How To Start Your A Cover Letter [Guide and 20+ Examples]
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How to Start a Cover Letter for a Job
Whether you’re writing a cover letter for a job, a letter of intent or a letter of interest, mastering the opening is essential to grab a recruiter’s attention fast. It’s the first impression you make and a chance to showcase your professionalism.
We’ll show you how to write a cover letter opening that hooks hiring managers. Let’s get started.
Components to start your cover letter
Header, including your name, position and contact information.- Addressee’s details, including their name, title and company name.
- A formal and personalized greeting to address the recipient.
- A compelling opening that immediately grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for your letter.
We’ll show you how to add these introductory parts to your cover letter and what information to include.
Write a Cover Letter Opening in 3 Steps
From structuring your letter’s header correctly to crafting an attention-grabbing opening, we’ll explore three key components of initiating a cover letter for an internship or job, including its format.Format your header
How you present your contact information and the recipient’s address speaks volumes about your attention to detail and professionalism. Begin with your full name, position, and contact details aligned with the left margin. Below, always include the recipient’s full name, title, company address and name. Separate each detail with a line break and align them to the left margin.
Contact information example:Greet the hiring manager
Now it’s time to address the hiring manager, the recipient of your letter. If you know the hiring manager’s name and title, use a formal salutation like “Dear Mr. Smith,” or “Dear Dr. Johnson.” If you can’t find a specific name despite your research, it’s acceptable to use a respectful generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Customer Service Team.”
If you can’t find a name, check the company website or LinkedIn or call the reception desk
In cases where the name is gender-neutral, or you are unsure about the gender, you can use the full name without a title, like “Dear Alex Johnson,” or opt for a gender-neutral title, such as “Dear Mx. Smith.” Whether you use a comma or a colon after the greeting can depend on the level of formality you wish to convey; a colon is more formal, while a comma is commonly used and generally acceptable.
Write a compelling opening paragraph.
Your cover letter’s opening paragraph should capture the reader’s attention and quickly establish why you are a strong candidate for the job. Keep these tips in mind when writing this opening paragraph:
- Introduce yourself: Briefly introduce yourself with your current role or professional designation.
- Reason for writing: Clearly state the position you are applying for.
- Connection to the company: Mention any specific reason that attracts you to the company or role, such as shared values or admired initiatives.
- Highlight a key achievement: Include a standout accomplishment that aligns with the job requirements to showcase your suitability immediately.
Good example of a cover letter opening:
I am writing to express my interest in the marketing coordinator position at ABC Company, as advertised on your company website. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for innovative strategies, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your dynamic team.
This example effectively follows the standard format, including the sender’s contact information, the recipient’s details and a personalized greeting. The use of specific details, such as the sender’s background in digital marketing and enthusiasm for innovative strategies, demonstrates relevance and enthusiasm for the position.
Poor example of a cover letter opening:
I am interested in the job opening at your company. I have experience in various roles and believe I would be a good fit for the position. Thank you for considering my application.
The bad example lacks personalization and fails to capture the recipient’s attention. The use of “To Whom It May Concern” is generic and impersonal, indicating a lack of effort in researching the recipient’s name. Additionally, the sender’s statement needs more specificity and enthusiasm, merely stating interest without providing compelling reasons or relevant qualifications.
Cover Letter Examples by Job Industry
8 Different Ways to Start a Cover Letter
Creating an engaging opening paragraph for your cover letter is essential for making a lasting impression on potential employers. Let’s explore eight approaches you can take to craft an engaging opening that showcases your enthusiasm and qualifications.
1Direct introduction
Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you’re applying for. This straightforward approach immediately clarifies your intentions and sets the tone for the rest of your letter.
Examples
“I am writing to apply for the marketing coordinator position at Pacific View. With a strong background in digital marketing and a passion for brand storytelling, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.” “As a seasoned graphic designer with five years of experience, I am thrilled to submit my application for the senior designer role at Potomac Design Studios.”2Start with an enthusiastic statement
Express genuine excitement about the job opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest. This approach helps to convey your motivation and eagerness to be part of the team.
Examples
“I was thrilled to discover the opening for the sales associate position at Denim Core. With my proven track record in exceeding sales targets and delivering exceptional customer service, I am eager to bring my skills to your esteemed organization.” “The opportunity to join the innovative team at DEF Tech as a Software Developer has me genuinely excited. With my passion for coding and commitment to developing cutting-edge software solutions, I am eager to contribute to your company’s success.”3Mention a mutual connection
If you were referred by a mutual connection or a current employee, mention their name in your opening paragraph. This helps establish a personal connection and may pique the reader’s interest.
Examples
“Jane Smith, your current marketing director, referred me to the project manager position at Ville Nye. Her enthusiasm for the company and its culture has inspired me to pursue this exciting opportunity.” “John Doe, a former colleague, recommended that I reach out regarding the product specialist position at Duty Bright. His insights into the company’s innovative projects and collaborative environment have motivated me to apply.”4Praise the company
Begin your cover letter by complimenting the company or highlighting recent achievements. This demonstrates your research and genuine interest in the organization, setting a positive tone for your application.
Examples
“I have long admired Green Paradise’s commitment to innovation and recent contributions to sustainable practices in the industry. Your dedication to environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with my values and career aspirations.” “Congratulations on Latitude 18’s recent expansion into new markets. Your company’s strategic vision and dedication to excellence have solidified its reputation as a leader in the industry, and I am excited about the opportunity to be part of your continued success.”5Add a personal anecdote
Share a brief personal story or experience related to the job or company. This helps to humanize your application and create a connection with the reader.
Examples
“As a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to the environmental specialist position at Eco Solutions. My experiences hiking and camping in various national parks have instilled a deep appreciation for environmental conservation, making this role a perfect fit for my passions and skills.” “Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, I developed a strong interest in business and innovation from a young age. This background has fueled my ambition to pursue a career in startup development, making the startup analyst position at Startup Innovations an ideal opportunity to apply my skills and contribute to the growth of innovative ventures.”6Solve a problem
Address a specific challenge or need the company faces and offer to help solve it. This proactive approach demonstrates your initiative and problem-solving abilities, setting you apart as a proactive candidate.
Examples
“With my extensive experience in customer service and a track record of improving client satisfaction rates, I am confident in my ability to contribute to resolving the customer retention challenges currently faced by Truck-Oh.” “As a data-driven marketer, I have consistently identified opportunities for optimization and implemented strategies to drive measurable results. I am excited to leverage my analytical skills to tackle the marketing analytics challenges at 90 Market and drive strategic decision-making.”7Highlight an achievement
Showcase a relevant accomplishment or skill that makes you a strong candidate. This approach helps demonstrate your value and suitability for the role.
Examples
“Having successfully led a team in launching a new product line, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my strategic planning and project management skills to the product manager position at Noon Solutions.” “As a seasoned educator with a proven track record of implementing innovative teaching methods and driving student engagement, I am eager to apply my expertise as the Education Program Manager at Big Brain Foundation.”8Describe future contributions
Describe how you envision contributing to the company’s success. This approach demonstrates your proactive mindset and alignment with the company’s goals.
Examples
“I am eager to leverage my data analysis and marketing background to drive impactful marketing campaigns as the marketing analyst at TelePorter.” “With my passion for social media marketing and a keen eye for emerging trends, I am excited to spearhead innovative social media strategies as the Social Media Manager at Fluid Agency.”20 Examples of Opening Sentences for Cover Letters
Recruiters often sift through hundreds of applications for a single job posting, making it essential to make a strong impression from the start. Here are 20 great opening sentences to consider:1
I am writing to express my interest in the marketing coordinator position at Acme Marketing Solutions.2
As a passionate graphic designer with five years of experience, I was excited to discover the opening for a senior designer at Creative Designs Inc.3
With a proven track record of increasing sales by 20% last quarter, I am thrilled to apply for the sales manager position at Dynamic Sales Agency.4
I am eager to bring my expertise in digital marketing to the social media specialist role at Bright Digital Marketing Agency, as I am confident in my ability to drive engagement and brand awareness.5
Having recently graduated with a degree in Finance from Oklahoma City University, I am excited about the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in the financial analyst position at Financial Solutions Ltd.6
After learning about the innovative projects at Tech Innovations Inc., I was inspired to apply for the software developer role to contribute to its continued success.7
As a dedicated customer service representative with a passion for problem-solving, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the team at Service Excellence Co. as a customer experience specialist.8
With my background in project management and a strong desire to drive organizational change, I am eager to pursue the change management consultant position at Transformation Experts Ltd.9
I am writing to express my interest in the human resources coordinator position at Talent Management Solutions, as I am drawn to the company’s commitment to employee development.10
As a detail-oriented event planner focusing on creating memorable experiences, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to the event coordinator role at Dream Events Planning.11
After reading about the recent expansion plans at Float Enterprises Inc., I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to the business development manager position.12
With my background in healthcare administration and a passion for improving patient outcomes, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the innovative team at Health Solutions Group as a healthcare administrator.13
I am excited to apply for the marketing assistant position at Creative Marketing Agency, as it aligns perfectly with my skills and interests in digital marketing.14
Having admired Innovate Solutions’ commitment to sustainability, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute as an environmental specialist.15
As a motivated sales representative with experience in account management, I am eager to bring my skills to the account executive role at Sales Solutions Inc.16
With a passion for technology and a drive to innovate, I am excited about the opportunity to pursue the software engineer position at Tech Solutions Ltd.17
I was drawn to the product manager opportunity at Product Innovations Inc. because of its focus on product development. I am eager to leverage my skills and experience in this role.18
After learning about the recent expansion plans at Left Enterprises Inc., I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the team as the operations manager and contribute to its future success.19
With my background in graphic design and a passion for visual storytelling, I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills to the graphic designer position at Creative Designs Inc.20
I am writing to express my interest in the marketing specialist position at Bright Marketing Solutions. With my experience in digital marketing and a commitment to driving results, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
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Key Takeaways
FAQ
How do I address the recipient if I don't know their name?
When the recipient's name is unknown, use a professional salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruiting Team." Avoid generic greetings like "To Whom It May Concern."
What's the best way to grab the reader's attention in the opening sentence?
Start with a compelling hook, such as a notable achievement, a relevant quote or a captivating question related to the job or industry. This helps create an immediate impact and intrigue the reader.
Should I mention how I found out about the job opening?
Yes, mentioning how you discovered the job opportunity is a good idea. Whether through a job board, referral or networking, it shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in the position.
Can I include a summary of my qualifications in the opening paragraph?
Absolutely! A concise summary of your relevant skills and experiences can provide a snapshot of your suitability for the role. Keep it brief and impactful, highlighting key qualifications that make you a strong candidate.
Is it necessary to mention the specific job title in the opening paragraph?
While not mandatory, mentioning the job title can demonstrate your focus and alignment with the position. It shows that you've tailored the cover letter to the specific role and that you understand the requirements. However, ensure it flows naturally within the context of your opening paragraph.
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How To Start Your Cover Letter [Guide and 20+ Examples]
Last edited by: Manoj Saini - August 19, 2024
