How to Start a Cover Letter
Grab attention and land more interviews. Learn how to start a cover letter with our expert tips and professional writing techniques today.
Our customers have been hired by : *Foot Note
The beginning of your cover letter has a huge impact on your application. A strong opening introduces your application, captures the recruiter’s attention, and sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter. We’ll show you exactly how to do it, with examples and expert guidance.
Struggling to find the right words? Our Cover Letter Builder automatically generates professional, industry-specific opening lines for you.
Starting a Cover Letter
The opening lines of your cover letter are your opportunity to make a lasting impression.
Their goal is to set the stage for the entire document. When you apply for a job, dozens, if not hundreds, of other candidates with similar job profiles submit their CVs along with you. Writing a CV is the first step to getting a recruiter’s attention, but only pairing it with a convincing cover letter can get you an interview.
Many candidates send generic letters to many openings, often filled with standard forms that hiring managers have read many, many times before. How do you make sure you stand out?
Here’s how to start a cover letter effectively:
Express Enthusiasm:
Begin with a statement that demonstrates your excitement about the job opportunity. For instance:
“I am thrilled to apply for the Sales Manager role at Uniquemmerce, as it perfectly matches my passion for sales and my ambition to work for an environmentally conscious and industry-leading organisation.”
Mention the Job Title:
Make sure to state the position you are applying for to avoid any confusion or getting lost among other openings in the company. For example:
“I am sending this application to express my interest in the Sales Manager position at Uniquemmerce Company.”
Source of Information:
Let the recruiter know how you learned about the job posting. This shows that you’re proactive and engaged in your job search:
“Interested in working for your company, I found an opening for this sales manager position on your company website.”
Get the reader’s interest:
Engage the reader’s attention by addressing a specific need or challenge the company is facing. This will show not only your genuine interest in the company but will also demonstrate why you are a valuable asset:
“With my passion for marketing and a proven track record of steady growth, I am confident in my ability to contribute to Uniquemmerce’s expanding marketing initiatives.”
Quantified achievements:
Appeal to the recruiter’s imagination by presenting your achievements in precise figures rather than vague qualities. For example:
“Thanks to my active involvement in running new marketing campaigns, I have increased my current company’s revenue by 9% compared to last year.”
How to Address a Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter can be challenging, so first things first: how do you address it? Addressing your cover letter correctly demonstrates professionalism and research skills.
Follow these modern guidelines:
Option 1: Use the Hiring Manager’s Name (Best Approach)
Whenever possible, address the cover letter to the exact person responsible for recruitment. You can usually find this information on the job posting, the company’s “About Us” page, or LinkedIn.
If you find it, simply start with: “Dear Mr Smith,” or “Dear Jane Doe,”
Important tip: Double-check the spelling of the recipient’s name! Attention to detail is essential here.
Option 2: Address the Specific Department or Role (Modern Alternative)
If you have exhausted all research options and still cannot find a name, you must use a general greeting. However, avoid outdated, impersonal phrases like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Human Resources.”
Instead, show that your application is tailored to this exact opening by addressing the specific team or the role itself:
“Dear [Company Name] Marketing Team,”
“Dear Hiring Manager for the Sales Manager Role,”
This modern approach proves you aren’t just sending the same generic cover letter to dozens of companies.
Tips for writing a cover letter opening
So, instead of blunt, easy-to-forget expressions, incorporate into your letter:
Power Words: Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments.
Here’s the list of top 10 action verbs you can use:
- Achieved
- Managed
- Developed
- Implemented
- Increased
- Collaborated
- Solved
- Led
- Negotiated
- Innovated
Tailored Language: Tailor your language to match the job description. Use keywords and phrases from the job posting to show your alignment with the role. It’s important to adjust the letter to each opening. Make sure you double check the position and company name before sending your letter!
Positive Language: Keep your tone positive and avoid negative language. Emphasise your achievements and abilities. Incorporate phrases that demonstrate your eagerness, such as:
- "I am excited about the opportunity to..."
- "I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to..."
- "I am enthusiastic about the prospect of..."
- "I am passionate about marketing, and I am ready to apply my knowledge to..."
- "I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow within the company..."
Best way to start a Cover Letter for different roles
Of course, you want your cover letter to be personal and tailored to the job. However, reading through some example cover letters can serve as inspiration and guidance for writing your own great application.
Take a look at the following sample cover letter introductions for different professions.
How to start a cover letter for a Marketing Role:
“I am excited to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at ABC Sales. Having recently completed my Master’s degree in Marketing and gained hands-on experience during my internship at Marketing Masters Agency, I am well-prepared and ready to contribute to your dynamic team and learn from the professional work experience of your professionals.”
How to start a cover letter for a Finance Role:
“I am writing to express my interest in the Finance Advisor position at BankSol Services, as advertised on your website. I believe that my strong analytical skills, combined with exceptional attention to detail, customer focus and great communication skills, make me a great match for your company.”
How to start a cover letter for a Customer Service Role:
“I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team as a Customer Service Representative at UConnect. Having a background in retail and a passion for customer relations, I am confident in my ability to provide exceptional service and contribute to your company’s reputation for outstanding support.”
Applying for a different role? Don’t start from a blank page. Our Cover Letter Builder features hundreds of pre-written, recruiter-approved introductions tailored to more than 50 industries. Click here to find the perfect opening for your job.
Mistakes to avoid when starting your cover letter
Don't forget to check out this list of common cover letter mistakes. Make sure to avoid them and increase your chances of getting a new job now.
Here’s what to avoid:
Using generic openings when the recruiter’s name is easy to identify: Starting with phrases like "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam" can make your cover letter seem impersonal.
Using overly formal language: While professionalism is important, overly formal language can make you seem unapproachable, or even arrogant. Strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity and use a tone that’s most suitable to the position you’re applying for. For example, a letter for a bartender position will have a more casual tone than a letter for an accountant.
Not mentioning the company’s name: Doing so will give the impression that you are sending the same generic cover letter to multiple positions. This, in turn, may be perceived as a lack of genuine interest in working for that particular company. Tailor your opening to the specific role and company.
Forgetting to proofread: Spelling and grammatical errors in your opening can create a negative impression, especially if you mention attention to detail as one of your skills. Proofread your cover letter meticulously. Pay special attention to the correct spelling of the recruiter’s and company’s name.
Start a cover letter that will launch your career
Crafting the perfect cover letter introduction is an essential step in your job search journey. Remember to address the recipient professionally, choose your words wisely, and avoid common mistakes.
If you still feel uncertain, try the smart features of our cover letter builder and see how easy it is to start your letter right away!
Jagoda Jaskowicz
Senior Content Editor, Translator
*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with myperfectCV.