How to Start a Cover Letter: 5 Methods (Plus Examples)

Why the first sentence of your cover letter matters

Learning how to start off a cover letter is more important than you’d think. Just like the start of a resume, the opening lines of your job application need to grab attention immediately. Recruiters are busy and see dozens of applications per day, so cover letters start to blur together, but unique achievements and powerful language help you stand out.

A strong opening catches the employer’s eye and makes them slow down. Once you have their attention, they’ll take their time reading the rest of your letter and resume, taking in the details. The first few lines ensure they read the rest of your carefully crafted application, understand your qualifications, and contact you for an interview.

The key elements of a strong cover letter opening

Let’s break down the essential elements of a good cover letter opening. Here are the key factors:

• Use the right greeting: When it comes to how to start a cover letter, greetings are vital. We recommend “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Hello, [Recruiter’s Name].” Avoid “Hey” as it’s too casual, and “To Whom It May Concern” as it’s a bit dated.
• Personalize it: Address the hiring manager by name to make a connection. You can usually find it by searching the company website or social media. However, it’s important to learn how to start a cover letter without a name, as it won’t always be possible to discover a recruiter’s personal details. Simply use “Hiring Manager” or the department’s name in a pinch.
• Open with a strong statement: Start with enthusiasm – open with a relevant achievement, a previous role, or an impressive project. Make this the first or second sentence in your letter to make sure they see it.
• Align your application: Make sure your cover letter matches your resume template for a clean, cohesive look.
• Be concise and straightforward: Stay succinct and say exactly what you need to say. Avoid fluff or unnecessary details and describe relevant skills, achievements, and roles.

5 effective ways to start a cover letter (with examples)

Here are five powerful ways to start a cover letter. Review these examples, see what suits your ideal approach, and use the inspiration to write a standout application.

1. Express enthusiasm for the role & company

Show your motivation and excitement immediately. Reference the role, where you saw the open ad, and mention the company by name. This displays your relevance to the job position and shows you’re eager to make a difference in their team.

Here’s a realistic example:

2. Start with a notable achievement

Achievements are eye-catching, especially when you use measurable metrics and percentages. Start with an impressive task or project and quantify it to help the recruiter understand your impact. 

Here’s an example:

3. Reference a mutual connection

Mentioning a mutual connection gives the hiring manager confidence. While it isn’t always a guarantee, people love hearing you have a common connection because it often means you’re reliable and skilled.

Take a look at this example:

4. Ask a thought-provoking question

Engage the reader with a relevant probing question. This gets the recruiter thinking about the role and their biggest pain points, and how you’re the solution.

Here’s a sample opening:

5. Share a passionate statement about the industry

Open with a passionate, industry-specific line that ties you to the role. This shows your excitement and motivation and tells the recruiter you’re serious.

Here’s an example:

Common mistakes to avoid when starting a cover letter

While it’s essential to know how to start a cover letter, it’s also a good idea to actively avoid the pitfalls. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Using generic language: Make sure each statement is targeted. Avoid generic terms like “team player” and “hard worker” and stick to role-relevant skills.
2. Failing to personalize it: Add the recruiter’s name for a custom touch. However, it’s a good idea to learn how to start a cover letter without names so you’re always prepared. In this case, add the company name, department name, and job title.
3. Using the wrong level of formality: Find the right tone and strike a balance between casual and formal. Professional documents shouldn’t read like a relaxed email, but stuffy, formal language is typically too over-the-top.
4. Starting with a weak statement: Use one of our above recommendations and make sure each word counts. Avoid fluffy sentences – every sentence needs to make an impact.

“The first few lines ensure they read the rest of your carefully crafted application, understand your qualifications, and contact you for an interview.”

Industry-specific opening line examples

Let’s get your inspiration going with a few industry-specific cover letter openings. Here are a few examples:

For more industry-specific examples, review our resume examples and create a powerful, relevant job application.

Capture the recruiter’s attention with a powerful cover letter

You need to catch the recruiter’s eye fast, and a strong cover letter opening is the perfect way to do it. Try out our five methods and discover which ones suit your industry and role – but don’t be afraid to add your own personality and flair. Cover letters are an opportunity to showcase your unique talents and values, so be yourself, and you’ll grab their attention. 

Just remember our tips:

• Use measurable metrics and percentages to give your achievements weight.
• Personalize your cover letter with the hiring manager’s name, the company’s name, and the job title from the description.
• Showcase your excitement and enthusiasm – don’t be too dry.
• Keep it conversational yet professional. Don’t be too casual or too formal.

Ready to get started? Head over to CVwizard’s cover letter maker and design a professional letter in a few clicks. Fill in your information, choose a template, and download the perfect letter. Don’t forget a polished resume. Try CVwizard’s resume maker to quickly craft a resume with a complementary template and format.