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How to Start a Cover Letter: Introduction Examples & Tips

Hiring managers may sift through dozens or even hundreds of applications for a single role. A strong cover letter opening is essential for grabbing their attention and inspiring them to look more closely at your application.

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12 winning ways to start your cover letter

Cover letter introduction template, tips for beginning a cover letter.

Knowing how to begin a cover letter in a way that sparks interest is the first step toward writing a cover letter that will impress any hiring manager.

If the opening lines of your cover letter are too stiff or wordy, you’ll lose the hiring manager’s interest. Instead, get straight to the point and impress the reader with your qualifications in those first few lines.

In this article, we’ll demonstrate how to successfully start a cover letter with 12 great examples of cover letter openings and a few tips for writing your own.

Our free-to-use cover letter builder can make you a cover letter in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you.

Our sample cover letter introductions will help you learn how to open a cover letter in a way that stands out and boosts your chances of landing an interview.

1. Mention a contact within the company

If you were referred by a former coworker, classmate, or friend who’s highly regarded in their company, mention their name in the opening sentence of your cover letter for some immediate credibility.

Well-Connected

Upon learning about the social media manager opportunity at StarWon through my former colleague, Jennifer Henderson, I was thrilled by the prospect of joining your dynamic team. Jennifer and I collaborated closely during my two years at Turbofun, where we successfully executed eight high-impact social media projects. I’ve heard great things about the work being done at StarWon, and I’m confident my skills and experience would make me an excellent asset to your team.

Hiring managers are more likely to take your application seriously if you’ve been recommended by someone they already work with and respect.

According to LinkedIn, 70% of people hired in 2016 had a connection at their new company . That’s why referencing a mutual contact is one of the most effective ways to distinguish yourself from other applicants, especially if you’re writing an entry-level cover letter .

2. Express enthusiasm for the role

Employers love candidates who care about their work. They want to see that your passions align with the responsibilities associated with the role.

My senior year of high school, I saved up for nearly a year to buy the first generation Oculus Rift headset — my parents thought I was nuts. But ever since, I’ve been obsessed with the potential of virtual reality technology and have been thrilled to see its presence grow in our changing media industry. That’s why I’m excited for the opportunity to put my passion for VR to work as an Engineer at NextGen VR Corp, and help build the future of virtual reality technology.

Employees who are passionate about their work are likely to perform better, stay longer, and make a greater long-term contribution to the company.

To demonstrate your enthusiasm, explain what drew you to the position and how it fits into your career goals.

3. Show your excitement about the company’s work

If you’re genuinely excited about a company’s brand, its mission statement, or its products, highlight this excitement in your cover letter introduction. Relate your personal mission statement to the company’s mission to show that your goals align with theirs.

As a long-term admirer of the contributions to solar panel technology being made by your team at GreenWays Engineering, I’m excited to submit my application for the open entry-level technician position posted on your site. As a recent graduate from the University of Rochester with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering, I’m confident that my knowledge of PV systems, practical experience performing energy modeling assessments, and precise attention to detail will make me an asset at GreenWays.

4. Impress employers with a relevant accomplishment

The best cover letters demonstrate a candidate’s expertise. If you already have experience in your field, start your cover letter by noting a professional achievement that showcases a meaningful contribution at a previous workplace.

Accomplished

With over six years of diverse accounting experience under my belt, I’ve cultivated a strong foundation in financial management and cost reduction strategies, enabling me to make a substantial impact on any team. For instance, during my tenure at Smith Johnson & Sons, I balanced a $400,000 budget while reducing costs by 20% for a client. I’m eager to bring my attention to detail and analytical abilities to the Senior Accountant role at Walker & Company and achieve similar results while further enhancing my expertise.

Draw a connection between your achievement and how the skills you gained will help you succeed in your next role.

By highlighting specific accomplishments, you reassure employers that you’ll be an asset to their company.

5. Acknowledge a career change

Writing a career change cover letter can be daunting when you’re up against more experienced applicants. The key to winning over hiring managers is to demonstrate how your skills and experience transfer to your target job.

One great approach is to directly address your career change in the opening paragraph of your cover letter and make a convincing case for why they should hire you. This way, they’ll be more likely to consider your application instead of making a hasty decision to reject you due to your lack of experience.

Resourceful

As a self-taught makeup artist, I’m most fulfilled when I’m practicing makeup techniques at my full time role as a certified nursing assistant — for years I’ve honed my skills and made my patients feel beautiful, whether for special occasions or as part of our daily care routine. Inspired by your brand’s commitment to centering women over 50, I’d love to bring my eye for aesthetics, empathy, and incredibly steady hand to your team as I transition to my dream career.

This candidate includes transferable skills and relevant experience working closely with the company’s customer base so the hiring manager knows they’re a great fit despite their limited experience.

6. Demonstrate what you can do for the company

Ultimately, employers want evidence that you’ll quickly be able to contribute to the company after being hired.

To catch their attention, use the opening lines of your cover letter to highlight either a problem you can help them tackle, or any specific hard or soft skills you have to offer.

I’m writing to apply for the Software Engineer role at Jasper Development. With over five years of experience as a backend engineer, I’m confident that my expertise would allow me to become an immediate contributor to the team at Jasper. Specifically, I understand that Jasper is looking to expand their services in cloud computing. At my previous job, I spearheaded a new cloud computing project that generated a 15% revenue increase. The Software Engineer role at Jasper would be an exciting opportunity for me to help your team build up the company’s cloud computing capacity while continuing to hone my skills in this area.

By including the project type, their role, and a quantifiable achievement that added value to the company, the hiring manager can easily see that this applicant would be an asset.

7. Be direct

Hiring managers are busy people, and often don’t have time to read each applicant’s cover letter thoroughly. To make sure your application isn’t overlooked, write a short cover letter that gets straight to the point in the opening lines.

I’m writing to apply for the restaurant manager position at La Fare Bistro. With more than eight years in the restaurant industry as a host, server, and manager, I’m confident that my expertise aligns closely with the responsibilities required of the restaurant manager position.

To model your cover letter’s first paragraph after this one, clearly and concisely state what job you’re applying for and why you’d be a good fit. The end result is a straightforward cover letter intro that makes you seem confident and qualified.

8. Reference industry trends or recent news

Another great way to let hiring managers know you’re a good fit is to mention recent trends in the field or give your take on relevant news that will impact the business.

As a passionate follower of the biotechnology sector, I was thrilled to read about Sinom Innovations’ recent breakthrough in risk reduction through personalized medicine. As a seasoned biomedical engineer with a 10+ year background in genetics and data analysis, I’d love to bring my experience in planning customized treatments to Sinom’s mission of revolutionizing patient care.

Be sure to explain later in your cover letter how your experience has informed your take on the news to show hiring managers that you’re well-equipped to navigate industry changes and contribute to the company’s success.

9. Lead with an impressive statistic

Hiring managers love to see concrete proof of your achievements. Win them over right away by including a statistic that shows off your abilities in the opening sentence of your cover letter.

In my previous role as a marketing manager at Oracle Solutions, I led a team that achieved a 45% increase in lead generation within the first six months, surpassing our annual target. Recognizing that Apex Digital’s commitment to driving growth through innovative marketing strategies aligns perfectly with my own professional experience and skills, I am eager to explore the possibility of joining your company. I’d love to use my experience developing and executing successful marketing campaigns to contribute to the continued success of Apex.

This candidate hooks the reader with an impressive accomplishment in the first sentence, and then shifts the focus to what they can contribute if hired.

If you choose this angle for your cover letter, make sure you follow suit and let hiring managers know you’re prepared to achieve similar results at their company.

10. Use humor (if appropriate)

Hiring managers come across dozens of generic cover letters every day. Injecting humor into your cover letter opening is an effective way to add personality to your application and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

As an online native who’s obsessed (yes, obsessed) with the GoGourmet app, I was thrilled to see your listing for the Social Media Manager position at GoGourmet Studios. Before I started watching GoGourmet’s content, I didn’t know the difference between a ham steak and a lamb shank. While I still may not be much of a chef, I would consider myself something of a social media sommelier. With over three years of professional experience as an online brand manager under my belt, I’m confident my adaptability and hands-on branding experience would make me the ideal candidate to help GoGourmet expand their online presence and user base.

Before you decide to take a humorous approach to your cover letter intro, consider whether it’s appropriate. Some companies and industries may consider a casual tone unprofessional.

Do some research into the company culture to determine whether a casual tone is acceptable.

11. Explain how you were introduced to the company

If you’re applying to a company whose work you’re already familiar with, sharing your personal experience is one way to establish an immediate connection.

When I lived on Park Street, the smell of your bagels baking made me a morning person — and a loyal customer. Before long, I was recommending Bo’s Bagels to strangers on the street. 3 years later, I’m sure you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover an open position at Bo’s as an advertising specialist. I’ve directed successful campaigns for a range of small businesses in the community — most recently increasing foot traffic at a local farmer’s market by 35% — and I’m confident my expertise will help establish Bo’s Bagels as the community staple it deserves to be.

This example uses a bit of flattery paired with an example of relevant experience to show that this applicant is the best person to lead the company’s advertising campaign.

12. Start with a unique skill

If you have an uncommon skill that sets you apart from other applicants, your cover letter introduction is a great place to mention it.

Growing up trilingual and deeply connected to both my Spanish and Arabic-speaking sides of the family, I’ve been lucky enough to participate in a truly multicultural society. When I learned about Borderless Inc.’s dedication to bridging cultural gaps through expert translation and localization services, I knew I’d found the perfect opportunity to leverage my unique language skills and multicultural experience. I am confident that my linguistic expertise and exceptional communication skills will enable me to excel as a localization specialist, fostering growth and success in the increasingly interconnected global market.

If you choose to lead with your skills, make sure to use the rest of your cover letter to emphasize how your experience has prepared you to fulfill the daily responsibilities of the role. That way, hiring managers will have a clearer picture of how you can apply this featured skill.

Need help crafting a killer cover letter introduction? Try using an AI cover letter generator that can help you come up with creative new ideas.

If you’re still not sure how to start your cover letter, below is a text template you can copy and paste into a document.

Once you’ve got your cover letter opening down, don’t forget to pay attention to the rest of your cover letter format .

YOUR NAME Address : Street, City, State, Zip Code | Email : [email protected] | Phone : (303) 456-7876 | LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/your.profile

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

I was excited to see the [Position Name] listing at [Company Name] on [Job Search Platform]. Given my [relevant experience] and expertise in [area of expertise], I am writing to express my interest in the position, as I have long admired [Company Name]’s efforts to [company goal]. In my previous work at [Company Name], I [professional accomplishment], demonstrating keen [relevant hard or soft skills]. I believe that these experiences have prepared me well to [professional achievement goal] at [Company Name].

An engaging opening paragraph can go a long way toward winning over the employer from the start.

1. Include the essential elements

Understanding the main parts of a cover letter is crucial, and the introduction is one of the most important components. Your cover letter introduction should include the following information in the first couple of sentences:

• The position you’re applying for
• The company you’re applying to
• How you learned about the job opening
• A statement expressing and explaining your interest in the position
• Any achievements that highlight your qualifications

Your goal is to hit these points in your introduction concisely . Hiring managers often have to pore over dozens of applications at a time, and one way to make a good impression is to respect their time by writing a cover letter that gets straight to the point.

Don’t neglect the fact that how you address your cover letter plays an important part in making a great first impression. “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “ Dear Sir or Madam ” are classic cover letter openers, but these days many hiring managers consider them outdated.

2. Pay special attention to your cover letter’s opening line

Knowing what to write in the opening lines of your cover letter can be difficult because you need to concisely sum up your qualifications as a candidate and make the best possible impression.

Here are 5 cover letter opening sentence examples to give you some ideas:

How to write a cover letter opening line as a recent graduate

Dear Ms. Casey,

As a recent graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in business-oriented chemistry, I was excited to see your listing on Indeed for a Marketing Associate at AMCOL Corp.

How to write a cover letter opening line that makes a connection

Dear Ms. Nguyen,

After speaking with my former colleague Mary Waltman about the open Real Estate Agent position at Weichert Co., I decided I couldn’t miss out on such an exciting opportunity and am writing to express my interest in joining your agency.

How to write a cover letter opening line that puts relevant experience first

Dear Mr. Wilson,

As a cybersecurity expert with 3 years of experience in online banking systems, I am seeking a new opportunity and was intrigued by your job listing for a Cybersecurity Consultant.

How to write a cover letter opening line that mentions skills and training

Dear Mr. Garcia,

As a responsible and organized NNA-trained notary, I am writing to apply for the Notary Public position with PRA Group listed on Linkedin.

How to write a cover letter opening line that mentions being referred by a current employee

Dear Ms. Evans,

With 6+ years of K-12 teaching experience, I was thrilled to hear that you have an opening for a 4th grade teacher from John Marquez, whom I worked with for several years at Whitman Elementary School.

The examples above are effective because they immediately indicate the position the candidate is applying for, as well as their relevant experience, qualifications, or connections.

Including informative details like this in the first sentence quickly gives employers an idea of what makes you an ideal candidate, and encourages them to keep reading.

3. Match the tone of the company’s site or socials

The best cover letter opening lines are simple, direct, and informative.

While it can be tempting to use cover letter starters that are unique and add flair to your application, you should make sure that your opening is appropriate for the company culture. Otherwise, you risk your cover letter coming across as unprofessional or gimmicky.

Before you begin writing your cover letter, spend some time browsing the company’s social media, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

If they have a website or blog, pay special attention to the tone of their “about us” section, where you can usually get a good idea of what the company culture is like. Then, model the tone of your cover letter after the company’s voice, while still letting your unique personality and writing style shine through.

Still have writer’s block? Our list of the best AI cover letter generators will help you get started.

Emily Crowley

Career Advisor & Senior Content Writer

Emily Crowley loves helping job seekers overcome obstacles to advance their careers. She graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Foreign Language and Culture and relocated to Taipei shortly after. As a writer and career advisor, she takes a particular interest in empowering young professionals through practical knowledge and advice on topics like resume writing, interviewing, and navigating career changes. Emily’s career advice has been featured in online publications such as Global Trade Magazine and Parade. For media-related queries, she can be reached at emily [at] resumegenius [dot] com.

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How to Start a Cover Letter

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25 Cover Letter Opening Examples to Make an Impact

A compelling cover letter is essential for making a strong first impression on potential employers. One of the most critical components of an effective cover letter is the opening line, which sets the tone for the entire document and grabs the attention of hiring managers. To help you craft the perfect introduction for your cover letter, we've compiled a list of 25 powerful opening lines tailored to various industries and roles. These examples will inspire you to create an engaging and memorable opening that showcases your own skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the position.

25 Example Cover Letter Opening Lines:

These are mere samples that you can start of from with your own opening lines. They are meant to inspire and help you aide your own, personal

1. As a highly motivated and detail-oriented financial analyst with a proven record of identifying investment opportunities and managing risk, I am eager to apply my skills and expertise to the Financial Analyst position at [Company Name]. <br>

2. With a strong background in project management and a track record of completing projects on time and within budget, I am excited to bring my expertise to the Project Manager role at [Company Name]. <br>

3. As a professional graphic designer with a passion for creating visually engaging content and a deep understanding of branding, I am confident that my skills make me a perfect fit for the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name].

4. As a recent graduate with a degree in [Major] from [University], I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and passion for [Industry] to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

5 . As an accomplished sales professional with a history of exceeding targets and cultivating long-lasting client relationships, I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to the Sales Representative role at [Company Name].

6. With extensive experience in managing social media campaigns and a deep understanding of online marketing strategies, I am the ideal candidate for the Social Media Manager position at [Company Name].

7. As a Certified Public Accountant with a strong background in financial planning and analysis, I am confident that my expertise makes me the perfect candidate for the Senior Accountant role at [Company Name].

8. With a passion for writing and a strong background in creating compelling content for various platforms, I am excited to bring my skills to the Content Writer position at [Company Name].

9. As an experienced human resources professional with a proven ability to recruit top talent and develop effective employee relations strategies, I am eager to contribute my skills to the HR Manager role at [Company Name].

10. Having successfully managed events ranging from corporate conferences to charity galas, I am excited to bring my event planning expertise to the Event Coordinator position at [Company Name].

11. As a certified data analyst with a strong background in statistical modeling and a passion for uncovering insights from complex datasets, I am eager to bring my expertise to the Data Analyst position at [Company Name].

12. With a proven ability to develop and implement effective digital marketing strategies, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of the Digital Marketing Specialist role at [Company Name].

13. As a results-driven engineering professional with expertise in [specific engineering field], I am eager to apply my skills and experience to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

14. With extensive experience in customer service and a passion for creating positive customer experiences, I am highly motivated to bring my skills and expertise to the Customer Service Representative role at [Company Name].

15. As a seasoned business development executive with a track record of identifying and securing new clients, I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of the Business Development Manager position at [Company Name].

16. With a strong background in product management and a passion for creating innovative solutions, I am confident that my expertise makes me the perfect fit for the Product Manager role at [Company Name].

17. As an experienced administrative professional with exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, I am excited to bring my talents to the Executive Assistant position at [Company Name].

18. With a strong passion for [Industry] and a track record of creating impactful communications strategies, I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to the Public Relations Specialist role at [Company Name].

19. As a creative and talented web developer with expertise in [specific programming languages], I am confident that my skills make me a strong candidate for the Web Developer position at [Company Name].

20. As an accomplished operations professional with experience in streamlining processes and improving efficiency, I am eager to apply my skills to the Operations Manager role at [Company Name].

21. With a passion for teaching and a proven ability to engage and motivate students, I am excited to bring my skills and experience to the [Subject] Teacher position at [School Name].

22. As a highly skilled and adaptable software engineer with experience in [specific programming languages], I am eager to contribute to the success of the Software Engineer role at [Company Name].

23. With a strong background in supply chain management and a track record of improving efficiency and reducing costs, I am confident that my expertise makes me the perfect candidate for the Supply Chain Manager position at [Company Name].

24. As an experienced medical professional with a deep understanding of patient care and a commitment to providing compassionate service, I am excited to bring my skills and experience to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

25. With a passion for research and a proven ability to analyze and interpret data, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to the Research Analyst role at [Company Name].

Nothing Found

7 Ways to Start a Cover Letter

Beginning a cover letter can feel awkward. Should you use formal language you would never say aloud? Should you be direct, or demure?

If you’re here, you’re obviously wondering how to start a cover letter. To put it simply, the first paragraph of a cover letter should tell hiring managers who, what, where, and why. What job you’re applying to, where you found the job, who you are, and why you’re the perfect fit.

Here, we’ll look at how to start a cover letter with grace and confidence. We’ll show you what a cover letter is, give you seven options for starting a cover letter, share examples, and answer your big questions about cover letters.

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What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document submitted alongside a job application or résumé. It introduces the applicant to the employer, highlights key qualifications relevant to the position, and explains why the applicant is interested in and suitable for the job.

The beginning of a cover letter is crucial because it serves as the first impression you make on a potential employer. It can determine whether the employer continues reading. A well-crafted opening can entice the employer to delve deeper into your qualifications and motivations, increasing your chances of standing out among other applicants.

What should you include in the first paragraph of a cover letter?

The first paragraph of a cover letter should be concise and impactful—only a few sentences. The purpose of the first paragraph is to entice the hiring manager to keep reading. It should include the following three key points:

• Position and source

Explain the purpose of your inquiry, mentioning the job title and the company you’re applying to. Detail how you heard about the job opening, such as through a job posting on a specific website or a company referral.

• Interest and enthusiasm

Express your genuine interest in the position and the company. In one sentence, briefly explain why you’re excited about the opportunity and what attracts you to the role or the company.

Initial highlight

To seamlessly transition into the body of your cover letter, include one sentence about why you’re qualified for the job. In the body of the letter, you’ll explain in depth why you’re a good fit for the job, so you can keep it short here. This is your hook that gets hiring managers to keep reading.

Briefly mention a key skill, achievement, or experience that makes you a strong fit for the position. This should be just one sentence that sets you up for the in-depth explanation you’ll give in the body paragraphs of the cover letter.

7 ways to start a cover letter

Here are seven captivating openers to help you write your cover letter and explanations for why they work. Each of these openers aims to establish a strong connection, spark interest, and convey your suitability for the job in a unique and engaging way. Remember to tailor your opener to the specific company and role you’re applying for.

1 Relevant accomplishment

Highlighting a notable achievement directly related to the job demonstrates your capabilities and immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Maybe you launched a new product, spearheaded a rebrand, opened a new location, developed a new process, or won an award.

2 Impressive stats

Presenting a noteworthy statistic or quantifiable accomplishment from your previous experience can pique their interest in your skills, knowledge, and insights. Something you achieved in a previous role, like revenue boosts, sales increases, efficiency improvements, or website traffic growth, are all great accomplishments to share right away.

3 Future vision contribution

Sharing a brief vision of how you see yourself contributing to the company’s growth, revenue, or projects can intrigue the reader and encourage them to envision you in the role.

4 Enthusiastic statement

Starting with a statement that expresses genuine enthusiasm for the company or position packs a punch of personality straight away so they can get to know you and see how passionate you are.

5 Mutual connection

Mentioning someone the employer knows or respects can establish credibility and create a sense of familiarity, making them more likely to continue reading.

6 Problem-solving approach

Addressing a common issue or challenge the company might face and hinting at how your skills can help solve it can demonstrate your proactive attitude and relevance to the role.

7 Shared company value

Expressing alignment with a core value or mission of the company shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in their goals, making you a potentially good fit culturally.

Examples of how to start a cover letter

Here are some examples of how to start a cover letter for a few different professions and experience levels.

Relevant accomplishment

Marketing Manager

As an accomplished marketing professional with a proven track record of driving successful campaigns and strategic initiatives, I am excited to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at Flight Airlines. With over five years of experience in the field, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to leverage my expertise in travel and tourism to contribute to your team’s continued growth and innovation. Recently, I led the successful launch of a new app that resulted in a 30 percent increase in sales within the first quarter and netted 6 million users in its first year, demonstrating my ability to drive impactful results through strategic planning and execution.

Impressive stats

Sales Representative

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Sales Representative position at Network. With a verified background of driving revenue growth and cultivating valuable client relationships over the past three years, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my strategic selling skills to your dynamic sales team. My experience includes achieving a remarkable 25 percent increase in sales volume within a single quarter in my previous role at Wireless, underscoring my ability to deliver substantial bottom-line results.

Future vision contribution

I am writing to express my strong interest in the HR Manager position at Cloud. With eleven years of experience in human resources leadership roles, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my strategic approach and people-centric mindset to support Cloud’s continued growth and success. My vision includes leveraging my expertise to foster a culture of efficiency, employee development, and loyalty, contributing to the company’s retention and expansion efforts.

Enthusiastic statement

Graphic Designer

As a passionate and experienced designer, I’m eager to contribute my six years of creative design accomplishments in the role of Graphic Designer. I have always been drawn to Art’s innovative approach to design, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to work alongside such talented and forward-thinking professionals. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in graphic design, web design, and branding, developing a keen eye for detail and an ability to create visually stunning and impactful assets. I take pride in my ability to think outside the box and push boundaries, always striving to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also convey a message and tell a story.

Mutual connection

Registered Nurse

I was thrilled to learn about the open Registered Nurse position at City Hospital, a facility known for its commitment to community patient care and clinical excellence. My enthusiasm for joining your dedicated team is further fueled by the admiration I hold for Dr. Maria González, whose reputation for compassionate nursing and unwavering dedication to patient well-being is widely respected within the industry. As a passionate and skilled nurse, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your patient-centered approach and continuing the tradition of high-quality care that Dr. González exemplifies.

Problem-solving approach

Software Developer

As a well-trained software developer with a keen eye for innovation, I am excited to express my interest in the Software Developer position at Neurology Labs. In our rapidly evolving tech landscape, I know how to strike that delicate balance between developing cutting-edge solutions and maintaining robust and scalable codebases. The prospect of collaborating with your small team and contributing my proficiency in software architecture and optimization has me eager to help tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring Neurology’s products are both groundbreaking and resilient.

Shared company value

I am thrilled to apply for the teaching position at Montessori. I’m dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions. I believe that education should inspire curiosity and empower students to become active learners and critical thinkers. I’ve spent two years guiding young minds through personalized learning journeys as a Special Education teacher for the GATE program of California. I am excited to create a classroom atmosphere that celebrates diversity and nurtures the innate potential of each child at Montessori.

How to start a cover letter FAQs

A cover letter is a written document submitted along with a job application or résumé. It provides an opportunity for job seekers to introduce themselves to potential employers, explain their qualifications and experiences relevant to the job, and convey their enthusiasm and interest in the position.

Why is the beginning of a cover letter important?

The beginning of a cover letter is the first impression you make on the employer or hiring manager. A strong opening helps your cover letter stand out, encouraging the reader to delve into the details of your skills and experiences and read all the way to the end of your cover letter .

What should the first paragraph of a cover letter include?

An effective beginning should capture the reader’s attention, clearly state the purpose of the letter, and provide a glimpse of your enthusiasm and qualifications.

Here’s what the first paragraph should include:

• Initial highlights

How to Start a Cover Letter (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

When you’re writing a cover letter, nailing the opening is a must. Your cover letter introduction has to draw the hiring manager in, giving them a clear reason to keep reading. That’s why learning how to start a cover letter is so vital; it’s your doorway to success.

After all, more than eight-in-10 recruiters feel that an awesome cover letter is enough to land a candidate an interview even if their resume is only a partial fit for the job. Cool, right?

So, are you ready to make sure that your cover letter opening is everything it can be? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Cover Letter?

Alright, let’s begin with the basics. Before you can learn how to start a letter to the hiring manager, it’s helpful to know what a cover letter is in the first place.

We’ve actually taken several deep dives into the world of cover letters, including how to address a cover letter , the best cover letter format , how to end a cover letter , and a full overview of how to write a cover letter .

But the basic gist is that a cover letter is a written elevator pitch. It acts as an introduction to what you have to offer, with a bit more flavor than you can put in a resume.

In many cases, your cover letter is the absolute first impression you’ll make on a hiring manager. As they read, they get a feel for who you are, as well as what you bring to the table.

Do cover letters really matter that much? Yes, they do. Overall, 49 percent of hiring managers think that receiving a cover letter is important to the hiring process, which is a pretty good indication that they value them.

So, what are the parts of a cover letter? In most cases, a cover letter has:

• Contact Information
• Opening Paragraph
• Body Paragraphs
• Closing Paragraph
• Closing Sentiment

While that seems like a lot, it really isn’t. In most cases, you end up with about a page or so of content. After all, a cover letter isn’t an autobiography of your life; it’s a concise, tailored introduction to who you are as a professional.

Generally, when you’re trying to figure out how to start a cover letter, what you need to focus on are the salutation and the opening paragraph. Those are what make the first impression and usually play a big role in whether the hiring manager reads the whole thing or not.

You may want to dig a little deeper, making sure your opening line really packs a punch. But, really, that’s all part of creating a great opening paragraph, isn’t it? Just keep in mind that your leading sentence needs to be an attention-grabber, and you’re in good shape.

Now, is your cover letter opening more important than the rest of the letter? Well, yes and no. If your start to your letter isn’t strong, there’s a chance the hiring manager won’t finish reading it. That means a fantastic cover letter introduction is essential.

But the rest matters, too. In the end, you want your first impression to be a doozy. It’s just that, if you don’t nail the opening to your cover letter, the rest may never get a glance.

Common Mistakes When Starting a Cover Letter

Before we dive into how to start a cover letter, let’s talk about some cover letter introduction mistakes you want to avoid. After all, a misstep at this early stage can cost you the job, so you really need to make sure you get it right.

First, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not tailoring the content to the position. When you write a cover letter, you are speaking to one particular hiring manager, not everyone who may ever want to hire you. If you don’t focus the content on that specific job, you might not connect with that hiring manager, causing them to move onto a different candidate.

Second, being too generic can come back to bite you. You want to stand out from the crowd, so you need to make sure your cover letter introduction feels a bit unique.

Third, choosing the wrong salutation – or not including one at all – can potentially lead to some trouble. If you go the wrong way, you may not connect with the hiring manager as well or could even offend them a bit. That’s no good.

Finally, spelling and grammar mistakes are a huge deal. They make it look like you lack attention to detail, and that isn’t going to win you any fans.

How to Start a Cover Letter

In many cases, figuring out how to start a letter for your job application is much easier if you take it one step at a time. It lets you tackle everything in succession and gives you a chance to focus on each critical part, increasing the odds that you’ll genuinely nail it.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to start a letter when you’re trying o land a job:

1. Choose the Right Salutation

The salutation in your cover letter opening serves as a greeting. It’s a chance to acknowledge the reader directly, even if just for a brief second.

Ideally, you want to address the hiring manager by name, using an approach like:

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr.] [First Name] [Last Name]

Now, you can potentially add one more option to the list: Mx. This is a relatively new gender-neutral addition that’s favored by people who consider themselves nonbinary.

Generally speaking, you should only use “Mx.” if you are completely, 100 percent certain that it’s the hiring manager’s preferred title. You don’t want to go with it simply because you don’t know the hiring manager’s gender. Why? Well, since it’s a newer option, not everyone is familiar with it, so some hiring managers might think it’s a typo.

Additionally, people may have a variety of opinions about “Mx.,” and not all of them are positive. Since it’s a bit controversial in certain circles, you could offend a hiring manager by using it if that isn’t what they prefer.

So, what do you do if you know the hiring manager’s name but not their gender or preferred title? Worst case, go with “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]” instead. It’s a bit less formal, but it may be better than getting the title wrong.

If you genuinely don’t know the hiring manager’s name – and can’t figure it out with some research – you can try:

• Dear [Job Title/Role] – Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Operations Manager, Dear VP of Sales, etc.
• Dear [Department] – Dear IT Department, Dear Marketing Department, etc.

Those aren’t as personal, but they can do the trick. They at least speak to a particular individual, making it clear that you had a certain recipient in mind. As a result, they are much better than more generic alternatives.

What about “To Whom It May Concern?” Well, we’ve taken a deep dive into how to use to whom it may concern . But, in most cases, that isn’t your best. It feels outdated, for one. Plus, it doesn’t have a particular reader in mind, which isn’t ideal.

The same goes for “Dear Sir or Madam.” Along with being generic and incredibly old-school, it’s also a bit awkward. Plus, it makes it seem like you didn’t even try to come up with something better, and that’s never good.

2. Nail the Opening Sentence

Your opening sentence in your cover letter is what really needs to draw the hiring manager in. As a result, you want to make sure that it packs a wallop.

Usually, you have a few options that can pull this off. First, if you know someone at the company who referred you to the position, you can try name-dropping. Many hiring managers favor direct referrals, so it’s alright to make that connection clear from the beginning.

Second, you can lead off with a relevant accomplishment. This one can get a little tricky to do well. You really have to relate it to something in the role, and that isn’t always easy to manage without using a sentence or so to build in some context.

Finally, you can focus on your excitement. Hiring managers like people who seem passionate about the opportunity, so this route could let you start your cover letter on a great note.

With all of these, you want to make sure the opening sentence taps on the position you’re trying to land. It’s smart to mention the job title, department, and company, as that ensures the hiring manager knows why you’re writing. If it doesn’t fit in the first sentence, then it needs to come in on the second.

3. Round Out the First Paragraph

Generally, your cover letter opening paragraph is going to be two or four sentences long. If you didn’t get it into your opening sentence, use your second one to mention the job opening. That way, the hiring manager understands exactly why you reached out.

After that, it’s time to tap on some relevant skills. Use the job ad to identify high-priority capabilities. Next, treat them like keywords, using the exact same words and phrases to increase your odds of looking like a great match (and getting past an automated screener).

4. Quantify the Details

Numbers stand out visually in a cover letter. They actually draw the eye, as they aren’t as widely used as letters and most forms of punctuation.

By quantifying a detail or two, you create visual interest. Plus, you’re giving the hiring manager some helpful context about what you’ve achieved, something that can make you look like a stronger candidate.

3 Cover Letter Starting Samples

Sometimes, nothing helps bring some tips to life like a handy example or three. If you want to make sure you understand how to start a cover letter or are looking for some samples that you can use as a template, here are three cover letter introduction examples, each representing a different approach.

1. When You Were Referred

Dear Mr. John Doe:

During my 6 years as a sales professional, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of amazing professionals, including Jane Smith, a member of your team who recommended I apply for the Account Manager opening at ABC Inc. In my last position, I managed a portfolio of 25 enterprise-level clients while also boosting sales by 15 percent year-over-year during my tenure. I believe that my penchant for strategic thinking, as well as my strong negotiation and communication skills, make me an exceptional fit for your position.

2. Leading with an Achievement

Dear IT Department:

Over the past 4 years, I’ve focused my career on the world of project management, recently earning by Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Additionally, I personally oversaw five $50k+ development projects concurrently, each of which was finished on time and within budget. I feel that my experience as a leader, as well as my expertise in risk assessment and cost management, makes me an ideal fit for the Project Manager position at XYZ Corp.

3. Going the Excitement Route

Dear Hiring Manager:

When I saw the administrative assistant opening at ABC Company, I immediately knew I wanted to apply. As an office assistant with 6 years of experience, I have honed many key skills you’re hoping to find, including scheduling, report writing, and customer service. Last year, among 50 nominated colleagues, I was even recognized as the Employee of the Year, largely because of my passion and dedication to my work, something that I would love to bring to ABC Company.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, you should now understand how to start a cover letter off in the best way possible. Use all of the tips above, and turn to the cover letter opening samples to serve as guides. That way, you can create an introduction that captures the hiring manager’s attention and keeps them reading, giving you a chance to showcase even more about why you’re such an awesome candidate.

And as always, Good luck!

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Start a Cover Letter - 4 Tips for the Perfect Opening

Here you are, looking at a blank document that’s supposed to be your cover letter.

You have a general idea of what your cover letter is supposed to be about, but you’re having trouble writing those first few sentences.

We get you! Whether you’re writing your resume, an article, research paper, or a cover letter, getting started is sometimes the hardest part.

Lucky for you, though, there is a very straightforward way to get started with your cover letter, and in this article, we’re going to teach you how to do that!

Read on to learn how to effectively get started with your cover letter! 

• What should your cover letter opening contain
• What to include in your contact information
• How to start a cover letter greeting
• How to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph
• 6 Examples of how to start your cover letter

What Should Your Cover Letter Opening Contain

To successfully get started with writing your cover letter, you should include these 3 main elements:

• The header with contact information. Includes your & the recipient’s contact information.
• The greeting to the manager. This is where you address the cover letter by greeting the hiring manager, department, or company.
• An attention-grabbing opening paragraph. The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your chance to grab the recruiters’ attention and get them to read the rest of your cover letter.

Below, we’ll teach you how to do each of them in the right way.

If you’re applying for an entry-level job and wondering what’s the best way to write your cover letter, head over to our article on entry-level cover letters . 

What to Include in Your Contact Information 

As we mentioned, the first thing to add to your cover letter opening is your contact information. 

The header’s essential information include the following: 

• Full name and professional title (if applicable)
• Phone number
• Email (a professional email, that is)

In some cases, you can also add the following: 

• Social media profiles. By this, we mean profiles that are relevant to the position. This includes websites like LinkedIn , GitHub (for developers), or Medium (for writers).
• Personal website. If you have a personal website you’ve created for your industry (i.e. you’re a writer with a blog), then make sure to include the link to your website on your cover letter.

After you’ve added your information, you should add the date and continue with the recipient’s name and address. So:

• Manager’s name
• Manager’s job title
• Company’s name
• Company’s street address

Once you’ve done this, here’s what your cover letter will look like:

And just like the essential DOs, there are also some things you should NOT include in your cover letter header: 

• Unprofessional email. It’s going to be difficult for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is something you coined when you were still a teenager (i.e. [email protected] ). 

How to Start a Cover Letter Greeting

After you’ve properly listed your contact information, it’s time to start writing your cover letter. 

The first thing this includes is addressing the cover letter to the hiring manager. 

Yeap, that’s right! And by greeting the hiring manager, department, or company, we don’t mean using the old-fashioned “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To whom it may concern.”

Instead, you want to show your future employer that you’ve done your fair share of research about the job/company and that you’re not just using one cover letter template to apply for ten jobs. After all, one of the most common mistakes job seekers do (84% of them!) is not finding the hiring manager’s name and personalizing the application.

So, make sure to address the hiring manager that’s going to review your manager directly. 

Now, there are a few ways you can do that. 

The simplest - and most obvious - option is to look up the head of the department you’re applying to on LinkedIn. 

Let’s assume that you’re applying as a Communications Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer. 

After a quick LinkedIn lookup, you can probably find out who that person is (that’s me!). 

And just like that, you have your hiring manager! Piece of cake!

Not a fan of LinkedIn? You can also check the company’s website and look for the “Team” or " About Us " page.

If none of these work, consider using one of the following greetings when you’re addressing the hiring manager: 

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,
• Dear Hiring Manager, 
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear Director of [Department],
• Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team

How you conclude your cover letter is just as important as how you start it. To learn how to ace yours, head over to our guide on how to end a cover letter . 

How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Paragraph

The last, but the most important, part of your cover letter opening is your opening paragraph. 

You want your opening paragraph to be engaging and attention-grabbing to ensure that the hiring manager will continue reading the cover letter.

After all, recruiters receive hundreds of applications daily. Obviously, they can’t spend all their working hours reading cover letters, so, instead, they simply skim your cover letter in a handful of seconds, and if it catches their attention, they re-read it more thoroughly.

And the part of the cover letter that helps catch their attention is usually the opening paragraph! 

Compare these 2 cover letter openers and judge for yourself which one you’d rather read:

Dear Mr. Brown,

My name is Anna and I’d like to help your company exceed its sales target as a Sales Manager. My 5-year experience as a Sales Representative at XYZ Inc. has given me substantial skills in sales. During my last year working there, we beat KPIs by around 50%. I believe that my strong track record in sales makes me the perfect candidate for the position. 

Hello, my name is Mary and I am interested in working as a Sales Manager for your company. I have 6 years of experience working as a Sales Manager for Company X, so I think I’m a good fit for the position. 

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the first example, it’s not all that imaginative. Chances are, every other applicant is going to use a similar opening statement.

The second example, on the other hand, is more customized and personal, helping the recruiter understand why Anna is a good candidate for the role.

In this section we’ll give you all the tips & tricks you need to ace your cover letter introduction:

Tip #1. Show Passion and Commitment

Showing the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the job will instantly boost your chances of getting hired. It’s not a secret that committed employees are more engaged and, therefore, more productive.

After all, research shows that engaged employees are 17% more productive than their peers.  

So, it’s only logical that the hiring manager will greatly appreciate a candidate who shows commitment and enthusiasm. 

As such, these are both qualities that you want to showcase right from the start of your cover letter. Here’s an example of how you can do that:

I have been immersed with human rights since I specialized in Conflict Resolution and started working with Amnesty International. During my 5 years of experience in the field, however, I haven’t seen any organization do the work that you’ve accomplished with human rights. Your dedication makes me want to work for your organization and put my skills to use for the work you do. 

Tip #2. Mention a Mutual Contact (if Applicable)

If someone referred you to the position, the opening paragraph of your cover letter is a great place to mention that. 

Referrals are key to securing an interview, but at the same time they’re not something you can mention on your resume, so take the opportunity to let the recruiter know at the start of your cover letter. 

The idea is that if someone the hiring manager knows recommended you for the position, your skills and qualifications immediately become more credible.

I was excited to learn about this job opportunity from John Doe, who has worked at your firm for five years. John and I worked on an architectural project together for over one year and he thought I’d be a good fit for the role at Company X. 

Tip #3. Prove You Have Researched The Company 

A generic cover letter will not give you many points in the eyes of your potential employers. 

The recruiter reading your cover letter wants to know that you’re excited to be applying for that particular company , and you’re not just applying to dozens of jobs randomly, hoping that one will stick. 

As such, it’s very important to do some research about the company you’re applying for, and in the cover letter, mention why you’re a good culture fit. 

I have always admired the work that your organization does with vulnerable communities. I have always been passionate about social justice and I think the mechanisms you have in place to empower those in need are really making an impact. I believe my previous experience as a social worker could bring value to your mission.

Tip #4. Lead With An Achievement

There’s no better way to grab attention than to lead with an achievement. It immediately gives you credibility and makes the hiring manager curious to read more about you. 

To make sure your achievements stand out, though, do this:

• Whenever possible, make your achievements as quantifiable as possible. “Improved sales by 20% in 2 months” is more impressive than “improve sales.”
• Show how your past achievement is relevant or can add value to your current position. 

As a Public Relations representative for Company XYZ, I worked with the press to improve its reputation and public image. This translated into a 40% increase in customer satisfaction and better public reception of the company’s values and identity. I am eager to yield the same results as the Head of Communications in your organization. 

Tip #5. Start With a Powerful Belief

A short and impactful belief statement that represents your work ethic and professional values is another great way to attract the recruiter’s attention. Obviously, you get bonus points if said belief statement aligns with the company’s goals and objectives. 

However, don’t just copy-paste the company’s mission statement to make a good impression. Rather, use your own words and beliefs to sound more genuine and original.

As a teacher, I believe every child should have access to quality education early on. This is the only way to ensure future generations’ equity and the best chance we have at improving our society. I admire your institution’s commitment to enabling quality education in the most remote areas of our country and I’d be honored to contribute to those efforts by becoming a teacher here. 

Tip #6. Be Direct  

Oftentimes, beating around the bush gets you nowhere. So, a great strategy to follow when you start writing your cover letter is to just be direct about the position you’re applying for and the reasons you believe make you the perfect fit for the job. 

There’s another upside to this. Recruiters receive hundreds of applications daily - sometimes, even for different positions within the same department - so it helps them to know what position you’re applying for early on, as well as what exact qualifications make you the perfect fit for the job. 

I’d like to officially apply for the marketing manager position at Company X. Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked with 6 clients, helping them drive more than $2,000,000 worth of sales. I am confident that my marketing skills and proven sales results make me a perfect match for the position. 

Match your cover letter with your resume to make a better impression on the recruiter and reinforce your personal brand !

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Hopefully, you’re now more confident about how you can start your cover letter!

Now, let’s do a small recap of the most important points we covered in the article:

• Your cover letter opening should contain a header with contact information, a greeting to the hiring manager, and an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
• Your header should include your contact information, such as your name, phone number, and professional email, the date, as well as the contact information of the recipient.
• You should try to find the hiring manager’s full name in order to greet them. If you can’t find their name or title anywhere, then you should greet them using Dear Hiring Manager , Dear [Department] Team , or something similar.
• The opening paragraph of your cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to read your cover letter. Some tips to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph include being direct, starting with a strong belief statement, or leading with a relevant achievement.

Related Readings 

• How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024
• Cover Letter Tips 
• Cover Letter Mistakes
• Do I Need a Cover Letter?

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How to Start a Cover Letter That Grabs Attention

11 min read · Updated on August 03, 2021

Get your cover letter off to a strong start by addressing it appropriately, greeting your reader, and writing a memorable opening sentence.

In this age of digital job postings and applicant tracking systems, many believe that a cover letter is no longer expected or necessary--but thinking this can put your job application at risk. It's imperative to know how to write a cover letter , and how to do it well.

While there are many mixed messages out there about cover letters, one that's well-written can still put you ahead of other job candidates and sometimes be the deciding factor that gets you hired in that it gives the hiring person a good first impression of you. 

In fact, unless the job posting specifically states that no cover letter is required (in which case the posting instructions take precedence), you should always plan to include a cover letter with your application.

What is a well-written cover letter ? One that grabs attention right from the start with the correct company name and address, the proper greeting, and a memorable opening sentence.  

Addressing a cover letter (including an email)

Always place the company's name and address just before the greeting. If at all possible, find and include the name of the recruiter or hiring manager. (More on this coming up.) 

Use the same heading, font type, and font size as your resume to create a feeling of organization and flow. 

As for your name and contact information, there are several acceptable options. Remember that your name is the thing that immediately grabs attention, so make sure it's there along with the contact details. 

Add only your name, phone number, and email address just above the company information as shown below. This gives a recruiter two ways to contact you at a glance. Leave a space between the end of your information and the start of the section with the company's details. 

Here is an example of the layout:

[Your Name]

[Contact Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Name of Recruiter/Hiring Manager]

[Street Address]

[City, State ZIP]

Dear [Name],

Or you can choose to add more information if you like.

Use your name, full address, phone number, and email address in this same space at the top.

[Your Street Address]

[Your Contact Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Use either Option 1 or 2 under your signature line at the bottom of the cover letter.

When I was a recruiter, I liked having all the candidate's information all  in the same place rather than broken up between the top and bottom of the cover letter, so I suggest choosing one or the other. It just makes life easier for the person (or system) reviewing your cover letter. 

This information would generally be on a separate cover letter attached to an email. In this case, keep your email brief, and simply use a closing (Sincerely) with your first and last name at the end of the email.

However, if the email is actually the cover letter then choose one of the options above and use it in the actual email.

The correct cover letter greeting

Believe it or not, this can be what ends your job prospects with that particular organization. People take pride in their names and in their gender status. Depending on the hiring person, they could feel insulted if you get it wrong, especially because you might have found this information with a little research or didn't opt for something gender neutral.

Use the hiring manager's name

You can find the hiring person's name in any number of places. Here's an excerpt from another TopResume cover letter article with more detailed information.

If you're not given the name of the hiring manager, here are some effective ways to discover their name by using:

The job description: Check this document for the hiring manager's name. While it's not generally listed, you never know. If it's not obvious, there's also a trick to quickly discover an email in the job description that might contain the name; while in the document, press Ctrl +F or run Command + F and search for the @ symbol.

An email address: If you discover an email address, it may not have a full name but rather a first initial and last name or just a first name like [email protected] or [email protected]. A Google search combining the person's name as shown in the email and the company name might find you the person's full name.

 A LinkedIn post: A name connected to the LinkedIn job posting is probably that of the hiring professional who posted it, so use that name in your greeting.

The supervisor's title: It's more likely that a job description will list who the new hire will report to — such as the director of accounting — without listing a name. In this case, there are several search options:

Search the company's website for listings of staff members by title.

Run an advanced LinkedIn or Google search for all directors of accounting at that specific company.

Check with your network for someone who might know the person's name or search the appropriate professional networking sites.

Contact the company by phone or email. Tell them you're applying for [job title] and want to address your cover letter to the right person.

Use job titles/department names if necessary

When asked about how to address a cover letter effectively , one of our TopResume Writers states, “ As a general rule, I always stay away from anything approaching 'To Whom it May Concern' (this may be obvious).”

Next, unless you are absolutely sure of the person's gender or gender preference, don't use “Mr.” or “Ms.” in your greeting. I also advise against using “Mrs.” at any time, since you generally can't discern a woman's marital status. 

You can also use the person's job title if you have it along with their last name: 

Hello Director Smith

Greetings Vice President Jones

Hi Accounting Manager Johnson

If you only have the person's job title or their general department from the job description, consider these options:

Dear Head of Design

Hello IT Department

To Company ABC Recruiter/Hiring Professional

Hello Marketing Hiring Team

Greetings Customer Support Hiring Group

Professional titles such as “Professor” or “Dr.” are definitely acceptable as a cover letter salutation and should be used with last names as a sign of respect. Be on the lookout for these and other titles to include.

If after all this you still don't have a name, job title, or department name, simply use Dear Hiring Manager.

Stay Professional

There's another less-common scenario worth mentioning: You already know and are on a first-name basis with the hiring manager. In this situation, I recommend staying with a formal greeting using the person's last name. 

You never know who else is going to see your cover letter, and accusations of potential favoritism (even if false) will hurt both you and the hiring manager. Always be professional in the hiring process.

Never Leave It Blank

All these greeting options may seem awkward, but they are much better than using the wrong name or gender in your greeting, or worse: adding no greeting at all. 

There's no reason to leave the greeting blank when there are so many options that can be used effectively in how you write your cover letter. Including a greeting, even a general one, will impress any hiring professional and greatly improve your chances of moving along in the hiring process.

Punctuate properly

In truth, it doesn't really matter what punctuation you use in your cover letter greeting. Generally a comma or a colon are equally acceptable after the person's name. However, don't include a comma between the words of greeting ( Dear/Hello/Greetings ) and the person's name and/or title.

This is correct for both a separate cover letter and an email as a cover letter.

Check (and check again) before you hit “send”

As a job applicant, it's generally fine to re-use the same cover letter for similar or even non-similar positions. However, you must make it a habit to review each cover letter thoroughly before you submit it.

Double and triple check that you've used the correct hiring manager name/company in both the address area and the greeting. The minute a recruiter/hiring manager sees a different name and company than their own, the cover letter--along with your resume and hopes for that job--will be thrown in the trash.

Next, be sure the position title matches the company. You might get by with this mistake, but a good recruiter will catch it and potentially toss your application.

Finally, review the body of the letter to know that you've included the right set of experience and skills for that job. The section below offers more details on this.

Crafting a great opening sentence

Your cover letter opening sentence should make it obvious to the reader that you're applying for that company's specific position. 

This means you should include the job title in your first line. “Always include the position you are applying for,” says TopResume writer Brandon C. “Customize this sentence to make the rest of the cover letter feel custom as well - even if there is nothing else that you change as you use it for different applications.” 

If the positions you're after are very similar, there's really no need to change other parts of the letter except the hiring manager name and position title--but it's always in your best interests to make sure.

When cover letter changes matter

Start by reviewing all your job descriptions against each other, looking closely and the skill requirements. If it appears that each job is looking for pretty much the same skills and experience, you can use the one cover letter for each of those applications (remembering to change the specifics mentioned above).

However, if you spot any major difference in what's required for each role you will want to change each cover letter to point out that you possess those specific skills and qualifications. If a company wants product development experience and you don't show them that or show completely unrelated skills from a generic cover letter, you likely won't get the job.

Also, check the education requirements for each role, and adjust that accordingly on your cover letter.

Once you have a basic cover letter, it only takes a few minutes to review and change any parts that show you to be a well-qualified candidate for the job.

Good opening sentence examples 

Here are some additional examples of strong cover letter opening sentences from TopResume writers.

I like to begin by introducing the customer as who they are as a professional, including their line of work and a few adjectives. For example: "As an executive product development professional with a passion for transforming new concepts into finalized, breakthrough products and solutions, I am an ideal candidate for your (Job Title) opening."

If someone is a recent grad or new to the workforce, I tend to highlight their recent degree, a few transferable skills, and/or their passion for whatever industry they're trying to tap into.

Niki Beaulieu, Senior Resume Writer

I would always recommend something along the lines of, "As a dedicated and established leader in (career field) with a passion for driving (specialty) operations, I eagerly submit the attached resume in hopes of joining your organization as a valuable member of your (specified field) team."

This is of course just one example, and this particular opening could be broken up in a multitude of ways as well.

Brandon C., TopResume Writer

There are a variety of ways to create your opening sentence, but as the above examples show you should include whatever specifics make sense and will get you noticed, including:

Your current or desired career field

Specific skills applicable to the job

Related work experience

Related education

On-going career goals

And it bears repeating: Always include the correct position title, company name, and greeting.

One final note: Since this article focuses on starting a cover letter, you might want to check out some good sources on how to effectively complete the cover letter , including additional paragraphs and the best way to close your letter. You might also want to review another great article on how to avoid cover letter mistakes .

To sum up, hiring managers do read cover letters , so always plan to include one with your application. It will help you stand out from the crowd and improve your chances of getting hired.

Is your cover letter is cutting it?  Our resume writers don't just help you with your resume . 

Recommended Reading:

What You Should Include in a Cover Letter For a Job  

Ask Amanda: How Do I Write a Great Cover Letter?

• How to Address a Cover Letter to Recruiter or Hiring Manager

Related Articles:

17 Best Skills to Put on Your Resume (with Examples)

Short Cover Letter Samples: Effective Examples for Job Applications

What is the C-Suite? Definition, Roles, and Required Skills

See how your resume stacks up.

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How to Start a Cover Letter: 7 Great Cover Letter Openings (+Examples)

Beginnings are always hard. The same goes for writing a cover letter. You know exactly what you want to say, but you’re not sure how to start a cover letter.

Generally speaking,  the cover letter intro is a place where you should:

• introduce yourself in detail
• explain why the job is exciting for you
• show you’re a great fit for the position

Of course, there’s no single right way to do it. That means that you’ve got multiple options and can get a little creative.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional cover letter introduction, or something more unconventional, you’ll find it in this article — together with a quick guide and cover letter openings examples.

Alternatively, you can also just watch this quick video guide on how to write a cover letter below.

Successful cover letter introductions (examples)

We’ve gathered some really good opening lines from successful cover letters that got people hired in well-known companies such as HubSpot, Siemens, or Lush:

HubSpot Director of Business Development Cover Letter Sample

Account Executive Cover Letter Intro Sample

Sales Associate at LUSH Cover Letter Intro Example

Siemens SCADA Engineer Cover Letter Intro Template

Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

Do you want to know how to craft such a strong cover letter opening yourself? Follow a quick guide below.

And if you prefer to see more examples from hired professionals or find a job-specific cover letter example for your industry, visit our  cover letter library .

Intro paragraph: a quick guide on how to start a cover letter

When it comes to cover letter openings, rule number one is that you should always start your cover letter in a way that grabs a recruiter’s attention from the get go.

On the other hand, be careful and stay professional. Don’t overdo it.

So the question is — when should you pick a standard opening paragraph and when to go with something more creative?

Well, it all depends on a particular job and the company culture .

Take time to research each company where you’re applying for a job and identify its tone of voice.

Are they formal or casual? Look at the job description, their website, and social media accounts and you’ll be able to get the right idea.

Then in your cover letter opening, follow at least one of these 7 main principles :

1. Be direct

Employers are busy people who usually don’t have time to read long texts or overused  cover letter phrases . What they want to know is simply whether you’re a good fit. Why not make it easier for them and be specific from the very beginning?

Let them know what position you’re applying for and use your cover letter opening to highlight years of experience in your field and any relevant  hard or soft skills   you bring to the table.

It’s a universal, yet effective answer to how to start a cover letter.

Cover Letter Intro Example #1

I am very interested in the Sales Specialist opportunity at [Company XYZ] that was advertised on LinkedIn. I am a hard-working and dedicated individual with over two years of extensive industry experience, a Business & Management degree from McGill University, and a strong determination to meet and exceed all business goals and objectives.

2. Respond to the company’s needs

Employers want to know how you can contribute to their company. The first paragraph of the cover letter is a great place to demonstrate that.

Have a look at the job offer, go over the company’s needs, and pick those that you can easily relate to.

Then take a look at your achievements and impressive skills, and use them to illustrate how you can bring value to the new job. Ideally by mentioning any quantifiable results from your previous jobs.

Cover Letter Intro Example #2

Over the course of last year, I more than doubled [Company XYZ]’s Twitter followers and ran two successful Instagram ad campaigns that generated $35K+ in revenue. I’d love to bring my expertise in organically expanding the social reach and delivering ROI to the social media manager position at [Company XYZ].

3. Include company facts and news

Companies want to see that you’re interested in them and their industry. If you show that you already know about them and have done your research, you can make a great first impression.

Browse their website and scour the internet for related news articles. They can provide you with interesting facts that pertain to your role.

It can be anything — a specific event, fact, notable statistic, or an award that the company has recently received.

Cover Letter Intro Example #3

When I saw that [Company XYZ] was featured in Fortune Magazine last month for its commitment to renewable energy and reducing waste in the workplace, I was truly inspired. With my track record of reducing costs by over 30% and promoting sustainable technologies, I’m excited about the opportunity to take on the account executive role to expand your company’s growth and work towards a greener future.

4. Highlight a mutual connection

Referrals can work like magic when it comes to getting invited to a  job interview . So if someone has recommended you for a position or you know anyone at the company who can vouch for you, mention their name right away.

After reading your cover letter, recruiters will most likely want to learn why your referrer thought you’d be a good fit. If nothing else, it will make recruiters pay attention to the rest of your cover letter.

Cover Letter Intro Example #4

I was excited to learn of this job opportunity from my former colleague, Lucy May. We’ve worked closely together for several years, most recently on a complex data analysis project at [Company XYZ]. She advised me to apply as she thought I’d be a good match for this position on your team.

5. Show passion for what you do

Employers love job candidates who are enthusiastic about what they do. These candidates tend to perform better and are more dedicated to their roles.

So if you’re all hyped up about your job, don’t hesitate to infuse your cover letter with a couple of sentences demonstrating your excitement about what you’re doing.

Cover Letter Intro Example #5

I knew I had a knack for writing ever since I was the main editor of our high school magazine. Thanks to my 15+ years of experience, I’ve transformed my passion into a fashion blog with 30K+ monthly readers, featured articles on Time and Cosmopolitan that have garnered over 50K views, and a writer’s workshop I founded for young up-and-coming writers.

6. Open with a relevant accomplishment

Hiring managers like achievers. If you’ve accomplished something noteworthy while with your previous employer, there’s a good chance you can bring the same value to your next job too.

What’s more, it shows that you’re an expert in your field.

If you have any special skills or accomplishments that will make you stand out from other job candidates, mention them right away in your cover letter opening.

However, try to make no general claims without providing evidence. Support your arguments with real numbers and statistics.

Cover Letter Intro Example #6

Over the past year as digital marketing manager at [Company XYZ], I’ve generated $50k+ in revenue, increased organic traffic to our blog by 18%, and almost tripled our social media ROI.

7. Use humor and creativity

Recruiters are human beings, too (shocking). In a pile of boring resumes and repetitive  cover letters and motivation letters , they may find a good joke, juicy pun, or funny opening line a nice refreshing break.

It can even be a reason to call you up for an interview.

So if the company seems to have an easygoing vibe, use humor to bring attention to your skills or relevant personal traits that are needed for the position you’re targeting.

Cover Letter Intro Example #7

Before I flood you with all the reasons why I’m going to be your next writer, I would like to tell you a little about myself. I didn’t learn to hold a pencil until I was about six years old, which made everyone think I’d never pen a single letter. And now here I am, bidding to become your next Shakespeare.

Cover letter beginning: What other things to include?

Now that you saw some great examples of cover letter openings, you may wonder what else can you do to perfect your cover letter introduction.

Well, there are a few other key elements that a good cover letter beginning should include :

• contact information both for you and the company
• headline (optional)
• personalized greeting

To know where to put this information, just scroll down.

Find out your resume score!

This is the place for your and your company’s contact information.

Make sure that right at the top of the page you list your contact details such as:

• phone number

Optionally, you can also include:

• your professional title
• date of birth
• current date
• personal website/LinkedIn

Additionally, never forget to add company-related information . You should always include the manager’s recruiter’s name (if it was made available to you), job title department, the name of the company, and their address.

Left align all of this information. Or make it easy for yourself and choose a pre-designed  cover letter template   and only fill in the details.

Headline (optional)

You don’t have to include it, but it can help you grab the hiring manager’s attention.

In your cover letter headline, you can use numbers, questions, or interesting adjectives .

It can be something like “5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s Marketing.”

Alternatively, you can just state the name of the position you’re applying for.

Salutation (or how to address a cover letter)

Try to avoid using “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” . This form of address, while correct, has become so overused it won’t help you stand out at all.

Instead, try to research the hiring manager’s name online . Look at the job posting, and check the company’s website or  LinkedIn . (Did you know that you can turn your LinkedIn profile into a great resume  with just one click?)

Alternatively, you can address it to the whole team or HR.

Generally, stick to these rules:

• How to address a cover letter to a recruiter or hiring manager:  The best practice is to use a personalized greeting in the following form: “Dear [first name]” or “Dear Mr./Mrs. [last name]” for formal companies.
• How to address a cover letter to multiple recipients: If you’re addressing your cover letter to the entire team or human resources, you can use “Dear [name of the company/department] Team” or “Dear Human Resources” .
• How to address a cover letter to an unknown person: If you fail to find the hiring manager’s name and don’t want to address your cover letter to an entire team or HR, use “Dear Hiring Manager” , or “Dear Recruitment Officer” .

After the salutations, you can continue with an attention-grabbing intro paragraph.

HR expert tip: Christy’s word of advice

“In general, a traditional formal cover letter is the safest bet. But there are times when you can totally throw that advice out the window and have a bit of fun putting your personality on paper! Take a look at how the company brands its ‘voice’ on its website and in the job description. Do they sound relaxed and personality-driven? Is formality anathema to them? If yes, don’t be afraid to reciprocate (while still keeping it professional). After all, you’re not just applying for a job: you’re applying to be part of the company’s culture”. —  Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Key takeaways: How to begin a cover letter

To sum up — the beginning of your cover letter will determine whether the hiring managers will read the rest of it or not.

If you want them to pay attention to what you have to say, make sure your cover letter opening:

• Uses a personalized greeting
• Says who you are
• Shows you’re passionate about the job or the company
• Highlights your top (and relevant) accomplishments and skills
• Mentions a mutual contact
• Reflects the company’s tone of voice
• Is tailored to a specific position and company’s needs
• Uses keywords from the job description
• Is short, nice, and direct

Of course, the rest of your cover letter is important too.

If you’d like to know what to write in the rest of your letter, check out our complete  cover letter guide , get inspired by  cover letter examples , or learn how to  end a cover letter .

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Nikoleta Žišková in 2021.

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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How to Start a Cover Letter in the UK (10 Tips)

Your cover letter opening has to grab the recruiter’s attention, or they’ll move on to the next applicant. We show you how to start a cover letter in a way that compels employers to interview you.

As featured in: *

Writing a cover letter can be a frustrating process — especially when you’re composing those crucial opening lines. Your cover letter introduction needs to explain why you’re applying for the job, highlight what makes you different, and convince the employer to keep reading.

And that can feel like a lot of pressure.

Today, we’ll learn how to start a cover letter with 10 tips and examples to help get the employer interested and nudge you towards the job offer you want.

Tip 1: Understand what goes into a basic cover letter opening

No two cover letters should sound exactly the same — every job is different, and every applicant is different.

However, the opening lines of your cover letter should contain certain key details:

• The job title and company name so the employer immediately knows which job you want
• Your reason for applying , whether you’re interested in the company, share its values, or have specific career goals
• A unique selling point , such as a specific skill or personal trait that set you apart or an example of how you’ve exceeded expectations in a similar role

Here’s a great cover letter introduction that has all those features. These opening lines are well thought out, and you don’t notice that the applicant doesn’t have any work experience!

Speed up the writing process by using a cover letter builder that generates personalised job application letters using details of your education and experience.

Tip 2: Convey passion for what you do

Showing you’re passionate about the job builds trust with the employer. If you genuinely care about what you do, you’ll be more engaged and satisfied in the position — and by extension more productive and more likely to stay at the company for a long time if you’re hired.

Think about what excites you about the specific job, whether it’s the:

• specific field you’ll work in
• service you’ll provide
• type of people or communities that you work with

Here’s an example of a cover letter opening that emphasises passion:

Using passion to start your cover letter

I’ve been fascinated with Middle English ever since laying hands on my first copy of The Canterbury Tales over 15 years ago. Literature is a matchless resource for understanding mediaeval culture, society, and values, and it’s a desire to share this resource with future historians that draws me to the Associate Lecturer in Mediaeval Literature and Culture at Birbeck, University of London.

Tip 3: Mention a mutual connection

Whether someone at the company can confirm your strong work ethic or recommended you for the job, mentioning a (willing!) mutual connection adds credibility to your application.

Roughly 80% of jobs are filled through networking. When you name someone the reader knows, you immediately create a personal connection and multiply the chances you’ll end up on their shortlist of candidates.

Always ask your mutual contact for permission before you mention them in your cover letter. An email or quick call is all it takes to ensure no one is taken by surprise.

Below is an example of how to name-drop a reference into a cover letter introduction:

Opening your cover letter with a mutual connection

I’m Felicia Jones, an experienced social media marketer reaching out about the Social Media Marketing Specialist job opening at Reach. Your Marketing Manager, Terrance Phillips, is a former colleague of mine, and when he heard I was looking for a job, he encouraged me to apply.

Tip 4: Highlight your interest in the company

Explaining what made you want to work for this specific company is a compelling way to start your cover letter.

For one, your application will seem genuine because you’ve clearly written it with the employer in mind. If they feel like you’re speaking to them (not openly reciting your qualifications), you’re more likely to hold their attention and interest.

Signal to the employer that you’ve been following them for a long time by demonstrating familiarity with their mission, values, products, or services. Here’s what that might look like in writing:

Mentioning research in your cover letter opening

With my 3+ years of sales experience and personal interest in your brand, I believe I’m ideally suited to fill the vacant Sales Assistant position at Parkvenchy. I noticed that your business recently acquired a mid-level extreme sports clothing retailer, and my prior experience as a semi-pro skateboarder will allow me to not just do the job but thrive in this role.

Tip 5: Discuss industry-related news

Regardless of your industry, you’re not begging for a job; you’re advertising your services as a trained expert.

Discussing industry trends and developments in your opening lines confirms your specialised knowledge and signals that you may provide value that isn’t already available to the employer.

This cover letter opening shows that the applicant who wrote it stays informed about their profession and the industry of the company they’re applying to:

Beginning your cover letter with relevant news

I’ve worked for 8+ years as a web developer and engineer but have always been keen to break into game development. With Creative England’s launch of new grants for gaming companies to train talent, I felt that now is an excellent time to apply for Team17’s Game Developer position.

Tip 6: Show personality with a creative opening

If composed thoughtfully, a unique or quirky opening line can give your cover letter an edge over the competition.

This approach is only suitable for more casual employers or creative industries (e.g., you’re writing a cover letter for a PR job ). In the right situations, it’s a great way to underscore your strong communication skills .

Starting with a creative cover letter introduction

Dear Mr Vlaanderen,

Do you need:

• Pitches that perform?
• Content that creates chatter?
• Digital strategy that actually works?

Balancing budget, creativity, and client expectations is a problem that puzzles every PR agency. Thankfully for you, it’s what I do best. With 8 years of experience in non-profits and public affairs, I would be a perfect fit for the PR Manager position at Growth Media.

Tip 7: Highlight a recent qualification

If you’re right at the start of your career, your recent education, internships, and certifications might be the most impressive achievements on your CV. If so, draw the employer’s attention to those achievements.

Starting your cover letter by highlighting a key qualification shows the employer that you have the right background to get started in their business.

By spotlighting your qualifications in the first paragraph of your cover letter, you give yourself more opportunity to discuss how they prepared you for the role.

Here’s how one applicant highlighted their education in their cover letter for an internship :

Starting your cover letter with a relevant qualification

As a curious and driven Computer Science student who recently graduated with first-class honours from Manchester University, I’m eager to apply my strong foundation in data research and algorithms to drive development at Candereal Tech.

Tip 8: Spotlight an accomplishment

Whatever you say first in your cover letter is what the employer is most likely to remember, so lead with proof of your hirability.

Beginning your cover letter with a measurable achievement that relates to the job gives the employer an immediate reason to consider you for the position.

You can use this approach in any industry, but it’s especially effective in competitive, results-focused fields like sales or accounting:

Opening with a key accomplishment

Looking to grow your portfolio? Within the past 12 months in my previous role at FarReach, I secured 15 new high-profile clients, including 3 Fortune 500 companies. With my highly effective approach to market research and conversion, I’d be a perfect fit for the Client Success Manager position at Ombersley Recruitment.

Tip 9: Outline how you can help the company

One of the best ways to start your cover letter is by telling the employer how your skills perfectly align with their needs.

But don’t just say you’ll help the company. Instead, show how you’ll be useful with specific reasons like this applicant does:

Describing how you can contribute in your cover letter opening

I’m a professional driver with 4+ years’ experience delivering food in Birmingham. With not a single point or endorsement on my licence and a deep familiarity with your delivery area (I grew up in Birmingham and know every shortcut in town), I’m certain I’d be able to work as a Delivery Driver for Lady Pi from day one.

Tip 10: Share a powerful belief

If you’re applying for a job in education , at a non-profit or social impact organisation, sharing your relevant values or passions will compel the employer to consider you for the role.

Open with a belief that aligns your expertise with the company’s values, and explain how it will drive your contributions and commitment to the role.

Avoid sharing political, controversial, or highly personal beliefs, as these could hurt your chances of getting the job.

Here’s an example of a powerful opening belief statement for a care assistant cover letter :

Starting with a powerful belief

As an experienced care assistant, I wholeheartedly believe that maintaining seniors’ independence and sense of self-worth is essential to residential care.

Frequently asked questions about starting a cover letter

Still have questions about how to start a cover letter? Below are answers to 4 of the most common questions asked about cover letter opening lines:

1. What should I avoid in my cover letter opening?

Avoid clichés in your cover letter introduction.

Clichés will make your writing boring and generic anywhere in your letter. But if you use them in your introduction, the employer will immediately lose interest in what you have to say.

Don’t start your cover letter with these overused phrases:

Phrases to avoid when starting a cover letter

• ‘I am a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional.’
• ‘I am writing to express my strong desire to join your team.’
• ‘I am confident that my skills and experience make me a perfect fit for your company.’
• ‘I am applying for the [Job Title] position as advertised.’
• ‘I have always been passionate about [Industry/Field].’
• ‘I am writing to inquire about potential job opportunities at your company.’

2. How do you start a speculative cover letter?

Here’s how to start a speculative cover letter :

• Address it to a named contact person (if you can find one on your target company’s website) or the company/department name in your greeting
• Outline your interest in the company, its products, or its services
• Highlight your relevant skills or experience and explain how you can help the company meet its goals

Here’s an example of how to start a speculative cover letter:

Dear Queens Quilts Marketing Team, My name is Ben Prince, and I’m an avid user of your website, but I noticed you only post blog articles a few times each year. As an experienced writer with digital content currently garnering 500K+ clicks in organic traffic each month on blogs like Marie Claire and Love My Dress, I can help you build your brand and reach a much larger audience.

3. How do you address a cover letter?

You should address your cover letter to a named contact person.

Addressing a cover letter to a contact person (instead of using a general greeting like ‘ To whom it may concern ,’) tells the employer that you’re talking to them directly — which will make them more interested in what you have to say.

Example cover letter greetings

• Dear [First and Last Name],
• Dear Mr/Ms/Mx [Last Name],
• Dear [Department Name] Manager,

4. How do you start a cover letter without using ‘I’

Here are some examples of how to start a cover letter without using ‘I’:

• My name is [Your Name]
• As a recent graduate with a [Degree Name]
• As a [Job Title] with [#] years’ experience
• Your advert seeking a [Job Title] on [Job Board] caught my eye

You can also view more cover letter examples online to see how other applicants avoid using ‘I’ to start their opening lines.

More cover letter FAQs

• How do you end a cover letter?
• What does ‘Mx’ stand for?

Seb Morgan is a Career Counsellor for CV Genius, where he helps job seekers and professionals get more out of their careers. With over 7 years of experience in business and lifestyle journalism, he's written for a stack of careers-focused publications, including Oxbridge Home Learning, Study International, theHRDirector, and Employee Benefit News, and his expertise includes skill development, interview preparation, and CV and cover letter writing. West Midlands born and raised, Seb has since lived, worked, and studied in 4 countries across 2 continents. He speaks 4 languages and has survived job interviews in 3 of them. He currently also freelances as a travel and culture writer. Reach him at [sebastian] @ [cvgenius.com] or via LinkedIn.

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How to Start a Cover Letter That Gets You Your Dream Job

Published: May 22, 2024

Thousands of other job seekers are applying for your dream job. So, if you want to get hired, you must learn how to start a cover letter that makes you stand out from the crowd.

As someone who’s written several cover letters — including the one that landed me my dream job at HubSpot — I’ve found that a compelling cover letter introduction makes the hiring team excited to know more about you. That’s something a resume alone won’t do for you.

Today, I’ll show you how to start a cover letter that hooks employers at first glance.

Table of Contents

Cover Letter Opening Lines

How to start a cover letter for a job, contact information checklist for a cover letter.

I took some time to study the best cover letter examples , and one thing stood out to me: They all have compelling opening sentences.

To help you overcome writer’s block, I’ve put together some crisp cover letter opening lines so you can get your creative juices flowing.

• It’s uncanny how much the job posting describes me.
• Since [moment you were inspired], I have wanted to work in [company name].
• In [year], I generated [ballpark figure] in revenue, [figure] leads, and nearly tripled content marketing ROI for my previous employer.
• I knew I had to apply when I realized [company name] was hiring.
• I’m passionate about [industry]. That’s why I was thrilled to learn of [company name]’s incredible breakthrough on [breakthrough details].
• It’s likely that you don’t know me, but your client services team certainly does. Now, I’d like to join the vendor that made me a successful [type of profession].
• With my strong oral communication skills, I can effectively engage with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions, ultimately driving customer satisfaction and retention for your company.
• I know you’re my current employer’s competitor. But why can’t we be friends?
• My role as a [current position] has given me a ton of experience in [relevant skill]. Accordingly, I’ve learned that the best way to achieve success is through [important lesson you learned].

Featured resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Start off your cover letter (and finish it) with a bang with 5 Free Cover Letter Templates . These fill-in-the-blank templates can help you impress recruiters and land your next job interview.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

Download Free

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Click this link to access this resource at any time.

The Dos of Starting a Cover Letter

I used to think my writing was the secret sauce that made my cover letters stand out. But over time, I realized there were other elements that really brought them to life.

Based on my experience, here are some things I recommend doing:

• Indicate interest in the company. It’s obvious you’re interested in the job. But how interested are you in the company? I always go the extra mile by explaining why I’m drawn to the company — more on this later.
• Stand out from the crowd. Show the hiring team what makes you better than other applicants. Here’s where I highlight my skills, passion, and accomplishments.
• Dig into the company. Once you understand the company culture, goals, and values, you’ll know how to adjust your tone accordingly.
• Keep your sentences short. I get it — you have a lot to write about yourself. Aim for the least amount of words, though. Three to four paragraphs is the magic number. Always works for me!
• Address the hiring manager by name. Here’s your chance to cut through the “dear sir/ma’am” clutter in your salutation. LinkedIn and company websites always come in handy when I want to get a hiring manager’s name without contacting the company directly.

The Don’ts of Starting a Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter , here are some things to avoid if you want to land a job interview faster:

• Avoid information dumps. I know you’re proud of your skills and accomplishments, and you should be. But instead of overwhelming the hiring manager with loads of information, highlight the value you bring to the company.
• Don’t sound arrogant. There’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance. So, instead of making bold claims about your qualifications, quantify your accomplishments and present yourself as an enthusiastic team player.
• Don’t highlight your weaknesses. Instead of apologizing for a lack of specific qualifications, focus on your strengths and show how you’ll provide value to the company.
• Don’t forget to proofread. If your cover letter needs a second pair of eyes, go for it. Typos and grammatical errors can portray incompetence, so normalize asking your friends and family for help.
• Don’t copy and paste your resume. You shouldn’t list all your hard skills and experience in a cover letter — that’s what your resume is for. Instead, present unique selling points you wouldn’t include in your resume.
• Don’t be cliché. Avoiding clichés involves describing what makes you unique . For example, instead of writing, “I have excellent oral skills,” explain how you’ve used those skills to accomplish something in a previous role. For instance, “My excellent oral skills and unique storytelling abilities helped me close 40% more deals and bag the Salesperson of the Year Award in my previous role.”

• Share a quantifiable accomplishment.
• Mention something they don’t know.
• Start with facts or news about the company.
• Mention a mutual connection.
• Share a lesson you’ve learned in your career.
• Start with your mission statement.
• Express passion for what you do.
• State your unique value proposition.
• Start with excitement about the company.
• Start with an element of surprise.

A cover letter is a lot like a professional bio — it highlights your expertise and accomplishments. The difference is that while a bio is static, a cover letter is tailored to a specific role, which means you’ll need to impress the hiring manager from the get-go.

When starting a cover letter for a job, here are ten methods I recommend.

1. Share a quantifiable accomplishment.

It isn’t enough to mention you’re a “digital marketer with proven success in SEO strategies.” Proven success? Okay, where’s the proof?

Don’t expect the hiring manager to just take your word for it. Toss in some stats instead. How have you contributed to your company’s bottom line? Did your Facebook marketing campaign grow your social media following, or has your blog content increased organic traffic?

Unsurprisingly, while researching this topic, I found that I’m not the only one who believes in starting a cover letter with a quantifiable accomplishment.

Corissa Peterson , a certified resume writer at Resume Genius says, “When a candidate quantifies their accomplishments, it tells me that they get the importance of results and business impact. In our business, it’s all about the results.”

Sure, past success doesn’t guarantee future results, but employers love seeing numbers anyway — stats mean measurable performance.

“Over the past year as a digital marketing manager at [company name], I’ve generated over $25,000 in revenue, increased organic website traffic by 15%, and tripled our social media ROI.”

Why This Works

Employers want to see whether you’re capable of achieving long-term results. By including stats, this candidate goes straight to the point and gives employers just what they’re looking for.

Pro tip: Not all achievements are quantifiable. If you don’t have the work experience to report impressive numbers, I recommend a qualitative approach. Ever received positive feedback from your boss? That counts!

2. Start with something they don’t know.

Hiring managers are busy people. So, I wouldn’t waste their time when applying for a job. That’s why I never state the obvious. They already know I’m writing to apply for the open position at their company, and my resume highlights everything they need to know about my job history and educational background. Why waste my opener on something so boring?

In my years of experience, I’ve learned it’s an instant rejection. So, I start my cover letters by offering something new, expanding on what the employer already knows about me, and presenting new details about what I can bring to the company.

“My resume will tell you I’m a certified content marketer. Your records will tell you I’ve interviewed for a few different [company name] positions in the past. What neither of these will tell you is that I’ve been working with your customer success team to build a new campaign strategy for my company — one of your newest (and largest) clients.”

The candidate steals the show with a unique intro that demonstrates they’re not interested in wasting anyone’s time. Not even theirs. This impressive tactic effuses the kind of confidence that makes other cover letters pale in contrast to yours.

3. Start with facts or news about the company.

You can’t go wrong with company news and facts in your first sentence. These little add-ons show you’ve done your research about the company.

I love including company news in my cover letters because it allows me to incorporate my own values. For example, if a company I’m interested in wins an award for its high-tech solutions, I can sprinkle in a few words about how much I value technological advancements.

Besides facts and news, here are other things worth including in your opening sentence:

• Recently released studies, surveys, or reports.
• Prevailing challenges in the company.
• Technologies the company is currently using.

Let’s see how to start a cover letter by mentioning a newsworthy event.

“When I saw that [company name] was featured in Fortune Magazine last month for its commitment to renewable energy and reducing waste in the workplace — all while experiencing triple-digit revenue growth — I was inspired.”

Not many job applicants will even think of including newsworthy events in their cover letters, so this candidate is off to a great start by mentioning the company’s most recent wins.

4. Mention a mutual connection.

If an internal employee suggested you apply for a role at their company, don’t be shy to include this in your cover letter opening line. However, you’ll need to get their permission first. I find this helpful because it lets me build a sense of familiarity with the hiring manager.

According to Gitnux Marketdata Report 2024 , 70% of employers share my sentiments; they believe referred employees fit better with their company culture.

That being said, be tactful with your approach. When mentioning a mutual contact, I always make sure it’s more than just a name drop but something that adds value to my cover letter.

For instance, I provide context by highlighting how my relationship with the person has prepared me for the role. And if there are any shared values that make me an ideal candidate, I mention them as well.

According to Jess Munday , the people and culture manager of Custom Neon , “the risks of mentioning someone include the possibility that the connection might not have a positive relationship with the hiring manager or may not endorse the candidate as strongly as assumed.”

To mitigate these risks, Jess suggests confirming the connection has a good professional relationship with the hiring manager.

“At the suggestion of my former colleague, [colleague’s name], I’m submitting my resume for the graphic designer position and [company name]. I worked with [colleague’s name] at [previous company name]. She referred me to this job because she believes my proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator makes me a great fit for the role.”

There was no beating around the bush here. The applicant seized the first opportunity to hook the hiring manager’s attention by mentioning a mutual contact. It’ll get them wondering how much of an asset the person is. That’s the kind of curiosity that gets you hired.

5. Share a lesson you’ve learned in your career.

Learned something noteworthy in your previous job? Let’s hear it. Employers expect some level of expertise from their employees. Well, unless you’re applying for an entry-level job.

If you want to impress employers, spice up your cover letter opening line with a lesson you’ve learned in your career. Let’s see an example of this tip in action.

“As a [previous job position] with high-level management experience in the [industry], I’ve learned that the best way to boost conversions was to [biggest lesson you’ve learned].”

Notice how this candidate demonstrates their ability to learn and adapt? They sure are committed to professional development. That’s a surefire way to stand out from the rest!

6. Start with your mission statement.

I’m a big advocate of applying for a role that aligns with my values. So, I wouldn’t want to work in an organization whose vision and mission I don’t share. Our goals must align to a great extent. It helps me strike a healthy work-life balance that contributes to my overall job satisfaction.

If you don’t already have a personal mission statement , you might want to take some time to create one. I’d recommend checking out personal brand statement examples or LinkedIn profiles of industry leaders for inspiration.

Bryan J. Driscoll , owner of Bryan J. Driscoll, JD, LLC , says, “Opening with a personal mission statement […] isn’t about grandiose declarations of intent but about succinctly aligning one’s professional purpose with the organizational mission.”

Bryan further provides an example of how to start a cover letter using a personal mission statement.

“Driven by a commitment to foster inclusive work environments, I’ve dedicated my career to developing HR policies that not only comply with legislation but celebrate diversity — reflecting the company’s core values.”

The candidate doesn’t stop at mentioning what motivates them. They take things one step further by linking their motivation to the company’s core values. They’re essentially telling the hiring manager, “I know the importance of this role, so I won’t slack off on it.”

7. Express passion for what you do.

When researching this article, I was surprised to find that companies spend almost $4,700 to recruit new talent. So, I don’t blame recruiters for using strict screening methods to choose the right candidate for each role. And part of what makes you suitable is your passion.

Passionate employees are more likely to be content with their jobs and stay longer in their positions than discontent employees. In my case, I’ve been a seasoned writer at HubSpot for over six years, and my passion for storytelling is one of the things that keeps me going.

So, if I want to express passion for what I do, I’ll include at least one of these things in my cover letter:

• What inspires me.
• What I enjoy doing.
• My career goals.

Then, I’ll link my passion to the role I'm applying for. The example below demonstrates how to achieve this.

“My proficiency in using design tools like Adobe Photoshop aside, what truly drives me is the power of telling stories through compelling visuals. I enjoy consuming complex information, breaking it down, and presenting it in a simple-to-understand, colorful visual that resonates with my target audience.”

Every job applicant will boast about their skills. Only a few, like this one, will truly express genuine passion for what they do. It’s a breath of fresh air that hiring managers will really appreciate.

8. State your unique value proposition.

Because hiring managers receive hundreds of job applications, they may spend less than 30 seconds reading each cover letter to find out how each candidate can provide value to the company. Why not make their job easier by writing your unique value proposition upfront?

It’s not enough to just state your hard skills. Instead, highlight how your skills, accomplishments, and experience make you a valuable asset to the organization.

George Moulos , managing director of Ecommerce Brokers , shares this sentiment. He says, “Simply listing skills in a cover letter can come across as generic and impersonal. Effectively highlighting skills involves connecting them to the specific needs and goals of the company.”

In the example below, George demonstrates how to start a cover letter by highlighting what you bring to the table.

“With my strong communication skills, I can effectively engage with clients to understand their needs and provide personalized solutions, ultimately driving customer satisfaction and retention for your company.”

I love how concise this intro is! Plus, the candidate shows they understand the requirements of the customer-facing role they’re applying for. Looks like a win to me.

9. Start with excitement for the company.

It makes sense to mention why you’re interested in the role you’re applying for. But to hiring managers, that’s just another bland section of a cover letter. Tell them why you’re excited to work for the company, and you’ll totally blow them away.

For instance, if I’m applying for a content writing role, I could say, “I’m excited to work at [company name] because I’m passionate about content writing, and I think my skills and experiences will be a good match.”

Sure, I’ve expressed my passion for the job, but I’ve done nothing to explain why the company specifically suits my interests. So, instead, I’ll want to highlight how my expertise relates to the company’s goals.

“When I discovered [company name] was hiring, I knew I had to apply. I’m excited to find a company where I can use my content writing expertise to generate organic traffic. I’ve gone through the feedback of past and current employees on Glassdoors, and your organizational culture is something I can seamlessly fit into.”

Employers want to hire people who are excited about working for them. I like how the candidate shows they appreciate the organizational culture, proving that it’s not just about the money — they’re genuinely interested in the company.

10. Start with an element of surprise.

Imagine if you had to flip through a hundred cover letters a day, and each one began with the same cliché phrase: “I’m writing to express interest in…”

Boring, right? It’ll be easy for such applications to get lost in the clutter. That’s exactly what you don’t want to happen in your job search.

Hiring teams need a break from cliché cover letter opening lines. So, you’ll be at an advantage if you quickly build intrigue from the first line. It spurs them to keep reading.

One thing I’ve learned, though, is that if you start your cover letter with an element of surprise, you need to follow it up with some concrete information.

“I like to think of myself as a round peg thriving in a square hole kind of world. What does this mean? It means that my diverse background makes me a well-rounded candidate who is able to comprehend, develop, and execute various functions in business.”

Finally, a cover letter where the job applicant’s personality shines through! That’s something you don’t see every day. When hiring managers feel like a real person is behind a job application, they’ll want to keep reading.

In some cases, you’ll submit your cover letter separately from your resume. So, you need to make sure the hiring manager can reach you if the need arises. That’s why I always double-check to confirm I’ve included my contact information and everything else that belongs in the header.

Here’s a checklist I swear by:

• Your full name.
• Your phone number.
• Your email address.
• Your location.
• Name of the recipient.
• Job title of the recipient.
• Company name.
• Company address.

After you’ve written a good cover letter, though, your resume can determine whether or not you make it to an interview. So, learning how to write a resume is just as important as polishing your cover letter writing skills.

If you want to boost your chances of getting your dream job , I’d recommend following our ultimate resume-writing checklist , straight from recruiters.

Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter

When making a career change, learning how to start a cover letter is a soft skill worth gaining. It can significantly boost your job search and help you land multiple interviews.

If you want to craft a great cover letter in half the time it’ll take to write one from scratch, the cover letter formats I provided earlier are all you need. Whether you want to write a skimmable cover letter or a data-driven one, you’ll find unique formats you can customize to get your dream job.

Remember the dos and don’ts I outlined? They’ll come in handy whether you write a cover letter from scratch or use a template. While there’s no hard and fast rule, following these tips will help your job application stand out from the rest.

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• 10 Opening Lines That Are Straight Up Killing Your Cover Letter

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QUICK INTRODUCTION

You are just out of college and you saw a job advertisement for a job you really like, so you submitted your resume and cover letter – just as the job ad said you should do.

However, weeks have passed by and you have not heard anything back from the employer. The reason for this may be that your cover letter did not capture the attention of the employer so that he or she wants to continue reading and getting to know more about you.

The first thing you want to do is to get your potential employer impressed, not annoyed. In fact, you want to be able to give an awesome first impression of yourself – such that they cannot reject your job application.

So what is the first thing you should do to achieve this? You should amaze them with your well-written job-winning cover letter .

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

Firstly, what is a cover letter?

It is a letter or written communication that serves to introduce an accompanying document or introduces a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). A cover letter helps to show why you are the best person for the job description and how you will be a great addition to the company.

It also shows your capability to communicate your career objectives efficiently and to support your resume career summary .

When it comes to preparing a cover letter as a part of a job application, many job seekers are filled with anxiety about experimenting with their cover letters.

They are usually under the pressure to please the hiring manager, and it that pursuit they forget to show their personality in their job applications documentation.

This is the major reason why their application would look lifeless and will not differentiate this applicant from other applicants. You should let your personality be seen clearly through the cover letter so you stand out from your competition applying for the same position.

After several weeks or months of you searching for the perfect job and you have found it and now it is your turn to impress the employers with your cover letter so you land and stand out in a job interview , so you get the job offer.

A cover letter is the most effective way for you to introduce to the hiring or resource manager who you are, the things you have to offer, why you want the job and why you are the one to be offered the position—but you have a very limited period of time to do all of these things.

Therefore, if you really want to attract the reader or employer’s attention, you have to start right.

OPENING LINES OF COVER LETTERS

Opening lines of cover letters are usually not very specific, but they do not need to be. Abby Locke , a speaker, writer, and president of Washington DC-based Premier Writing Solutions says “Most cover letters usually begin with lines like, ‘In response to your job advertisement, I’m forwarding my resume for your review and consideration’”.

You should endeavor to make a very strong first impression by writing something spectacular and different – something that will clearly express the value you are offering.

You can attract the attention of the reader of your cover letter by:

• emphasizing your accomplishments
• expressing the reasons why you are interested in the job
• stating the mission of the employer, and
• showing how your strongest skills can contribute to the achievement of that mission.

Abby Locke suggests that the road to writing a good cover letter is to start with writing a list of the best three ways you would make an impacton the organization.

You should be able to ask yourself and answer questions such as “What core competencies would enable me to surpass the norm in the position I am targeting?”. Locke also emphasized on you answering how the employer would gain from hiring you.

The ability to convey all these details in just a few lines seems impossible. The start of the cover letter should be very catchy, but not overselling especially if you are a student or graduate who has not even a year of experience for reference.

You should ensure that your cover letter should be professional, but not boring – but be careful, as the borderline between those extremes is usually very blurry.

It is an awesome idea to have several examples of cover letters you can look through to serve as a source of inspiration when you are desperate for one.

Towards the end of this article, there will be few ideas on how to write killer opening lines for your cover letter; but firstly, let us see the top 10 opening lines that are straight up killing your cover letter

10 OPENING LINES THAT ARE STRAIGHT UP KILLING YOUR COVER LETTER

1. “dear sir/madam”, “to whom it may concern” or “dear recruiter”.

It is almost criminal to use a non-specific salutation to address your cover letter as you are admitting that you have not done your research and you do not know who and where are you applying for a job.

Doing this also suggests that you are using a generic template and that you are sending the same cover letter to every employer you apply to for a job.

Do not get me wrong – templates save time and you should use them for that reason as long as you rework it for the each specific employer.

2. “My name is…”

Your name is on your resume, your application form (if you had to complete one to apply for the job) and on your envelope/email which you used to submit your job application.

It is also in your signature at the bottom of your cover letter so why waste valuable space to state your name once again at the beginning of it?

Give credit to the hiring manager/recruiter for being able to figureout your name before starting to read your cover letter and instead, use these potentially only a few seconds you have to leave a mark on the reader by stating something that will convince them to start a conversation with you.

3. “I am writing to express my interest in/for…”

Of course, you are writing to express your interest in the advertised vacancy – otherwise, you would not be writing at all.

Do not state the obvious and move on to saying why you are applying for the specific position and why are you excited by the prospect of getting it.

4. “I have enclosed for your consideration my resume…”

Similarly to the above, when submitting a cover letter as a part of a job application by default you do that to accompany your resume.

The recruiter or the hiring manager will see your resume when they open your application, so again – there is no need to waste their time and space in the letter to state the obvious.

5. “My qualifications for this job are…”

Your resume will list all your qualifications in details, but can mention them in brief in your cover letter too but not at the very beginning.

The start of the letter should grab the reader’s attention and many of the other applicants for the same job will probably share your qualifications, so that will not make you distinct in the eyes of the recruiter.

You can do better when it comes to the opening line of your cover letter – keep reading for tips how you can achieve that.

6. “My first job was [X], my second job was [X], my third job was…”

Well, like this you have re-written your CV into your cover letter! Having your resume in two different places is not the way to sell yourself.

Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to expand and add detail to the experiences and skills you have listed in your CV, as well as to prove to the potential employer that you are the best choice among the other applicants, so use it well!

7. “I am probably not the best candidate, but…”

Oh, boy (imagine the reader facepalm as soon as they read this)! If you don’t believe in yourself and that you are the best candidate for the job, why would the recruiter?

It is good to be modest and not come across as arrogant narcissist when writing your cover letter, but it is not good to set yourself for failure.

Starting your cover letter with this sentence will give reasons to the recruiter to reject your application right off the bat.

8. “This job will be the perfect opportunity to develop my skills”

Big NO-NO! Telling your potential employer that you need this job because it will allow you to learn new or improve existing skills is a rookie mistake. Employers pay you for bringing your skills to their workplace – they are not a training school.

Employers also know that a good employee will not be static at the new workplace, they will pick-up new skills and further develop their current skills but this should not be the main reason why you are applying for a given position.

Instead, you should convince the reader in the first sentence that they should hire you because of the skills, abilities, attitudes, experience, and qualifications you bring to the table.

9. “My mum/friend/family told me to apply for this job”

Even if this was really the case, there is no need for the world to know this, especially not your future employer.

No company wants employees who are not passionate about their work and their industry, as they know these employees have short career span.

They will leave the company as soon as another opportunity closely matching their interests appears.

So, do not start your cover letter with an information about who suggested you apply for the vacancy – ideally, this idea should have come out of your desire to work in that particular industry/company.

10. “Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my application”

Ok, you are polite – we get it. However, you will have your chance to thank the reader for their time reading your application at the end of the cover letter (once they have actually read it).

Again – do not waste very limited space at the begging of your cover letter to say something that can be said somewhere else in the letter.

Be smarter about how you use your cover letter “real-estate” as it will be either a very good or a very bad investment you will make for your future.

HOW TO WRITE A KILLER OPENING LINE FOR YOUR COVER LETTER

Now that we have seen what opening lines NOT to write, let us review few examples of good opening lines and few pieces of adviceon how to write the opening lines in cover letters that can help you bag the job that interests you.

Use Powerful Words

“ As an expert in the field of f inancial planning, I have given financial advice for the executions of projects of different kinds both at large and small scale ”.

Using powerful words to describe yourself grabs the attention of the reader to your cover letter. Display of confidence in abilities is better than false humility.

The job that you are applying for is requiring a certain amount of self-confidence and abilities and you need to have the experience to back up your claims.

Some other examples of opening lines following this rule are:

• The position advertised by you sounds like a great match with the qualifications and skills that I have been able to acquire during [Here mention the relevant study program or job employment]…
• Financial analysis, project management, and research are my passions and areas of expertise. Not only are these my passions, but also I believe these skills are the foundation for any project management professional. As an analytical financial manager, I excel at extracting data to understand where the company’ focus should be.
• As an experienced financial manager and former business owner, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to remain current with the fluctuations in the value of currency and inflation in the investment portfolio market without breaking the budget.
• As an event planner for ABC Company, I ensure seamless communication and marketing between all involved parties. By implementing new social media marketing tactics in the past year, I have doubled the attendance at all events organized by the company.

Kill The Competition

“ While soldiers are eager to battle, strategists win the war. I am an artful strategist of my profession, different from my co-applicants in the following ways… ”

You should be able to differentiate yourself from your competition. Ensure you use your most relevant accomplishment stories to explain your value to the company .

Other examples of this are:

• “Unlike many other project cost managers, I ensure all parties know who is responsible for what, and when each part is due. I do this using my own system that I have used for 20+ years because it works. At any time, I can see the status of all activities. This ensures every project execution is on time and on a budget, plus we clearly see when we’ve succeeded, and what needs to be developed next time.”
• “After spending five years managing the internal finances for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall project budget or draft an inter-office budget in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work consulting executives on their financial strategy.”

Introduce The Leader In You

“ I coordinated the Annual Youth Science Expo which occurred for 340 hours, 30 volunteers in the course of five weeks.”

Show that you can be involved in leadership or management. Breaking down the details allows the employers to understand your accomplishments .

Some examples of opening lines are:

• “Through my years of experience in PR, I have established my skills and strength in social media, media networking and leading a group of team members. It is the combination of these skills that make me the best candidate for the PR Manager position .”
• “I am so happy your company needs a social media coordinator skilled at With my track record of boosting social networking by 55% increase in the number of followers through teamwork and creative leadership, I believe that I’m a great fit.

Kick-Off With Excitement

“ I have been excited since I discovered the opening in project management with your company… ”

Employers are attracted by those who seem to show excitement towards the job as this shows dedication.

Other examples of similar opening lines are:

• “I was excited to find an opening in HR with ABC Company because your work with XYZ Company has been important to me for a long time. I am the best candidate for this position because it combines my experience with HR and XYZ Company.”
• “As a long-time fan of ABC Company’s certifications, I was thrilled to see your vacancy. With my experience cutting costs 48% for XYZ Company while dropping lead times by nearly 20% and boosting quality, I believe I can be of help with ABC Company current market challenges as I continue to expand my personal skill set.”

Quote The Trail Blazers

“ Accountability enables responsibility.” – J.K Rowling. As a manager who has gathered experiences over the years, I sincerely believe that the key to success in any work environment is accountability .”

Have your work ethic described with a quote. Quotes tend to add more worth to your cover letter.

Another example of how the use of quotes works effectively when you are applying for a job position is the following:

• “As sociologist John Hudson has observed: ‘A billion hours ago, modern homo sapiens emerged. A billion minutes ago, Christianity began. A billion seconds ago, the IBM PC was released. A billion Google searches ago… was this morning.’ I have chosen this quote as an introduction to my application as a social networkmanager because…”

Use The Culture-Field-Skill (The Bridge) Formula

“ Born in Korea, studied in Canada and worked in China; my blend of cultures and Asian background may just be unprecedented! I am… ”

This opening line is usually used when the job demands a bridge between fields, countries or cultures.

This also can be found in the following example:

• “Having finished my education in international relations and business, I’m interested in the opportunity to combine my passion for exploring cultures with my professional career. Your advertisement for the position as business development manager for the French market, therefore, appears very intriguing to me…”  

Show Your Expertise

“ Two of my best aspects of expertise are financial analysis and time management. In my years of experience in coordinating teams and meetings, I have been able to put these into full use… ”

The right keywords will make sure your cover letter is read. Illustrate your passions, dreams, and goals and use these to meet their needs.

• “ABC Company’s marketing assistant opening is an excellent match to my qualifications. As a recent graduate of X University with a major in marketing and business, I offer solid academic credentials as well as industry experience gained from an internship at XYZ Company. If given the chance, I know that my strong business and marketing foundation would benefit your department, customers, and the company’s bottom line.”

Name Your Referrer

“ In my recent conversation with your financial manager XY, I was informed about the opening in your Accounting Department and thus was suggested to apply for the job of … ”

You named your referrer to provide the employer with a point of reference to go from. The employers will be interested to find out why your referrer thought you would be a good fit for the job – like in this example:

• “John Smith, your financial manager, suggested that I apply for this position because he knows firstly, that software solutions achieved 78% performance-to-goals at XYZ Company, and secondly – that you are looking for a software developer with efficiency and efficacy, which my CV shows.”

Display Knowledge About The Company

“ Recently, your company was highlighted in the XXX Newspaper because of your partnership work with “Company ABC” whose work I follow… ”

Stating your knowledge about the company and their recent events can be a real turn-on. You can start your cover letter stating your knowledge of what they do and why you know so much about them.

Some examples of cover letter opening lines of this kind are:

• “I recently read that your company is #2 on X Magazine’s list of top companies to work for in 2017 in this state.”
• “I read with great passion the article in X Magazine announcing the upcoming launch of your company’s branch in my area. Congratulations on this new venture and it’s impressive $20 million in pre-launch sales!”

The Impact Making Man

“ When I learned that the ABS Company was recruiting new staff members, Istrongly felt that I had to apply. I have always been anticipating finding a company where I can make an impact .”

You should speak as if you are already hired by the organization.

Another example of opening lines such as this is:

• “When I discovered that ABC Company was hiring, I knew I had to apply. I’ve desired to find a company where I feel like I can make an impact even while working as…”

Creativity can bring you the job. Keep the cover letter simple and well detailed.

The first few sentences in cover letters have a loaded task – they are to attract the attention of a recruiter who has already reviewed many applications.

Then they need to convince a hiring manager to go deeper into your background to find out whether your skills and personality match the position they need to fill or whether you would be a benefit to the organization or not. It is your cover letter, it is your opening line, and it may be your ticket to that dream job.

Do not underestimate it.

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• Career Planning
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• Cover Letters

How to Start a Cover Letter With Examples and Tips

• How to Start a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples

Personalize Your Cover Letter

• What to Write in the Rest of Your Letter

Cover Letter Sample

More cover letter examples and templates.

Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

What's the best way to start a cover letter for a job? The first couple of sentences of your cover letter are the most important ones. Recruiters and hiring managers often spend mere seconds scanning your application.

If your cover letter doesn't grab their attention right away, they may never even get as far as the second paragraph. What should these all-important first sentences say? Keep in mind that you're hoping to differentiate yourself from the competition. Your goal is to explain to the reader who you are, why you're writing, and how you can contribute to the employer's success.

Think about why the hiring manager should select you, above all other candidates, for an interview, and you'll be on the right track.

This might mean  highlighting a contact , providing a quick window into your relevant background and experience, or emphasizing a significant accomplishment that would make you an asset to the organization.

How to Start a Cover Letter 

Be direct.  In these opening sentences, you want to explicitly let the reader know which position you're applying for. Hiring managers are often looking at candidates for several open jobs at any given time. Make sure it's easy for them to discover your intent. For example:

I am interested in the coordinator position at ABC company.

Mention a contact.  If someone  referred you to the position , include that information early on as well. Referrals are incredibly helpful in securing an interview, so be sure to mention yours right away. For example:

Jane Doe suggested I contact you about the job, as she feels my skills would be a good fit for the position.

State an accomplishment.  Try to state an accomplishment from your previous job. If you can, show how you added value to the last company you worked for. You might even add the job title you had if it's similar to the one you are applying for. For example:

As coordinator at XYZ Enterprises, I have increased my group's output by 37% over the past 15 months.

Express excitement.  Convey your passion for your work and excitement about the job and company. Your cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself to the hiring manager and to share why you're well qualified for the job. For example:

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss what I have to bring to the position at ABC company.

Use keywords.  If you can include any  keywords  from the job listing, do so. You can mention a skill you have that was included in the post. For example: 

My track history of successfully managing teams and delivering projects on time and on budget makes me a good fit for this role.

Examples of Cover Letter Opening Sentences 

• As an information technology professional with high-level management experience in the IT industry, I learned that the best way to achieve success was to utilize the resources I had by employing well-defined objectives and an attitude of empowerment.
• I am very interested in the entry-level position that is available at ABC Investment Partners. I recently graduated from XYZ College, and my courses in investments, finance, and business have equipped me with a solid base upon which I plan to build my career.
• I am writing to express my strong interest in the international marketing position open at WellCam, Inc. My colleague Janna Doling recommended that I contact you directly about this position, owing to the years I have spent developing successful campaigns for XYZ company.
• I'm writing to express my interest in the editorial assistant position listed on Monster.com. Given my five years of editorial experience and excellent capabilities, I would appreciate your consideration for this position.
• I have a very strong interest in pursuing a teaching career. With experience working at both elementary and high school levels, as well as in activities outside of the traditional classroom, I have a diverse background with much to offer.
• I have the pleasure of being acquainted with one of the counselors on your staff, Eleanor Seville. She let me know about the open position and recommended that I contact you.
• I was excited to read about the administrative assistant job opening at XYZ company. I have several years of administrative experience in a variety of fields, including insurance and finance.
• I understand that you have been deluged with resumes since  Computer World  released its list of the best companies to work for. Mine is one more, but I do have experience that is hard to come by.
• My proven track record of successfully performing complex analyses on various corporations makes me an ideal candidate for the analyst opportunity that you have advertised.

When you're not sure how to get started, it can be really helpful to review  examples of cover letters . You can use these as a guide, but be sure to tailor your introduction to your circumstances and the job you're applying for.

The more closely you  construct your cover letter  to show that you're a  match for the job requirements , the better your chances of getting selected for an interview.

What to Write in the Rest of Your Cover Letter

Of course,  the rest of your letter  is important too. You'll need to use an  appropriate salutation and make your  cover letter closing  polite and inviting. In the  body of your letter , you have the opportunity to pitch your qualifications for the job in more detail than you have room for in your resume.

If there are specific events or accomplishments you feel are likely to make you stand out, you can briefly mention them and explain in more detail should you secure an interview.

Make sure your  contact information  is complete as well, and format your  signature  to match the letter style you are using.

Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online), or read the example below.

Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)

John Smith 37 Oak Street Middle Village, New York 10502 555-555-555 john.smith@email.com

March 22, 2024

Dr. Jane Doe All Smiles Dentistry 5 Main Street, Suite A Middle Village, New York 10502

Dear Dr. Doe,

My former coworker, Maria Rodriguez, suggested that I contact you to express my interest in the position of dental assistant in your office in Middle Village.

I’m a licensed dental assistant with over 10 years of experience helping dentists and hygienists make their patients smile. In my current role with ABC Dental, I have gained proficiency in the four-handed dentistry technique, as well as mastering Henry Schein Dentix software.

I also have the following skills and qualifications, as outlined in the job description on your website:

• Experience taking and developing dental X-rays
• Infection control expertise, including preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Knowledge of several different types of scheduling software
• Language skills (bilingual: English/Spanish)
• Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail

Most importantly, I love people. I consider it a great privilege to help dentists improve their patients’ lives by providing the very best support and customer care.

I’ve enclosed my resume, and I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Review cover letter examples for many different types of jobs, and get downloadable templates you can use to write your own cover letters.

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Writing a Winning Job Application Letter: Tips and Examples

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a formal letter that accompanies your resume and introduces you to a potential employer. The purpose of a job application letter is to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. It also helps employers understand your personality, work ethic, and how you plan to contribute to their organization.

Importance of Customization

One of the key factors that can make or break your job application letter is how well you customize it to the specific job you are applying for. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to research their company and understand what they are looking for in a candidate. Customizing your letter also shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are willing to put in the extra effort to stand out from other applicants.

Brief Overview of Key Sections

While job application letters can vary slightly depending on the job and industry, they typically contain four key sections:

Introduction: This section should include a brief introduction, the job you are applying for, and how you found out about it.

Qualifications: In this section, you should discuss your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Be sure to tailor this section to the specific job requirements to show that you have the skills they are looking for.

Skills: Here, you should highlight your relevant skills and how they apply to the job. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your proficiency in each skill.

Closing: The closing paragraph should thank the employer for considering your application and provide contact information for them to reach you.

In this article, we will dive into each of these sections in more detail and provide tips and examples to help you write a winning job application letter.

Understand the Job Requirements

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to thoroughly understand the job requirements. This involves analyzing the job description and understanding the needs of the employer, as well as tailoring your letter to attract the specific employer.

A. Analyzing the Job Description

The job description provides you with valuable information about the position you are applying for. It outlines the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of the job. By analyzing the job description, you can determine if the role is a good fit for your experience and qualifications.

When analyzing the job description, it is important to pay attention to key phrases and requirements mentioned. These can give you insight into the priorities of the employer and allow you to tailor your application to meet those priorities.

B. Understanding the Needs of the Employer

To write a winning job application letter, it is also essential to understand the needs of the employer. This means researching the company and the industry to get a better understanding of the company culture, mission, and values. It also means understanding the desired outcome of the position and how you can address the employer’s needs.

One way to convey your understanding of the employer’s needs is to highlight relevant accomplishments in your application letter. By showing how you have successfully addressed similar challenges in the past, you can demonstrate your potential value to the employer.

C. Tailoring the Letter to Attract Specific Employer

Finally, to write a winning job application letter, it is important to tailor your letter to attract the specific employer. This means using language and examples that relate to the specific company and its values. It also means customizing your application letter to the specific job and its requirements.

To tailor your letter, take the time to research the company and its values. This can involve reviewing their website, social media, and other online resources. By addressing the specific needs and values of the employer, you can show that you are invested in the position and the company.

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to understand the job requirements, analyze the job description, understand the needs of the employer, and tailor the letter to attract the specific employer. By doing so, you can craft an application that stands out from the competition and showcases your value as a candidate.

Research the Company and Industry

Before writing your job application letter, it’s important to research the company and industry thoroughly to increase your chances of writing a winning letter. Here are three key areas to focus on:

A. Understanding the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Company

Make sure you take the time to research the company’s mission, vision, and values. This will help you understand the company’s goals and the qualities they look for in employees. You can find this information on the company’s website, social media pages or company annual report.

Incorporate the values and mission statement of the company into your job application letter. This highlights your alignment with the company culture, and how your beliefs and goals match that of the organization’s.

B. Identifying the Company’s Competition

Once you have an understanding of the company, you need to identify the company’s competition. Knowing who the competitors are can help you understand the industry as well as the company’s market share position.

List the company’s competitors in your job application letter and briefly explain how you see the company’s strengths overcoming the competitors’ weaknesses.

C. Industry Trends and How to Address Them

The final area to focus on when researching the company and industry is identifying current industry trends and how these trends may impact the company’s future. Use reputable sources to gather trends and predictions about the industry. This will also show the recruiter that you are not only familiar with their industry, but are engaging in informed discussion and contributing to innovative solutions.

Incorporate industry trends into your job application letter and showcase the ideas and innovations you bring, how leveraging them can enhance the company’s position and how you can contribute to any current and future challenges, for which the potential employer has yet to find a solution.

By researching and incorporating the above areas into your job application letter, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the organization and showcase clear understanding, innovative thought and how your expertise can improve the company’s performance.

Know Your Strengths and Skills

When writing a job application letter, it’s crucial to understand your unique selling proposition, relevant experience, and transferrable skills. This information will help you stand out from the other applicants and potentially land the job of your dreams.

A. Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets you apart from the other candidates. It could be a specific skill, experience or personality trait that aligns with the company’s values and job requirements. Start by analyzing the job description and researching the company culture to identify what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

Once you have identified your USP, use it as the main selling point in your job application letter. Highlight your strengths and skills and explain how they align with the job requirements and the company’s values. This will show the hiring manager that you are not just another candidate, but someone who has something valuable to offer.

B. Highlighting Your Relevant Experience and Accomplishments

Your work experience and achievements are essential in demonstrating your abilities and suitability for the job. When crafting your job application letter, focus on highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have contributed in previous roles and how those skills could be applied to the new role you are applying for.

Be sure to use metrics whenever possible as numbers are a great way to showcase your achievements. For example, if you were able to increase sales revenue by 20% in your previous role, mention it in your letter. This will give the hiring manager a clear understanding of your capabilities and how they align with the job requirements.

C. Understanding How to Leverage Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are those abilities that you have gained from your previous experiences that are not necessarily related to the job you are applying for. They can be valuable in demonstrating your adaptability and ability to learn quickly.

When discussing your transferrable skills in your job application letter, highlight how they could be applied to the new role you are applying for. For example, if you have strong communication skills, explain how you could use that to effectively collaborate with team members and clients.

By understanding and leveraging your unique selling proposition, relevant experience and accomplishments, and transferrable skills, you can write a job application letter that stands out from the crowd. Remember to tailor your letter to the job requirements and company culture to increase your chances of success.

Address Gaps in Your Resume or Experience

When applying for a job, it’s important to consider any gaps in your resume or experience that might be a red flag for hiring managers. Addressing these gaps upfront can demonstrate your accountability and willingness to take ownership of your shortcomings.

A. Taking ownership of failings

If you have gaps in your work history or experience, don’t try to hide or make excuses for them. Instead, take ownership of any failings and show that you’re actively working to improve yourself. This could involve taking courses, pursuing certifications, or volunteering in relevant areas to gain hands-on experience.

B. Finding a workaround for unfilled requirements

Sometimes a job posting requires specific qualifications or experience that you don’t have. In these cases, it’s important to find a workaround that demonstrates your ability to still meet the employer’s needs. This could involve highlighting related experience or transferable skills that could compensate for the missing requirement. Alternatively, it might involve offering to take on additional training or work with a mentor to acquire the missing knowledge.

C. Highlighting transferable skills to counter an irrelevant job background

When applying for a job in a new industry or field, it’s common to have a background that might not seem directly relevant. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unqualified for the role. By highlighting transferable skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and learn quickly.

Addressing gaps in your resume or experience is an important aspect of writing a winning job application letter. By taking ownership of your failings, finding workarounds for unfilled requirements, and highlighting transferable skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Crafting an Attention-grabbing Opening Paragraph

In the competitive job market, first impressions matter. The opening paragraph of your job application letter is your opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on potential employers. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of crafting an attention-grabbing opening paragraph and provide tips and examples on how to do so.

A. Importance of First Impressions

Studies show that it takes less than 30 seconds for a recruiter or hiring manager to form an initial impression of a job candidate. This means that your opening paragraph is a critical component of your job application letter. Your goal is to capture the employer’s interest and convince them to continue reading.

B. Creative and Engaging Opening Lines

One effective way to capture the employer’s attention is by starting your letter with a creative and engaging opening line. This can be a quote, a personal story, a relevant statistic, or a bold statement. The key is to be authentic and genuine while still standing out from other applicants.

C. Strategies for Catching the Employer’s Attention

Beyond the opening line, there are several strategies you can use to further capture the employer’s attention. These include highlighting relevant skills and experience, demonstrating enthusiasm for the position and company, and connecting your qualifications to the job requirements.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that sets you apart from the competition and piques the employer’s interest.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, highlighting your accomplishments is crucial. This allows potential employers to see the proven results that you can bring to their organization. Here are a few tips on how to effectively highlight your accomplishments:

A. Demonstrating Achievements in Previous Roles

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your achievements is by highlighting your accomplishments in your previous roles. This shows that you have a track record of success and can bring that success to your next job. When highlighting your achievements, make sure to focus on results, not just responsibilities. Instead of stating that you managed a team, highlight the specific results that you achieved as a team leader.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team of 10 employees,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter.” This shows the impact you had in your previous role and gives potential employers an idea of what you can achieve in their organization.

B. Using Data to Support Accomplishments

Using data to support your accomplishments is a powerful way to illustrate the impact you had in your previous roles. This could include data such as sales figures, customer satisfaction ratings, or employee retention rates. When using data, make sure to include specific numbers and percentages.

For example, instead of saying, “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could say, “Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through implementing a new customer service training program.” This demonstrates the impact you had on the organization and the value you can bring to a potential employer.

C. Highlighting Relevant Certifications and Awards

Another way to highlight your accomplishments is by showcasing any relevant certifications or awards you have received. This shows that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development and have been recognized for your achievements.

When highlighting certifications and awards, make sure to explain why they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, highlighting your Google Analytics certification would be relevant as it demonstrates your analytics skills.

Highlighting your accomplishments is a crucial part of writing a winning job application letter. By demonstrating your achievements in previous roles, using data to support your accomplishments, and highlighting relevant certifications and awards, you can show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization.

Showcasing Your Writing Skills

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, showcasing your exceptional writing skills is crucial to increase your chances of getting hired. Employers often look for applicants who have a way with words, can express themselves clearly, and can craft compelling content that leaves a lasting impression. Here are several ways to showcase your writing skills:

A. Highlighting experience in writing

One of the most effective ways to showcase your writing skills is to highlight your experience as a writer. This can include previous work experience in writing-related fields such as journalism, marketing, or content creation. If you have a writing degree, mention it. You can also share published articles or blog posts that you have written to demonstrate your skills in action. Highlighting relevant experience shows that you have the skills needed to excel in the role you are applying for.

B. Incorporating keywords

Incorporating keywords relevant to the job posting can also help showcase your writing skills. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords related to the position. By including these keywords, you can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and showcase your understanding of industry-specific language.

C. Proper grammar, spelling, and tone

Finally, it’s essential to ensure that your writing exhibits proper grammar, spelling, and tone. Errors in these areas can undercut the impact of your application letter and send the wrong message to your potential employer. Take the time to proofread your cover letter and resume carefully, and have someone else review them too. Double-check for proper punctuation, spelling errors, and that your tone fits the professional context.

Showcasing your writing skills is critical when applying for jobs, particularly those that require excellent communication skills. Highlighting relevant experience, incorporating keywords, and ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and tone are strategies that can help set you apart from other applicants and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Using Power Words and Phrases

When writing a job application letter, it is essential to use powerful words and phrases that can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you select the right words:

A. Selecting Strong Action Words

Action words can help demonstrate your skills and experience effectively. Use verbs that showcase your achievements and contributions to your previous roles. For instance, rather than saying you “assisted” your team, use words such as “led,” “managed,” or “initiated” to emphasize your role in driving projects and initiatives forward.

B. Avoiding Common Clichés and Buzzwords

Although buzzwords and clichés may seem tempting, they could potentially undermine the impact of your letter. Instead of using cookie-cutter phrases like “I am a team player,” try to use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively. Also, avoid jargon that may not be familiar to the reader and opt for straightforward language that can be easily understood.

C. Crafting Impactful and Persuasive Sentences

To make your letter more impactful and persuasive, use language that emphasizes your strengths and accomplishments. Start sentences with action words and focus on the results you have achieved. Also, be specific and illustrate your points with concrete examples that demonstrate your value to the prospective employer.

When writing your job application letter, make sure to choose powerful words that demonstrate your expertise and experience effectively. Avoid using clichés and buzzwords and instead focus on crafting persuasive and impactful sentences that showcase your strengths and contributions. By following these principles, you can create a compelling letter that increases your chances of landing the job you want.

Formatting and Presentation of Your Job Application Letter

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, the presentation and formatting of the letter are just as important as the content. Here are some tips to ensure your letter looks professional and polished:

A. Ensure consistency in formatting

Make sure your letter has a consistent format throughout. This means using the same font and font size for the entire letter. Also, ensure that the margins and spacing are consistent from beginning to end.

B. Proper use of fonts, margins, and spacing

Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (such as 11pt or 12pt). Be sure to use proper spacing between paragraphs and section headers. It’s important to have enough white space to make the letter easy to read, but not so much that it takes up unnecessary space.

C. Guidelines on length of the letter

Longer letters can seem rambling and may deter the hiring manager from reading the whole thing. Focus on the most important points and make them clear and succinct. Remember, your goal is to make a strong case for yourself as a candidate, not overwhelm the reader with information.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your job application letter looks professional, polished, and focused on what matters most – your qualifications for the job.

Sample Job Application Letter

Writing a winning job application letter is important if you’re looking to impress the hiring manager and land your dream job. In this section of the article, we’ll walk through a sample job application letter, analyze its strong points, and provide strategies to improve it.

A. Walk Through a Sample Job Application Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager at ABC Company, as advertised on [job board]. With over [number] years of experience in the marketing industry, I believe I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role and make a significant contribution to your team.

During my time at XYZ Company, I was responsible for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that exceeded client expectations and resulted in increased ROI. My experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation have prepared me well for this role. I am highly adaptable, and I have a proven track record of implementing innovative strategies to achieve business objectives.

In addition, I am a strong communicator and collaborator, and I work well in cross-functional teams. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role of Marketing Manager at ABC Company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

B. Analyzing the Strong Points in the Letter

The sample job application letter has several strong points:

• The candidate clearly expresses their interest in the position and summarizes their skills and experience in the marketing industry.
• The letter highlights the candidate’s successful track record in executing marketing campaigns and achieving business objectives.
• The candidate demonstrates their adaptability and ability to implement innovative strategies.
• The letter emphasizes the candidate’s communication and collaboration skills.

C. Strategies to Improve the Letter

To improve the sample job application letter, consider the following strategies:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, such as a personal anecdote or a statement about the company’s mission.
• Use specific examples of your achievements and accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the company.
• Customize your letter to the specific job and company by conducting research and referencing relevant company initiatives or values.
• Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn by expressing interest in the company’s future projects or goals.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your job application letter and increase your chances of landing an interview with your dream company.

Writing a winning job application letter requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of the hiring company’s needs and values. By following these tips and analyzing examples such as the one above, you can take your job application letter to the next level and stand out from the competition.

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How to Start a Cover Letter: 6 Best Introductions Examples

How to start a cover letter? Just follow our guide and write a cover letter introduction that will sweep your future boss off their feet.

Meet Ms. Roberts. She’s already read 34 cover letters today and is about to open the 35th one. Se sees: “To whom it may concern: I’m applying for the position...”

Ms. Roberts shrugs and moves on to the next cover letter. If you don’t want to be Candidate 35, it’s time to step up your cover letter writing game. Once you know how to start a cover letter for a job right, recruiters will start to like you.

Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:

• How to start a cover letter to grab the reader's attention.
• Expert-approved strategies for writing a powerful cover letter introduction.
• Examples of cover letter opening lines that you can use every time.
• Tips for creating a flawless cover letter opening.

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Want more resources to help you write the perfect cover letter? Check these out:

• Are Cover Letters Necessary
• Cover Letter for an Internal Position
• Cover Letter Tips and Advice
• How to End a Cover Letter
• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
• Internship Cover Letter Guide
• Short Cover Letter Example
• What Does a Cover Letter Look Like
• What Is a Cover Letter  
• What to Include in a Cover Letter

1. How to Start a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and your qualifications to the employer. You want to show that you're a good fit for the job and convince them to invite you for an interview. With that in mind, here are some tips for starting your cover letter:

• Avoid generic greetings and boring statements like "I'm writing to apply for the position" and instead personalize the opening with the recruiter or hiring manager's name. 
• Use creative and attention-grabbing language like personal stories, quotes or relevant statistics instead of generic sentences.
• Always tailor your opening to the company or position by researching their core values, mission statements, and culture to know what they want in a candidate.

2. 6 Professional Cover Letter Introducation Examples

Below you'll find six ways to start your cover letter effectively. Choose the one that suits you best, and remember to adjust it to your needs

1. Lead With a Massive Accomplishment

Start your cover letter with a big professional accomplishment to attract the reader's attention. Don’t brag; just humbly state that you’ve boosted sales by 35%, won an industry award or single-handedly fought a T-Rex that tried to eat your quarterly report.

Which accomplishment should you pick for the cover letter intro?

Well, it should be big enough, easy to measure, and highly relevant to the job you’re applying for. If your dream employer is looking for a person who can boost sales and delegate tasks, start your cover letter like this:

That's the way to start a cover letter. You prove you’re the exact person they need in just two sentences. Here are some other examples of accomplishments that deserve landing in the first paragraph of a cover letter:

• Raised revenue by 30%.
• Slashed project costs by $10,000.
• Boosted customer retention by 15%.
• Delivered all projects at least 3 days before the deadline.
• Led the team that raised customer appreciation scores by 22%.

Saying that you’ve boosted important business metrics is a surefire strategy when starting a cover letter for any job. Just make sure you do it right.

What about this cover letter introduction, written by another candidate applying for the same job?

Most recruiters won’t read any further. They see those generic openers every day, and they’re pretty much allergic to them. But… what if you don’t have a significant professional accomplishment yet ?

Don’t worry. There are other smart strategies for starting a cover letter for entry-level positions .

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

2. Show You’ve Done Your Research

Writing a generic cover letter that’s not tailored to a specific job offering is the most reliable way to get rejected. Recruiters believe that if you don’t bother to research the company’s unique achievements and challenges, you don’t care about this job.

Conversely, if your cover letter shows you’ve spent some time learning about the company, you must be genuinely interested.

So you can start your cover letter by referring to:

• News about the company
• Recent awards the company has won
• The company’s upcoming projects
• Unique challenges the company is facing

Here’s what this looks like in a real cover letter opening lines:

This engineer did their research and found out two important facts:

• The company was recently featured in Fortune for its environmentally friendly products.
• They’re planning to create a new product line (and that’s probably the reason why they’re looking for a new engineer).

So they combined these facts with a relevant professional accomplishment (see the previous strategy) and came up with an excellent cover letter opening.

This opener practically screams, “Yes, I’ve copied and pasted this 100 times, and I’m going to do it again!”

Remember: if the cover letter opening lines are so generic you could send them to multiple companies without any modifications, they’re lousy cover letter opening lines. Tailor your cover letter to each job you’re applying for.

3. Drop a Name (But Do It the Right Way)

Got a contact who works at your dream company? Leverage this relationship and drop a name in your cover letter. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Don’t pretend you know someone when you actually don’t. It’s easy to spot a lie like that.
• Consider contacting the person that you’re going to mention. Check that they’re OK with being featured in your cover letter.
• Keep your cover letter intro short, and don’t tell the entire story of how you met your contact.

This is how to start a cover letter right: 

This cover letter opener draws the reader’s attention by mentioning a relevant contact. The recruiter will likely think, “Well, if Jake can vouch for this person, they must be really worth considering.”

However, name-dropping can backfire if done wrong:

This attempt to drop a name comes off as awkward bragging. And if the candidate is lying, their chances of getting a job are automatically reduced to absolute zero.

4. Confess Your Passion

Another strategy for starting a cover letter introduction is demonstrating your passion and excitement about the company and the job. It works especially well when you’re applying for an entry-level job and are writing a cover letter with no experience (or very little experience).

However, there’s one important thing to remember:

If your first paragraph is so generic that it can be copied and pasted into a different cover letter, all of your enthusiasm will look fake, and this strategy will backfire.

Let’s look at two examples to illustrate this point:

This junior graphic designer doesn’t just show excitement about Storinger in general. He refers to a specific campaign, which suggests he’s genuinely interested in what this specific agency does.

Here’s another example:

Replace Storinger with any other company name, and you can copy and paste this cover letter introduction as many times as you want.

This is like trying to impress your crush with a bouquet of plastic flowers. Don’t try this.

5. Make an Offer They Can’t Refuse

Why do businesses hire new employees? Pick the right answer:

• Hiring more people gives the CEO’s self-esteem a boost.
• Businesses expect new employees to bring value by doing their job.
• Their current employees get bored and want some new colleagues to talk to.

Spoiler: the answer is 2. Offering to bring considerable value to the company is another great way to start a cover letter. Like this:

Offering to cut a company’s costs by 30% sounds pretty much irresistible if you ask us.

This candidate clearly doesn’t care about bringing value to the company. All they want is a job where they can earn a paycheck for a while—until a better job pops up.

6. Be Funny

This strategy can be risky because your joke can fall flat and backfire massively . But, on the other hand, if you actually put a grin on the hiring manager’s face, they’ll start liking you even before they finish reading your cover letter.

Before you opt for starting the cover letter with a funny introduction, re-read the job ad and check out the company’s website. Are they even remotely humorous? If not, play safe and don’t try to make your cover letter funny.

But if the company’s communication style allows for humor, writing a grin-inducing cover letter intro might be a good idea. However, always make sure that your opening paragraph matches the company’s sense of humor.

Here's an example of how to start a cover letter with a dose of humor:

If this kind of humor resonates with the company’s brand voice and the managers’ personalities, this cover letter will likely get this Android dev a new job.

This cover letter opener ranks somewhere between weird and straight-out distasteful, depending on what kind of company this person is applying to.

Before including a joke in your cover letter, think of all the possible ways it can fall flat, offend someone, or just make you look painfully unprofessional.

Double-Check Your Cover Letter Introduction & Salutation

After you’ve crafted your cover letter opening, it’s a good idea to double-check the cover letter header (the part with the names and addresses) and the salutation. And here’s what you should do:

Use a Proven Cover Letter Introduction Template Like This One

Your cover letter header should look like this:

[Your First and Last Name]

[Your Job Title or Branding Statement] (optional)

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Today’s Date / Date of Writing]

[Hiring Manager’s First and Last Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Professional Title]

[Name of Company]

[Company Street Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Put all this information in the top left corner and check for typos. Accidentally misspelling the hiring manager’s name can sabotage your entire job application!

Make Sure You’ve Picked the Right Salutation

The header is followed by a salutation. The best options are:

• Dear Mr. / Ms. Lastname,
• Dear Firstname Lastname,
• Dear Firstname,

Which one should you pick to open your cover letter?

Opt for Mr. / Ms. Lastname if you’re applying for a corporate or government job—or pretty much any job with a strict hierarchy and a formal workplace culture.

If the hiring manager has a unisex name and you don’t know whether to put Mr. or Ms., you have two options:

• Do a quick LinkedIn search and hope to find a picture of them.
• If you can’t, just write Dear Firstname Lastname . This is definitely better than making a mistake about their gender.

Last but not least, if you’re applying for a job at a company that clearly has a more relaxed culture, like a startup, it’s OK to address the hiring manager by their first name only.

Tip: How to Start Off a Cover Letter Without a Name

It’s best to address your cover letter to a specific person, so do your best to find their name. Search LinkedIn, browse the company’s website, or maybe just call the company and ask.

If everything fails, write Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Hiring Team .

Expert Hint: Never start your cover letter with To whom it may concern or Dear Sir or Madam . These salutations are painfully outdated and sound outright lazy.

Check out our guide on  addressing a cover letter to make sure you’re not making a mistake that will put the recruiter off.

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Key Takeaways

There’s more than one how you can start a cover letter:

• Mention a big accomplishment.
• Begin with a fact about the company.
• Mention a mutual connection.
• Impress the reader with your passion and enthusiasm.
• Make an irresistible offer.
• Start with a joke.

All of these strategies can backfire if you’re not careful. To make sure they work, always do your research and avoid generic cover letter openers that aren’t closely tailored to a specific company.

Still unsure how to start your cover letter? Got a story to tell? Leave us a comment—let’s get the discussion started!  

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Olga is a career expert with a background in teaching. At ResumeLab, she writes actionable guides to help job-seekers highlight their unique strengths and unlock their career potential.

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