A cover letter can play a huge role in your job application. That’s why it is crucial to start a cover letter with a strong point. It can grab the attention of hiring managers immediately and show that you are the right person for the role. In this guide, you’ll find all the tips and tricks for starting a cover letter successfully with examples.
Crafting an Engaging Opening Paragraph for Your Cover Letter
A hiring manager might spend several seconds on an application. So your cover letter needs to stand out to grab that job opportunity. Whether it is an entry-level job or an advanced position, it is crucial, to begin with a strong cover letter introduction.
The Importance of a Strong Start
Your cover letter’s first couple of sentences are the most important. Often the case, hiring managers will not read through all of it. So the cover letter has to make a lasting impression to grab a recruiter’s attention. So there is no reason to keep the most vital points in the second paragraph. If you start a cover letter with a basic line, your second paragraph might never get attention.
The cover letter opening is critical in the modern job market. Potential employers deal with a considerable number of applications for an opening. To achieve success, one needs to come ready to impress.
Grabbing Attention with a Compelling Introduction
The first rule of a cover letter beginning is to be straightforward. Let a hiring manager know right away what job you are applying to. Often hiring managers might handle several job openings, so state the position you are interested in to avoid confusion.
For example, something simple as “I am interested in the account executive role in your company.” can be a solid cover letter intro.
If you have a mutual contact, mention it in the beginning. For instance, if someone suggested you for the role, you can start a cover letter: “Michael Brown has suggested I apply for this complex data analysis project as he believes my skills and competencies might benefit the team.”
If your former colleague told you about this open position, it is a mutual connection you should mention in the opening paragraph. It immediately creates a relationship between you and the job posting.
Tailoring Your Opening to the Company and Job
Another crucial factor in a cover letter introduction is the job description. Avoid generic cover letter templates and buzzwords. You need to make the opening sentence relevant to this employer and position.
To do so, you can:
- Read through the job description and find the keywords and competencies that align with the company’s goals;
- Research Company XYZ in terms of the website and social media to figure out the corporate culture and communication style;
- Consider using a funny opening line if it is appropriate for the role and the company;
- Find out who you can address the cover letter intro to (the head of the HR department, HR manager, or the head of the team you are applying to)
If you have a relevant accomplishment for your dream job, start with it immediately.
Effective Ways to Address the Hiring Manager
Although “Dear hiring manager” is a safe choice, making a cover letter introduction a bit more personal is always better. It is an excellent advantage if you can find the name of the hiring manager you are writing to. Then you can start with “Dear Katherine Barens”
It is essential because it shows your passion for the company and the job. You’ve invested your time researching the hiring manager’s name and position. It also paints you as a proactive and responsible candidate.
Here is a valuable tip: use Mr and Ms only if you are 100 percent sure of the gender of the hiring manager. It is better to avoid “Mrs” and “Miss.” because you may not know the marital status of the recruiter. Applicants can use such specific ways to address the hiring manager only if they know them personally.
Using the Right Salutation
Starting a cover letter with “Dear Name Surname” is a standard option. It is an effective cover letter opening without any guesses and risks.
If you do not know the name of a hiring manager, you can use “Dear HR Department.”. Remember that it is appropriate to write an email to the company and ask about the hiring manager’s name.
If the person you are addressing has an academic or professional title, it is worth using that, for example:
- Professor/Prof. Almany;
- Sergeant/Sgt. Barnes;
- Reverend/Rev. Russo.
Avoiding Generic and Impersonal Openings
If you do not know the hiring manager’s name and cannot find it, you can always use something like “Dear Company ABC Marketing Team” (the team you are applying to). Two safe and widely-used options are “Dear Hiring Manager” and “Dear Development Department Lead.”
The last resort is “To whom it may concern,” although it is better to avoid this one. It is very basic and sounds as if you are not interested enough in the role.
Avoid risky opening lines like “Greetings” because they are too informal—your chosen greeting must align with the company’s culture.
Showcasing Your Enthusiasm and Interest in a Cover Letter
Another fantastic way to start a cover letter is to showcase your enthusiasm immediately. It will definitely get the hiring manager’s attention.
If you are excited by the company, its products, or its values, it can be a perfect beginning of a cover letter.
Expressing Genuine Excitement for the Position
First, you need to make your excitement about the position visible.
“I was very excited to learn that Company ABC opened a social media manager position because I’ve been following your company’s growth and using your products for years.”
A strong cover letter opening can feature your enthusiasm about the sphere or the industry.
Highlighting Your Knowledge of the Company
Also, you can start a cover letter by highlighting your interest in the company. Make it visible that you know and appreciate the company’s values, goals, and vision.
“My former colleague Jane Jones has recommended me to apply for the position in the Company XYZ. She believes my skills and qualifications will greatly add to the company culture and development team.”
Connecting Your Skills and Qualifications to the Role
To make a cover letter opening even more impactful, mention the relevant skills and competencies for the position.
Even if it is an entry-level position and you are a recent graduate, there are skills you can mention to stand out among other candidates.
There is no need to list all of them as it is already done in your resume. You must figure out 2 or 3 crucial factors to start a cover letter. Pay attention to what is given first in the job posting regarding the ideal candidate.
For example, your cover letter opening might look like “I’ve been an avid reader of the company’s brand magazine for years. I was extremely excited to learn that you are looking for a copywriter, as I’ve been working in this field for seven years. I believe that my writing, problem-solving, and creative thinking make me a great fit for the role”.
Including an Attention-Grabbing Opening Line in Your Cover Letter
Cover letters do not have to be always formal and somewhat dull. You can make your cover letter intro bolder or more attention-grabbing if appropriate. Some might use funny cover letter opening lines or start with a strong claim.
Using a Bold Statement or Provocative Question
“I am the best candidate for your marketing manager position because I have years of experience and know the industry like no other.”
It is a bold and strong statement. For some, it may feel too much to start a cover letter like this. However, you only have a few seconds to grab someone’s attention. Generic cover letters usually do not do well.
But if you go this route, be confident and ready to support your claims.
Starting with an Impressive Accomplishment or Statistic
The opening paragraph might also feature your top accomplishment or astonishing previous experience. Think of how you’ve closed a particularly difficult deal. Or you’ve solved a pending issue the company was dealing with.
It is even better if you have some numbers to back it up. Numbers do wonders for the reader’s attention. For instance, a sample cover letter opening is “I have closed 20 deals the last quarter at Company XYZ. I have a two-year track record of being the top sales manager, which makes me a great fit for your team”.
Engaging the Reader with a Thought-Provoking Quote
Starting a cover letter with a quote is rare, but it can be powerful when done right.
You can review cover letter examples and decide your preferred style and delivery. Some use narrative techniques and tell a story. Others stick to facts and numbers. It all depends on your personal preferences and, of course, the job title.
If you opt for a quote, it has to be meaningful and thought-provoking. Also, it must come from a respectable figure. You do not have to choose someone from Fortune magazine; it can be a writer, political leader, or activist. But make sure it is someone you want to be associated with in this cover letter.
Choose a quote for the first sentence that represents your beliefs and values. And make sure to showcase how it is relevant to the cover letter and the position.
A quote can serve as an impactful belief statement. It can highlight your passion for promoting greener workplaces or fighting racial prejudice in the industry.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Cover Letter Openings
Let’s talk about common mistakes before your start writing your cover letter. First, re-reading and proofreading your document a couple of times is essential. This way, candidates ensure that there are no typos or grammar errors.
If a hiring manager sees a grammar error, it can be treated as a sign of low motivation and focus. If there are many mistakes, it paints you as someone who doesn’t want to put the effort in or does not care about the company. But there are other errors besides grammar and punctuation to avoid in your cover letter.
Steer Clear of Generic and Overused Phrases
Do not make it a stock letter you’ve found somewhere. It won’t do you any good. Avoid overused buzzwords and phrases with almost no meaning (team player or highly communicative). Do not make it too formal with unnecessary speech forms.
Keeping the Opening Concise and Relevant
Your opening paragraph has to be strict to the point and concise. Start planning what you want to say and what effect you want to achieve. Think about how it applies to the job title and the company. Do not focus solely on yourself – show how your words are crucial for the position.
Being Too Wordy
The cover letter should not be longer than one page. Keep it focused, and do not get into too much detail. If you want to tell a story or make a belief statement, do it. But do not spiral down into novels.
If your latest credit card statement has nothing to do with the job, there is no need to mention it. Do not list all of your skills, competencies, and certifications. You’ve named them in the resume. Concentrate only on the most crucial things that fit the job description and make you stand out from the competition.
Examples of Effective Cover Letter Openings
Here are some excellent cover letter openings to use as inspiration. Do not copy them entirely but think of how to use specific forms in your cover letter.
Remember that it has to feel true to your interests and values. Indeed, you want to impress the reader. But being integral and authentic in your cover letter is the best way to go about it.
Opening Lines That Showcase Enthusiasm
“I am very excited to apply for the job because I wanted to work for Company ABC for years. My wide experience in the field of web application development…”
“There is little in this world I’m more passionate about than graphic design. That’s why I was glad to learn about this opportunity. I’ve been following your projects and even made them a subject of my Marketing project during college”.
“I was amazed by your cutting-edge project regarding a sustainable future. Environmental initiatives have always been my priority. So I’m very excited about this software development job opening as it is an area of my competency”.
Personalized Openings Based on Company Research
“Dear Loren Whistles, I’m interested in the research assistant position in your company. I’ve been following your work in data analysis and machine learning, which is at the forefront of the industry. I’ve attended a couple of your seminars and realized that I want to work with such an amazing team of professionals with a diverse background in technology”.
“I am very passionate about renewable energy, so I was excited to learn that Company XYZ is seeking a digital marketing manager. I’ve worked in digital marketing for five years and would gladly apply my knowledge and skills to work toward a more sustainable future”.
Story-Based Introductions That Capture Attention
“Since I was a child, I loved animals. I brought them home, nurtured them, and found them a new home. That’s why I became a veterinarian – to help those who cannot always care for themselves. I’m excited to apply for the position in your clinic as I heard about your strong company culture and core values”.
“Once, I was watching a report on an international hostage situation, and it got me thinking about the crucial nature of communication and emotional intelligence in all spheres of life. I’ve always loved public speaking and sharing knowledge. That’s why I planned and organized professional training with my previous employer. My communication, emotional intelligence, and detail-oriented approach are a good fit for the career coach position at Company XYZ.
