, or cover letter, make sure to incorporate target phrases that align with what hiring teams are looking for in a candidate. Before you know it, you’ll be scheduling interviews and making progress in your search for your dream job. 

Source:  

(1) Jobsolv (via Medium.com) : How Jobseekers Can Leverage AI in The Hiring Process

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English | Phrases - Application | Motivational Cover Letter

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Grunge: A Dull Date, the Sound of Seattle, a ‘Time Capsule’

The New York Times has a long and complicated history with the word grunge. Let’s get down and dingy in it.

By Sarah Diamond

In Word Through The Times, we trace how one word or phrase has changed throughout the history of the newspaper.

The New York Times and “grunge” go way back.

“Grunge,” according to the Oxford English Dictionary , was originally “a general term of disparagement for someone or something that is repugnant or odious, unpleasant, or dull.” Per the dictionary, the word was first printed in 1965 — via The Times. In an article, a reporter offered definitions of slang words: “A difficult date is an ‘octopus,’” the reporter wrote, and “a dull one a ‘grunge .’”

“‘ Grunge’ is a back-formation of ‘grungy,’” Jess Zafarris, an etymologist, said. A back-formation is a word that formed when speakers stopped using a suffix or prefix that had been attached to a longer word. Kory Stamper, a lexicographer at Dictionary.com, said the origin of “grungy” was unknown but that it most likely came into being in the mid-20th century from words like dingy, goo and gunge, British slang for a sticky unknown substance.

Soon, the slang word stuck to subversive music. According to Green’s Dictionary of Slang , “grunge” was used in a 1973 New Yorker article to describe the New York Dolls, a rock band. But by the late 1980s, “grunge” defined the sound of a city on the other side of the United States: Seattle . Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Mudhoney popularized grunge music, a mash of heavy metal and punk rock. And as the grunge sound reverberated across the country, the aligning subculture grew louder, too.

In November 1992, The Times, eager to cover a hip moment, published a “lexicon of grunge speak.” Megan Jasper, a 25-year-old sales representative at Caroline Records in Seattle, had offered some slang phrases for the article: “Wack slacks,” for example, were old, ripped jeans. “Swingin’ on the flippity-flop” meant hanging out. And “tom-tom club” was code for uncool outsiders. Which, apparently, were some people at The Times: After the article came out, it was revealed in The Baffler that Ms. Jasper had fabricated the words to poke fun at the mainstream media’s coverage of culture. The story behind the prank was explored in a 2017 article by The Ringer.

The embarrassment didn’t stop The Times’s interest in grunge. Appearances of the word in the newspaper peaked in 1993.

That may be because in the early 1990s, grunge itself peaked in popularity. So did grunge fashion, modeled by people like Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana. Loose fits, flannel shirts, ripped jeans, Converse sneakers and Dr. Martens defined the disheveled style. Soon, grunge marched down the runways: In 1993, Marc Jacobs was a “grunge enthusiast,” The Times wrote. “Gianni Versace did grunge,” The Times reported from Milan fashion week, in a “luxury” take “on the scruffy look of downtown Seattle music groups.”

By the late 1990s, grunge had lost its cool. But as is often the case, “grunge” eventually came back into style: In February this year, the reporter Callie Holtermann wrote that fans of Olivia Rodrigo were embracing “grunge fashion from the ’90s” at concerts.

“Grunge,” Ms. Stamper said, has “become a time capsule.”

That’s certainly true for Steven Kurutz, a Styles reporter. In 2019, he wrote an article about how “grunge made blue-collar culture cool.” In the ’90s, Mr. Kurutz went to high school in Pennsylvania, 2,600 miles from Seattle, but felt he could see his community in the grunge subculture. “I could not relate, coming from a working-class, rural background, to so much of pop culture,” he said in an interview. “I think that’s why the music meant even more for me as a teenager, because I was seeing guys on MTV who looked like the people I grew up around. And they were cool!”

For Mr. Kurutz, “grunge” is nostalgic. “I just think about Seattle in 1992.”

Sarah Diamond manages production for narrated articles. She previously worked at National Geographic Studios. More about Sarah Diamond