You get only one chance to make a first impression, and the opening of your cover letter is your opportunity to make it count. Hiring managers often decide within the first few sentences if they’re interested in learning more, so a strong opening can make all the difference. Mastering how to start a cover letter could be the key to standing out and landing your next role.
Below, we explain the best practices for how to start a cover letter, from writing the greeting to crafting a compelling first paragraph, and give expert tips to help you capture attention right from the start.
Table of contents:
- Why your cover letter’s opening matters
- How to write a greeting (salutation)
- Crafting the opening paragraph of your cover letter
- Tips for how to start a cover letter
- Examples of strong cover letter openings
- How to start a cover letter FAQs
Why your cover letter’s opening matters
The opening of your cover letter is the first thing a hiring manager sees, so it plays a big role in shaping their opinion of you. A strong opening should accomplish several goals:
- Introduce yourself and your job title
- Hint at your work experience
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the position and company
- Prove you’re a good fit for the role
- Set yourself apart from all the other candidates
- Show your communication and writing skills
- Establish the tone for the rest of the letter
Knowing how to write a cover letter can be the deciding factor in whether you get hired and allows you to go beyond your résumé to showcase your personality and unique qualities.
If you’re unsure how to start, try using an AI tool to generate a first draft and get ideas. AI-generated content can provide structure and inspiration, but remember to personalize it in your own words. Check out our free AI cover letter generator to see for yourself.
How to write a cover letter greeting or salutation
Every cover letter begins with a brief greeting, also known as a salutation, such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Salutations should end with a comma, followed by a blank line before the body of the letter begins.
If you know the recipient’s name, use it in the greeting along with any relevant titles or honorifics, like “Ms.” or “Dr.” Using a first name is optional but preferred for formal cover letters, as shown in the examples below:
Dear Dr. Deere,
Dear Mrs. Karen Lynch,
If you don’t know the recipient’s name, use a generic salutation. Here are some common options:
- To Whom It May Concern,
- Dear Sir or Madam,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
Whenever possible, try to personalize the greeting with the recipient’s name, as it shows attention to detail and interest in the specific role.
How to start a cover letter: opening paragraph
The opening paragraph is arguably the most important part of a cover letter because it sets the tone for the rest. On top of that, the first paragraph also provides expected information such as your name, current job title, and experience. Moreover, the opening paragraph has to impress the hiring manager, prove you’re a good fit for the role, and set yourself apart from the other candidates. And it must do all that in just a single paragraph.
Think of this paragraph as introducing yourself to a new contact. You don’t need to dive into your full work history here—that’s for later paragraphs. Instead, focus on making a memorable first impression by sharing who you are and why you’re a great choice for the role.
In practical terms, this means stating your name and job title, plus some highlights of your career. Just like a hook in the opening of a story, the beginning of your cover letter should make the reader want to learn more about you.
The final sentence in your opening paragraph should set up or transition into the next paragraph, where you discuss your work history and professional experience. Remember, this is an introduction, so keep it concise and focus on your most impressive qualities.
Tips for how to open a cover letter
1 Show enthusiasm.
Landing a job is about more than just meeting qualifications—hiring managers value candidates with genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. Expressing your passion early in your cover letter helps you make a memorable impression. For example, you might say, “I’ve followed [Company Name]’s work since high school” or “This position aligns perfectly with my passion for [industry/field].”
2 Tell your story, not just facts.
One of the advantages of cover letters over résumés is that you can show your human side. After all, you’re more than just a list of old jobs and dates.
Use the cover letter as an opportunity to tell your story: Who are you, why do you want this job, and what makes you a good fit? Hiring managers want to know you before making a decision, so sharing some personal details about yourself could give you an edge over other candidates. Just make sure what you’re sharing is relevant to the job.
3 Position yourself as the solution to their problem.
Position yourself as the solution to a problem the company faces. If you have a unique skill or experience, explain how it could benefit them. For instance, you might say, “I specialize in improving social media engagement, which I noticed could help increase [Company Name]’s reach.” This approach not only highlights your skills but also shows your initiative and attention to detail.
4 Demonstrate knowledge of the company.
As we mentioned in our guide on how to write a cover letter, it’s best to research the company you’re applying to. This helps you understand its company culture and what kinds of employees it’s looking for.
When it comes time to write your cover letter, include what you’ve learned. Mentioning a recent award, product launch, or industry trend shows that you have done your homework and take the role seriously.
5 Use statistics and quantifiable data.
Anyone can simply say they’re the best, but no one can argue with cold, hard facts. Statistics and quantifiable data are extra impressive in cover letters because they give evidence that what you’re saying is true. Instead of claiming to be a good choice, use statistics and data to prove it.
Feel free to use some calculations from your previous jobs. Instead of simply saying you improved performance, provide specifics: “I increased team efficiency by 15%,” or “I reduced error rates by 20%.” Hard data helps hiring managers see the real impact you can bring to their company.
6 Avoid generic openings.
The easiest way to stand out is to avoid doing what everyone else is doing, like using the same, tired clichés as other applicants. Hiring managers read tons of cover letters and see these same phrases repeated over and over again, not just at the start but at the end of a cover letter too.
Try to think of something original to say at the start of your cover letter. You can dive straight into a fun and unique fact about yourself or open with a story that shows off what kind of worker you are. Cover letters don’t have to be creative, but if they are, it’s an added bonus.
7 Use the correct format.
Using the correct cover letter format ensures your application looks polished and professional. Most cover letters follow a traditional format with a header, greeting, and signature. If you’re applying to a more traditional company, stick with this formal layout. For modern or creative companies, a simpler header and conversational tone can work well. Either way, a clean and well-organized format always makes a positive impression.
Examples of strong cover letter openings
Here are some examples of impactful cover letter openings that capture attention and demonstrate genuine interest. Each one showcases a unique approach to making a strong first impression:
“Growing up in a family of small business owners, I understand the importance of customer loyalty and personalized service—values I see reflected in [Company Name]’s commitment to excellence.”
“As a long-time admirer of [Company Name]’s dedication to sustainability, I am thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to a company that shares my passion for environmental responsibility.”
“After researching [Company Name]’s recent growth into digital markets, I’m eager to bring my expertise in data-driven marketing strategies to help your team reach its expansion goals.”
Cover letter example
Dear AcmeCo,
As a skilled sales representative in the tech and electronics industry, I am excited to apply for the sales associate role listed on LinkedIn. AcmeCo’s commitment to groundbreaking AI innovation has always impressed me, and I am eager to bring my expertise in strategic sales and customer-centric service to a company I’ve followed and admired for years. With a proven track record of exceeding targets and building strong client relationships, I am confident I can contribute to your team’s continued success.
In my previous role at Boltvern, I built a loyal customer base and increased client retention by 25% by prioritizing tailored solutions and consistent follow-up. I was their youngest employee to be promoted to Senior Sales Representative in just under two years. Not only do I understand the client-side aspect of sales, but also I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Cornell, which allowed me to understand the intricacies of the product and communicate its benefits effectively. While it’s unfortunate that my time in Weyland was cut short due to company-wide layoffs, I am eager to bring my skills to AcmeCo’s sales team.
My background in sales, combined with my passion for technology and commitment to client success, makes me an ideal candidate for this role. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with AcmeCo’s goals, and I am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application.
Best, Jonathan Conner
Cover letter template
Here’s a cover letter template you can use to write your own cover letter. Simply plug in your information to the corresponding part. For more details, check out our guide on cover letter format.
[Your name] [Address] [Phone number] [Email]
[Today’s date]
[Recipient’s name] [Recipient’s professional title] [Company name] [Address]
[Salutation/greeting],
[Introduce yourself. Explain your profession, the position title you’re applying for, and how you heard about it. Briefly mention why this role and company interest you and why you’d be a good match. Show enthusiasm. End with a sentence that transitions or leads into the next paragraph.]
[Summarize your job history, focusing on relevant experience. Add extra context, such as what you learned from these jobs or why certain experiences prepared you for this role. Feel free to address problems with your résumé, like gaps or short tenures. Mention related skills and achievements and any quantifiable results or metrics.]
[Reiterate the main benefits of hiring you, including any soft skills or attributes that align with the company culture. Restate your enthusiasm, thank them for considering your application, and add a call to action to suggest a follow-up, such as scheduling an interview.]
[Simple sign-off], [Signature]
How to start a cover letter FAQs
How should I address my cover letter if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, use a general greeting. Formal options include “To Whom It May Concern,” “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear [Company Name] Team.” If the company has a more casual culture, a simple “Hello” may also be appropriate. When in doubt, it’s best to use a professional greeting.
What’s the most effective way to grab attention in the opening of a cover letter?
The most effective way to grab attention in the opening of a cover letter is to make a memorable first impression that shows why you’re an ideal fit. Try connecting personally with the company by mentioning a value or an achievement of theirs that resonates with you, such as “I admire [Company’s] commitment to innovation in sustainable practices.” Alternatively, highlight a unique skill or start with a recent accomplishment relevant to the role, like “In my last position, I led a project that increased team productivity by 20%.” Each approach sets you apart and draws the reader into the rest of your cover letter.
How do you personalize the start of a cover letter for each job?
The opening of a cover letter should state what role you’re applying to and why you’re interested in this specific job. It’s best to customize this part for each application, rather than copying and pasting a generic introduction. Be honest about what appeals to you about this particular position and company as opposed to others you’ve applied to.
If you’re short on time, our free cover letter generator can help you create a personalized draft quickly. It uses AI to streamline the process, allowing you to focus on adding your unique touch.
