Not sure how to start a cover letter for a job? Use a cover letter intro to introduce yourself in detail, explain why the job is exciting to you and show you're a great fit.
Of course, there’s no single way to do it right. That means that you've got multiple options and we're going to show them to you.
Whether you're looking for a universal method or something more unconventional, you'll find it in this article. Even some good opening lines from successful cover letters that impressed well-known companies like HubSpot, Siemens, or Lush!
Let's start with hand-picked cover letter intros from successful cover letter samples from our users who scored a job with well-known companies.
Do you want to know how to craft such strong cover letter opening yourself? You'll find a quick guide below.
Do 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: How to start a cover letter
You already know that you should start your cover letter in a way that grabs a recruiter’s attention. But the question is — when should you pick a standard opening paragraph and when to go with something more creative?
That all depends on a particular job and company culture — are they formal or casual? Take time to research each company and their tone of voice. Look at the job description, their website, social media accounts and you’ll be able to get the right idea.
Depending on that, pick one of the following methods:
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.
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2. Target 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.
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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.
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4. Highlight a mutual connection
Referrals can work like magic when it comes to getting invited to a job interview. So if someone referred 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 for the position. If nothing else, it will make recruiters pay attention to the rest of your cover letter.
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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 role.
So if you’re all hype 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.
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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 it right away. However, try to make no general claims without providing evidence. Support your argument with real numbers and statistics.
Example
7. Use humor and creativity
Recruiters are humans 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 also be a reason to call you up for an interview.
If the company seems to have an easy-going vibe, use humor to bring attention to your skills or relevant personal traits that are needed for the position you're targeting.
Example
Cover letter beginning: What other things to include?
There are a few other things a good cover letter beginning should include — contact information both for you and the company, a headline (optional), and a personalised greeting.
Header: Your and company's contact information
At the top of the page, list your contact details such as full name, email, and phone number. Optionally, you can also include your professional title, address, and date.
Also, add company-related information such as the manager's name and job title/department, name of the company, and their address.
Left align everything or 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.
You can use numbers, questions, or interesting adjectives. Something like “5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s Marketing.” Alternatively, you can state the name of the position you're applying for.
Salutation: 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, check the company's website or LinkedIn. 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”, “Dear Recruitment Officer”.
Then you can continue with an attention grabbing intro paragraph.
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 their 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
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, sweet, 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 an in-depth IBM cover letter analysis, or watch a quick video below.
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Content Manager & Resume Expert
A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead, College Recruiter, and ISIC, among others.Nikoleta holds a Master's degree in Journalism from the Comenius University in Bratislava. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.
