best start to a cover letter

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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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