30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

excited recruiter reading off a laptop screen with both arms in the air, multicolored splashes of paint in the background

Traditional cover letter wisdom tells you to start a cover letter with something to the effect of:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.

We say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

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Your cover letter is the best way to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. So if you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll *show* you—but first, a few super quick tips!

Tips for writing an effective cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

  • Avoid boring or overused openers: Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them.
  • Be lively and personable: People like reading interesting, engaging stuff. The kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable.
  • Communicate that you’ll bring something to the company: You’ll get more into the details after your opening, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us ,” rather than, “This job would really help them .”
  • Stick to the point: Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job.
  • Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever.

30 strong cover letter openers

We’ve come up with 30 examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting them because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests, but you can most definitely use them to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker . )

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

  • If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.
  • I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].
  • After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.
  • The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.
  • As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.
  • “I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.”
  • When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

  • I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.
  • It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.
  • When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.
  • When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.
  • If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.
  • [Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.
  • I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.
  • Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.
  • A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other people—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. So a great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

  • My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.
  • Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.
  • Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.
  • After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.
  • While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.
  • If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders to the T and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.
  • I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.
  • You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.
  • Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learning everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If they do, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

  • Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.
  • Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.
  • I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.
  • I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.
  • If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , and Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

best opening line on cover letter

How to Start a Cover Letter - 4 Tips for the Perfect Opening

Background Image

Here you are, looking at a blank document that’s supposed to be your cover letter.

You have a general idea of what your cover letter is supposed to be about, but you’re having trouble writing those first few sentences.

We get you! Whether you’re writing your resume, an article, research paper, or a cover letter, getting started is sometimes the hardest part.

Lucky for you, though, there is a very straightforward way to get started with your cover letter, and in this article, we’re going to teach you how to do that!

Read on to learn how to effectively get started with your cover letter! 

  • What should your cover letter opening contain
  • What to include in your contact information
  • How to start a cover letter greeting
  • How to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph
  • 6 Examples of how to start your cover letter

What Should Your Cover Letter Opening Contain

To successfully get started with writing your cover letter, you should include these 3 main elements:

  • The header with contact information. Includes your & the recipient’s contact information.
  • The greeting to the manager. This is where you address the cover letter by greeting the hiring manager, department, or company.
  • An attention-grabbing opening paragraph. The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your chance to grab the recruiters’ attention and get them to read the rest of your cover letter.

Below, we’ll teach you how to do each of them in the right way.

If you’re applying for an entry-level job and wondering what’s the best way to write your cover letter, head over to our article on entry-level cover letters . 

What to Include in Your Contact Information 

As we mentioned, the first thing to add to your cover letter opening is your contact information. 

The header’s essential information include the following: 

  • Full name and professional title (if applicable)
  • Phone number
  • Email (a professional email, that is)

In some cases, you can also add the following: 

  • Social media profiles. By this, we mean profiles that are relevant to the position. This includes websites like LinkedIn , GitHub (for developers), or Medium (for writers).
  • Personal website. If you have a personal website you’ve created for your industry (i.e. you’re a writer with a blog), then make sure to include the link to your website on your cover letter.

After you’ve added your information, you should add the date and continue with the recipient’s name and address. So:

  • Manager’s name
  • Manager’s job title
  • Company’s name
  • Company’s street address

Once you’ve done this, here’s what your cover letter will look like:

how to start a cover letter

And just like the essential DOs, there are also some things you should NOT include in your cover letter header: 

  • Unprofessional email. It’s going to be difficult for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is something you coined when you were still a teenager (i.e. [email protected] ). 

How to Start a Cover Letter Greeting

After you’ve properly listed your contact information, it’s time to start writing your cover letter. 

The first thing this includes is addressing the cover letter to the hiring manager. 

Yeap, that’s right! And by greeting the hiring manager, department, or company, we don’t mean using the old-fashioned “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To whom it may concern.”

Instead, you want to show your future employer that you’ve done your fair share of research about the job/company and that you’re not just using one cover letter template to apply for ten jobs. After all, one of the most common mistakes job seekers do (84% of them!) is not finding the hiring manager’s name and personalizing the application.

So, make sure to address the hiring manager that’s going to review your manager directly. 

Now, there are a few ways you can do that. 

The simplest - and most obvious - option is to look up the head of the department you’re applying to on LinkedIn. 

Let’s assume that you’re applying as a Communications Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer. 

After a quick LinkedIn lookup, you can probably find out who that person is (that’s me!). 

linkedin-search-example

And just like that, you have your hiring manager! Piece of cake!

Not a fan of LinkedIn? You can also check the company’s website and look for the “Team” or " About Us " page.

If none of these work, consider using one of the following greetings when you’re addressing the hiring manager: 

  • Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,
  • Dear Hiring Manager, 
  • Dear [Department] Team,
  • Dear Director of [Department],
  • Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team

How you conclude your cover letter is just as important as how you start it. To learn how to ace yours, head over to our guide on how to end a cover letter . 

job search masterclass novoresume

How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Paragraph

The last, but the most important, part of your cover letter opening is your opening paragraph. 

You want your opening paragraph to be engaging and attention-grabbing to ensure that the hiring manager will continue reading the cover letter.

After all, recruiters receive hundreds of applications daily. Obviously, they can’t spend all their working hours reading cover letters, so, instead, they simply skim your cover letter in a handful of seconds, and if it catches their attention, they re-read it more thoroughly.

And the part of the cover letter that helps catch their attention is usually the opening paragraph! 

Compare these 2 cover letter openers and judge for yourself which one you’d rather read:

Dear Mr. Brown,

My name is Anna and I’d like to help your company exceed its sales target as a Sales Manager. My 5-year experience as a Sales Representative at XYZ Inc. has given me substantial skills in sales. During my last year working there, we beat KPIs by around 50%. I believe that my strong track record in sales makes me the perfect candidate for the position. 

Hello, my name is Mary and I am interested in working as a Sales Manager for your company. I have 6 years of experience working as a Sales Manager for Company X, so I think I’m a good fit for the position. 

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the first example, it’s not all that imaginative. Chances are, every other applicant is going to use a similar opening statement.

The second example, on the other hand, is more customized and personal, helping the recruiter understand why Anna is a good candidate for the role.

In this section we’ll give you all the tips & tricks you need to ace your cover letter introduction:

Tip #1. Show Passion and Commitment

Showing the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the job will instantly boost your chances of getting hired. It’s not a secret that committed employees are more engaged and, therefore, more productive.

After all, research shows that engaged employees are 17% more productive than their peers.  

So, it’s only logical that the hiring manager will greatly appreciate a candidate who shows commitment and enthusiasm. 

As such, these are both qualities that you want to showcase right from the start of your cover letter. Here’s an example of how you can do that:

I have been immersed with human rights since I specialized in Conflict Resolution and started working with Amnesty International. During my 5 years of experience in the field, however, I haven’t seen any organization do the work that you’ve accomplished with human rights. Your dedication makes me want to work for your organization and put my skills to use for the work you do. 

Tip #2. Mention a Mutual Contact (if Applicable)

If someone referred you to the position, the opening paragraph of your cover letter is a great place to mention that. 

Referrals are key to securing an interview, but at the same time they’re not something you can mention on your resume, so take the opportunity to let the recruiter know at the start of your cover letter. 

The idea is that if someone the hiring manager knows recommended you for the position, your skills and qualifications immediately become more credible.

I was excited to learn about this job opportunity from John Doe, who has worked at your firm for five years. John and I worked on an architectural project together for over one year and he thought I’d be a good fit for the role at Company X. 

Tip #3. Prove You Have Researched The Company 

A generic cover letter will not give you many points in the eyes of your potential employers. 

The recruiter reading your cover letter wants to know that you’re excited to be applying for that particular company , and you’re not just applying to dozens of jobs randomly, hoping that one will stick. 

As such, it’s very important to do some research about the company you’re applying for, and in the cover letter, mention why you’re a good culture fit. 

I have always admired the work that your organization does with vulnerable communities. I have always been passionate about social justice and I think the mechanisms you have in place to empower those in need are really making an impact. I believe my previous experience as a social worker could bring value to your mission.

Tip #4. Lead With An Achievement

There’s no better way to grab attention than to lead with an achievement. It immediately gives you credibility and makes the hiring manager curious to read more about you. 

To make sure your achievements stand out, though, do this:

  • Whenever possible, make your achievements as quantifiable as possible. “Improved sales by 20% in 2 months” is more impressive than “improve sales.”
  • Show how your past achievement is relevant or can add value to your current position. 

As a Public Relations representative for Company XYZ, I worked with the press to improve its reputation and public image. This translated into a 40% increase in customer satisfaction and better public reception of the company’s values and identity. I am eager to yield the same results as the Head of Communications in your organization. 

Tip #5. Start With a Powerful Belief

A short and impactful belief statement that represents your work ethic and professional values is another great way to attract the recruiter’s attention. Obviously, you get bonus points if said belief statement aligns with the company’s goals and objectives. 

However, don’t just copy-paste the company’s mission statement to make a good impression. Rather, use your own words and beliefs to sound more genuine and original.

As a teacher, I believe every child should have access to quality education early on. This is the only way to ensure future generations’ equity and the best chance we have at improving our society. I admire your institution’s commitment to enabling quality education in the most remote areas of our country and I’d be honored to contribute to those efforts by becoming a teacher here. 

Tip #6. Be Direct  

Oftentimes, beating around the bush gets you nowhere. So, a great strategy to follow when you start writing your cover letter is to just be direct about the position you’re applying for and the reasons you believe make you the perfect fit for the job. 

There’s another upside to this. Recruiters receive hundreds of applications daily - sometimes, even for different positions within the same department - so it helps them to know what position you’re applying for early on, as well as what exact qualifications make you the perfect fit for the job. 

I’d like to officially apply for the marketing manager position at Company X. Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked with 6 clients, helping them drive more than $2,000,000 worth of sales. I am confident that my marketing skills and proven sales results make me a perfect match for the position. 

Match your cover letter with your resume to make a better impression on the recruiter and reinforce your personal brand !

matching resume and cover letter

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Hopefully, you’re now more confident about how you can start your cover letter!

Now, let’s do a small recap of the most important points we covered in the article:

  • Your cover letter opening should contain a header with contact information, a greeting to the hiring manager, and an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
  • Your header should include your contact information, such as your name, phone number, and professional email, the date, as well as the contact information of the recipient.
  • You should try to find the hiring manager’s full name in order to greet them. If you can’t find their name or title anywhere, then you should greet them using Dear Hiring Manager , Dear [Department] Team , or something similar.
  • The opening paragraph of your cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to read your cover letter. Some tips to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph include being direct, starting with a strong belief statement, or leading with a relevant achievement.

Related Readings 

  • How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024
  • Cover Letter Tips 
  • Cover Letter Mistakes
  • Do I Need a Cover Letter?

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How to Start a Cover Letter: 7 Great Cover Letter Openings (+Examples)

Kaja Jurčišinová — Staff Writer

Beginnings are always hard. The same goes for writing a cover letter. You know exactly what you want to say, but you’re not sure how to start a cover letter.

Generally speaking,  the cover letter intro is a place where you should:

  • introduce yourself in detail
  • explain why the job is exciting for you
  • show you’re a great fit for the position

Of course, there’s no single right way to do it. That means that you’ve got multiple options and can get a little creative.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional cover letter introduction, or something more unconventional, you’ll find it in this article — together with a quick guide and cover letter openings examples.

Alternatively, you can also just watch this quick video guide on how to write a cover letter below.

Successful cover letter introductions (examples)

We’ve gathered some really good opening lines from successful cover letters that got people hired in well-known companies such as HubSpot, Siemens, or Lush:

HubSpot Director of Business Development Cover Letter Sample

cover letter opening sample

Account Executive Cover Letter Intro Sample

cover letter opening sample

Sales Associate at LUSH Cover Letter Intro Example

Cover letter opening sample

Siemens SCADA Engineer Cover Letter Intro Template

Cover letter opening sample

Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

Cover letter opening sample WB

Do you want to know how to craft such a strong cover letter opening yourself? Follow a quick guide below.

And if 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: a quick guide on how to start a cover letter

When it comes to cover letter openings, rule number one is that you should always start your cover letter in a way that grabs a recruiter’s attention from the get go.

On the other hand, be careful and stay professional. Don’t overdo it.

So the question is — when should you pick a standard opening paragraph and when to go with something more creative?

Well, it all depends on a particular job and the company culture .

Take time to research each company where you’re applying for a job and identify its tone of voice.

Are they formal or casual? Look at the job description, their website, and social media accounts and you’ll be able to get the right idea.

Then in your cover letter opening, follow at least one of these 7 main principles :

what to include in your cover letter opening

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.

Cover Letter Intro Example #1

I am very interested in the Sales Specialist opportunity at [Company XYZ] that was advertised on LinkedIn. I am a hard-working and dedicated individual with over two years of extensive industry experience, a Business & Management degree from McGill University, and a strong determination to meet and exceed all business goals and objectives.

2. Respond to 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.

Cover Letter Intro Example #2

Over the course of last year, I more than doubled [Company XYZ]’s Twitter followers and ran two successful Instagram ad campaigns that generated $35K+ in revenue. I’d love to bring my expertise in organically expanding the social reach and delivering ROI to the social media manager position at [Company XYZ].

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.

Cover Letter Intro Example #3

When I saw that [Company XYZ] was featured in Fortune Magazine last month for its commitment to renewable energy and reducing waste in the workplace, I was truly inspired. With my track record of reducing costs by over 30% and promoting sustainable technologies, I’m excited about the opportunity to take on the account executive role to expand your company’s growth and work towards a greener future.

4. Highlight a mutual connection

Referrals can work like magic when it comes to getting invited to a  job interview . So if someone has recommended 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. If nothing else, it will make recruiters pay attention to the rest of your cover letter.

Cover Letter Intro Example #4

I was excited to learn of this job opportunity from my former colleague, Lucy May. We’ve worked closely together for several years, most recently on a complex data analysis project at [Company XYZ]. She advised me to apply as she thought I’d be a good match for this position on your team.

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 roles.

So if you’re all hyped 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.

Cover Letter Intro Example #5

I knew I had a knack for writing ever since I was the main editor of our high school magazine. Thanks to my 15+ years of experience, I’ve transformed my passion into a fashion blog with 30K+ monthly readers, featured articles on Time and Cosmopolitan that have garnered over 50K views, and a writer’s workshop I founded for young up-and-coming writers.

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 them right away in your cover letter opening.

However, try to make no general claims without providing evidence. Support your arguments with real numbers and statistics.

Cover Letter Intro Example #6

Over the past year as digital marketing manager at [Company XYZ], I’ve generated $50k+ in revenue, increased organic traffic to our blog by 18%, and almost tripled our social media ROI.

7. Use humor and creativity

Recruiters are human 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 even be a reason to call you up for an interview.

So if the company seems to have an easygoing vibe, use humor to bring attention to your skills or relevant personal traits that are needed for the position you’re targeting.

Cover Letter Intro Example #7

Before I flood you with all the reasons why I’m going to be your next writer, I would like to tell you a little about myself. I didn’t learn to hold a pencil until I was about six years old, which made everyone think I’d never pen a single letter. And now here I am, bidding to become your next Shakespeare.

Cover letter beginning: What other things to include?

Now that you saw some great examples of cover letter openings, you may wonder what else can you do to perfect your cover letter introduction.

Well, there are a few other key elements that a good cover letter beginning should include :

  • contact information both for you and the company
  • headline (optional)
  • personalized greeting

To know where to put this information, just scroll down.

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This is the place for your and your company’s contact information.

Make sure that right at the top of the page you list your contact details such as:

  • phone number

Optionally, you can also include:

  • your professional title
  • date of birth
  • current date
  • personal website/LinkedIn

Additionally, never forget to add company-related information . You should always include the manager’s recruiter’s name (if it was made available to you), job title department, the name of the company, and their address.

Left align all of this information. Or make it easy for yourself and 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.

In your cover letter headline, you can use numbers, questions, or interesting adjectives .

It can be something like “5 Ways I Can Help You Improve Your Company’s Marketing.”

Alternatively, you can just state the name of the position you’re applying for.

how to address a cover letter

Salutation (or 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, and check the company’s website or  LinkedIn . (Did you know that you can turn your LinkedIn profile into a great resume  with just one click?)

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” , or “Dear Recruitment Officer” .

After the salutations, you can continue with an attention-grabbing intro paragraph.

HR expert tip: 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 its 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

To sum up — 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, nice, 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  cover letter examples , or learn how to  end a cover letter .

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Nikoleta Žišková in 2021.

Kaja Jurčišinová — Staff Writer

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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Best Ways to Write a Cover Letter Opening With Examples

Cover Letter Opening | Examples | Resume.com

Crafting a stand-out cover letter takes a bit of time and effort but can make all of the difference between getting an interview and being passed up. The most important part of your cover letter is the opening. Learn how to write a compelling opening statement with examples for guidance.

What is a cover letter opening?

A cover letter opening is the first sentence and paragraph a hiring manager reads in your cover letter.

Why is a cover letter opening important?

Cover letter openings are important because a it is the best way to tell a potential employer about yourself, your skills, and why you want to work for them. Hiring managers view hundreds of cover letters for job openings, so the first paragraph needs to make an impression.

Examples of cover letter opening sentences

Here are some opening sentence techniques to consider.

Show passion for what you do

Passion drives success, and employers want potential candidates who will advocate for their company. An opening sentence that demonstrates the your passions and motivations for the job will help grab a hiring manager’s attention.

Example: After three years working in different roles at early-stage startups, I’ve realized my greatest talent is writing incredible content and sharing it with the world.

Express your love for the company

Companies want to hire someone who already knows and loves what they offer. Convey enthusiasm with a story about your experience with their service or product. Such excitement demonstrates the motivation and dedication you will have as an employee.

Example: I enjoyed your last speaking event in San Francisco so much I didn’t want to leave, so I didn’t. Instead, I searched for job openings with your company.

Start with an impressive accomplishment

Stand out by highlighting an accomplishment or  skill that makes you unique among other similarly qualified candidates.

Example: In the first six months of my entry-level sales job, I was named Top Salesperson and have held the title for eight months.

Be creative or humorous

An unconventional opening can intrigue a hiring manager, but be careful. Examine the job post and website tone and use your judgment to determine if charisma and humor are appropriate.

Example: I could submit my credit card statements to prove how much I love online shopping, but I decided writing a cover letter would be a better approach.

Note a mutual connection

If a former or current employee at the company referred you, mention this in the opening statement of your cover letter. Employee referrals are important to hiring managers because they result in the best success rates.

Example: I was excited to learn about this job through my former coworker, Eliza Woods. She works with Core Group, Inc. as a data analyst.

Mention recent good news about the company

Mentioning a recent current event about the company shows you’ve done your research. Tie this to your interest in working there or why you would be a great fit for the  role.

Example: I was impressed that your company was recently highlighted in the Fortune Tribute for your partnership with the Children’s Health & Wellness Foundation.

Begin with a powerful belief statement

A belief statement is an idea or value you care about that aligns with the company’s mission and values.

Example: As a teacher, I believe that every student deserves to learn with their own unique style and grow with hands-on experience.

Cover letter opening paragraphs examples

Here are examples of full opening paragraphs with opening sentences to help guide your writing.

Show your passion

Example: After three years working in different roles at early-stage startups, I’ve realized my greatest talent is writing incredible content and sharing it with the world. While I gained transferable skills at these jobs, I wanted to make sure my first big career move would provide me with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and the ability to showcase my writing talent. Enter, you: Mosaic Creative, LLC.

Love for the company

Example: I enjoyed your last speaking event in San Francisco so much I didn’t want to leave, so I didn’t. Instead,  searched for job openings with your company. I was thrilled to see you are hiring a marketing manager skilled at increasing brand awareness and sales through social media marketing. With my 4+ years of experience building and monitoring successful Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn campaigns, I’m confident I’m a great fit for this role.

Impressive accomplishment

Example: In the first six months of my entry-level sales job, I was named Top Salesperson and have held the title for eight months. I’ve consistently earned a positive customer rating above 95% and exceed quarterly sales goals by more than 10%. I’m ready for my next big challenge in sales, and I believe the sales manager role at Lincoln Sales Company is it.

Creativity and humor

Example: I could submit my credit card statements to prove how much I love online shopping, but I decided writing a cover letter would be a better approach. So here I am, describing to you all the reasons I can take Seaside Boutique to the next level. As a current in-house stylist of three years and a successful fashion blogger with over 20,000 website views a month, I’m confident I can expand your subscription-based styling business into a household name.

Network connection

Example: I was excited to learn about this job through my former coworker, Eliza Woods. She works with Core Group, Inc. as a data analyst. We worked closely for two years, most recently on a complex market research project at Meridian Associates. She thought I would be a great match for the market research analyst position on your team.

Newsworthy mention

Example: Your company was recently highlighted in the Fortune Tribute for your partnership with Children’s Health & Wellness Foundation. After reading the article, I quickly felt inspired to seek an employment opportunity with you because of my personal belief in the Children’s Health & Wellness Foundation mission. I was pleased to see your opening for an event coordinator. With five years of experience managing corporate events, I believe I would be the perfect candidate for this job.

Belief statement

Example: As a teacher, I believe that every student deserves to learn with their own unique style and grow with hands-on experience. It’s clear that Bayside Elementary School values a variety of learning techniques and activities that drive curiosity, and I would love to be a part of such a progressive-minded institution as your art teacher.

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How to Start a Cover Letter That Grabs Attention

11 min read · Updated on August 03, 2021

Lisa Tynan

Get your cover letter off to a strong start by addressing it appropriately, greeting your reader, and writing a memorable opening sentence.

In this age of digital job postings and applicant tracking systems, many believe that a cover letter is no longer expected or necessary--but thinking this can put your job application at risk. It's imperative to know how to write a cover letter , and how to do it well.

While there are many mixed messages out there about cover letters, one that's well-written can still put you ahead of other job candidates and sometimes be the deciding factor that gets you hired in that it gives the hiring person a good first impression of you. 

In fact, unless the job posting specifically states that no cover letter is required (in which case the posting instructions take precedence), you should always plan to include a cover letter with your application.

What is a well-written cover letter ? One that grabs attention right from the start with the correct company name and address, the proper greeting, and a memorable opening sentence.  

Addressing a cover letter (including an email)

Always place the company's name and address just before the greeting. If at all possible, find and include the name of the recruiter or hiring manager. (More on this coming up.) 

Use the same heading, font type, and font size as your resume to create a feeling of organization and flow. 

As for your name and contact information, there are several acceptable options. Remember that your name is the thing that immediately grabs attention, so make sure it's there along with the contact details. 

Add only your name, phone number, and email address just above the company information as shown below. This gives a recruiter two ways to contact you at a glance. Leave a space between the end of your information and the start of the section with the company's details. 

Here is an example of the layout:

[Your Name]

[Contact Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Name of Recruiter/Hiring Manager]

[Street Address]

[City, State ZIP]

Dear [Name],

Or you can choose to add more information if you like.

Use your name, full address, phone number, and email address in this same space at the top.

[Your Street Address]

[Your Contact Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Use either Option 1 or 2 under your signature line at the bottom of the cover letter.

When I was a recruiter, I liked having all the candidate's information all  in the same place rather than broken up between the top and bottom of the cover letter, so I suggest choosing one or the other. It just makes life easier for the person (or system) reviewing your cover letter. 

This information would generally be on a separate cover letter attached to an email. In this case, keep your email brief, and simply use a closing (Sincerely) with your first and last name at the end of the email.

However, if the email is actually the cover letter then choose one of the options above and use it in the actual email.

The correct cover letter greeting

Believe it or not, this can be what ends your job prospects with that particular organization. People take pride in their names and in their gender status. Depending on the hiring person, they could feel insulted if you get it wrong, especially because you might have found this information with a little research or didn't opt for something gender neutral.

Use the hiring manager's name

You can find the hiring person's name in any number of places. Here's an excerpt from another TopResume cover letter article with more detailed information.

If you're not given the name of the hiring manager, here are some effective ways to discover their name by using:

The job description: Check this document for the hiring manager's name. While it's not generally listed, you never know. If it's not obvious, there's also a trick to quickly discover an email in the job description that might contain the name; while in the document, press Ctrl +F or run Command + F and search for the @ symbol.

An email address: If you discover an email address, it may not have a full name but rather a first initial and last name or just a first name like [email protected] or [email protected]. A Google search combining the person's name as shown in the email and the company name might find you the person's full name.

 A LinkedIn post: A name connected to the LinkedIn job posting is probably that of the hiring professional who posted it, so use that name in your greeting.

The supervisor's title: It's more likely that a job description will list who the new hire will report to — such as the director of accounting — without listing a name. In this case, there are several search options:

Search the company's website for listings of staff members by title.

Run an advanced LinkedIn or Google search for all directors of accounting at that specific company.

Check with your network for someone who might know the person's name or search the appropriate professional networking sites.

Contact the company by phone or email. Tell them you're applying for [job title] and want to address your cover letter to the right person.

Use job titles/department names if necessary

When asked about how to address a cover letter effectively , one of our TopResume Writers states, “ As a general rule, I always stay away from anything approaching 'To Whom it May Concern' (this may be obvious).”

Next, unless you are absolutely sure of the person's gender or gender preference, don't use “Mr.” or “Ms.” in your greeting. I also advise against using “Mrs.” at any time, since you generally can't discern a woman's marital status. 

You can also use the person's job title if you have it along with their last name: 

Hello Director Smith

Greetings Vice President Jones

Hi Accounting Manager Johnson

If you only have the person's job title or their general department from the job description, consider these options:

Dear Head of Design

Hello IT Department

To Company ABC Recruiter/Hiring Professional

Hello Marketing Hiring Team

Greetings Customer Support Hiring Group

Professional titles such as “Professor” or “Dr.” are definitely acceptable as a cover letter salutation and should be used with last names as a sign of respect. Be on the lookout for these and other titles to include.

If after all this you still don't have a name, job title, or department name, simply use Dear Hiring Manager.

Stay Professional

There's another less-common scenario worth mentioning: You already know and are on a first-name basis with the hiring manager. In this situation, I recommend staying with a formal greeting using the person's last name. 

You never know who else is going to see your cover letter, and accusations of potential favoritism (even if false) will hurt both you and the hiring manager. Always be professional in the hiring process.

Never Leave It Blank

All these greeting options may seem awkward, but they are much better than using the wrong name or gender in your greeting, or worse: adding no greeting at all. 

There's no reason to leave the greeting blank when there are so many options that can be used effectively in how you write your cover letter. Including a greeting, even a general one, will impress any hiring professional and greatly improve your chances of moving along in the hiring process.

Punctuate properly

In truth, it doesn't really matter what punctuation you use in your cover letter greeting. Generally a comma or a colon are equally acceptable after the person's name. However, don't include a comma between the words of greeting ( Dear/Hello/Greetings ) and the person's name and/or title.

This is correct for both a separate cover letter and an email as a cover letter.

Check (and check again) before you hit “send”

As a job applicant, it's generally fine to re-use the same cover letter for similar or even non-similar positions. However, you must make it a habit to review each cover letter thoroughly before you submit it.

Double and triple check that you've used the correct hiring manager name/company in both the address area and the greeting. The minute a recruiter/hiring manager sees a different name and company than their own, the cover letter--along with your resume and hopes for that job--will be thrown in the trash.

Next, be sure the position title matches the company. You might get by with this mistake, but a good recruiter will catch it and potentially toss your application.

Finally, review the body of the letter to know that you've included the right set of experience and skills for that job. The section below offers more details on this.

Crafting a great opening sentence

Your cover letter opening sentence should make it obvious to the reader that you're applying for that company's specific position. 

This means you should include the job title in your first line. “Always include the position you are applying for,” says TopResume writer Brandon C. “Customize this sentence to make the rest of the cover letter feel custom as well - even if there is nothing else that you change as you use it for different applications.” 

If the positions you're after are very similar, there's really no need to change other parts of the letter except the hiring manager name and position title--but it's always in your best interests to make sure.

When cover letter changes matter

Start by reviewing all your job descriptions against each other, looking closely and the skill requirements. If it appears that each job is looking for pretty much the same skills and experience, you can use the one cover letter for each of those applications (remembering to change the specifics mentioned above).

However, if you spot any major difference in what's required for each role you will want to change each cover letter to point out that you possess those specific skills and qualifications. If a company wants product development experience and you don't show them that or show completely unrelated skills from a generic cover letter, you likely won't get the job.

Also, check the education requirements for each role, and adjust that accordingly on your cover letter.

Once you have a basic cover letter, it only takes a few minutes to review and change any parts that show you to be a well-qualified candidate for the job.

Good opening sentence examples 

Here are some additional examples of strong cover letter opening sentences from TopResume writers.

I like to begin by introducing the customer as who they are as a professional, including their line of work and a few adjectives. For example: "As an executive product development professional with a passion for transforming new concepts into finalized, breakthrough products and solutions, I am an ideal candidate for your (Job Title) opening."

If someone is a recent grad or new to the workforce, I tend to highlight their recent degree, a few transferable skills, and/or their passion for whatever industry they're trying to tap into.

Niki Beaulieu, Senior Resume Writer

I would always recommend something along the lines of, "As a dedicated and established leader in (career field) with a passion for driving (specialty) operations, I eagerly submit the attached resume in hopes of joining your organization as a valuable member of your (specified field) team."

This is of course just one example, and this particular opening could be broken up in a multitude of ways as well.

Brandon C., TopResume Writer

There are a variety of ways to create your opening sentence, but as the above examples show you should include whatever specifics make sense and will get you noticed, including:

Your current or desired career field

Specific skills applicable to the job

Related work experience

Related education

On-going career goals

And it bears repeating: Always include the correct position title, company name, and greeting.

One final note: Since this article focuses on starting a cover letter, you might want to check out some good sources on how to effectively complete the cover letter , including additional paragraphs and the best way to close your letter. You might also want to review another great article on how to avoid cover letter mistakes .

To sum up, hiring managers do read cover letters , so always plan to include one with your application. It will help you stand out from the crowd and improve your chances of getting hired.

Is your cover letter is cutting it?  Our resume writers don't just help you with your resume . 

Recommended Reading:

What You Should Include in a Cover Letter For a Job  

Ask Amanda: How Do I Write a Great Cover Letter?

  • How to Address a Cover Letter to Recruiter or Hiring Manager

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25 Cover Letter Opening Examples to Make an Impact

Wrting a cover letter opening

A compelling cover letter is essential for making a strong first impression on potential employers. One of the most critical components of an effective cover letter is the opening line, which sets the tone for the entire document and grabs the attention of hiring managers. To help you craft the perfect introduction for your cover letter, we've compiled a list of 25 powerful opening lines tailored to various industries and roles. These examples will inspire you to create an engaging and memorable opening that showcases your own skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the position.

25 Example Cover Letter Opening Lines:

These are mere samples that you can start of from with your own opening lines. They are meant to inspire and help you aide your own, personal

1. As a highly motivated and detail-oriented financial analyst with a proven record of identifying investment opportunities and managing risk, I am eager to apply my skills and expertise to the Financial Analyst position at [Company Name]. <br>

2. With a strong background in project management and a track record of completing projects on time and within budget, I am excited to bring my expertise to the Project Manager role at [Company Name]. <br>

3. As a professional graphic designer with a passion for creating visually engaging content and a deep understanding of branding, I am confident that my skills make me a perfect fit for the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name].

4. As a recent graduate with a degree in [Major] from [University], I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and passion for [Industry] to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

5 . As an accomplished sales professional with a history of exceeding targets and cultivating long-lasting client relationships, I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to the Sales Representative role at [Company Name].

6. With extensive experience in managing social media campaigns and a deep understanding of online marketing strategies, I am the ideal candidate for the Social Media Manager position at [Company Name].

7. As a Certified Public Accountant with a strong background in financial planning and analysis, I am confident that my expertise makes me the perfect candidate for the Senior Accountant role at [Company Name].

8. With a passion for writing and a strong background in creating compelling content for various platforms, I am excited to bring my skills to the Content Writer position at [Company Name].

9. As an experienced human resources professional with a proven ability to recruit top talent and develop effective employee relations strategies, I am eager to contribute my skills to the HR Manager role at [Company Name].

10. Having successfully managed events ranging from corporate conferences to charity galas, I am excited to bring my event planning expertise to the Event Coordinator position at [Company Name].

11. As a certified data analyst with a strong background in statistical modeling and a passion for uncovering insights from complex datasets, I am eager to bring my expertise to the Data Analyst position at [Company Name].

12. With a proven ability to develop and implement effective digital marketing strategies, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of the Digital Marketing Specialist role at [Company Name].

13. As a results-driven engineering professional with expertise in [specific engineering field], I am eager to apply my skills and experience to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

14. With extensive experience in customer service and a passion for creating positive customer experiences, I am highly motivated to bring my skills and expertise to the Customer Service Representative role at [Company Name].

15. As a seasoned business development executive with a track record of identifying and securing new clients, I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of the Business Development Manager position at [Company Name].

16. With a strong background in product management and a passion for creating innovative solutions, I am confident that my expertise makes me the perfect fit for the Product Manager role at [Company Name].

17. As an experienced administrative professional with exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, I am excited to bring my talents to the Executive Assistant position at [Company Name].

18. With a strong passion for [Industry] and a track record of creating impactful communications strategies, I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to the Public Relations Specialist role at [Company Name].

19. As a creative and talented web developer with expertise in [specific programming languages], I am confident that my skills make me a strong candidate for the Web Developer position at [Company Name].

20. As an accomplished operations professional with experience in streamlining processes and improving efficiency, I am eager to apply my skills to the Operations Manager role at [Company Name].

21. With a passion for teaching and a proven ability to engage and motivate students, I am excited to bring my skills and experience to the [Subject] Teacher position at [School Name].

22. As a highly skilled and adaptable software engineer with experience in [specific programming languages], I am eager to contribute to the success of the Software Engineer role at [Company Name].

23. With a strong background in supply chain management and a track record of improving efficiency and reducing costs, I am confident that my expertise makes me the perfect candidate for the Supply Chain Manager position at [Company Name].

24. As an experienced medical professional with a deep understanding of patient care and a commitment to providing compassionate service, I am excited to bring my skills and experience to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

25. With a passion for research and a proven ability to analyze and interpret data, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to the Research Analyst role at [Company Name].

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4 Best Cover Letter Opening Lines to Make a Mark in the First Paragraph

Elena Prokopets

Do you feel that writing a cover letter opening paragraph is always the hardest part? 

Who would have thought that you could agonize so much over two to three sentences? First, you are struggling to come up with an appropriate cover letter greeting. Then there you want to make a catchy hook. But end up writing what every other applicant does — “This is my cover letter for [Position Name] at [Company Name]”. 

So you are probably wondering what you can do to get the reader at hello (pun intended)? In this guide, we’ll provide you with several pro tips and best cover letter opening lines examples to accomplish just that. 

But first, let’s get some basics out of the way.

What is the Best Greeting for a Cover Letter?

The best greeting for a cover letter is *drum roll* — Hello [Person Name]. 

Yeah, that’s nothing fancy. But the research of some 300,000 business emails found that simple salutations like “Hey”, “Hi”, and “Hello” drive the highest open rates. 

So go with either of the above, depending on the level of formality adopted in the organization. For example, if you are applying to an educational position, it’s best to use a more formal “Hello”. But starting your letter with “Hi [HR Name]” or “Hi [Team]” is seen as acceptable by companies with a more relaxed culture. 

Pro tip: If possible, subscribe to the company’s newsletter. Then check out how they are greeting prospective customers. Then use the same type of greeting and mimic their tone of voice for your cover letter . 

4 Great Cover Letter Opening Lines: Examples + Tips 

We know that you’ve come looking for actual cover letter opening line examples. So no more intros! Below is our line-up with quick recommendations when each opening will work best. 

1. Share an Accomplishment 

The easiest way to wow the reader straight off the bat is by throwing in a serious accomplishment . Show that you are a motivated go-getter, eager to make things happen.

For example, you can open your cover letter for a sales position like this: 

“In 2020, I’ve attracted over $5.4 million in new business for my current employer — Pharma Inc. Most of them were from the Midwest — the market your organization is looking to enter”. 

By opening your cover letter with such a bold and boastful line you accomplish two things:

  • Instantly show that you are qualified
  • Make the reader picture what you can do for their company 

Both of the above factors get the reader hooked to continue reading your cover letter and curious to learn more about your qualifications.  

Works best for: 

  • Management 
  • Hospitality 
  • Executive positions 

2. Drop a Name 

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce your persona to the reader and help them learn a bit more about your character, personality, and professional qualities.

An easy way to foster an immediate sense of “connection” is by mentioning someone they know who you know too, aka your connection to the company. 

Dropping such a connecting statement instantly feeds into our association bias — the tendency to transpose associations from a past fact to a present. For example, we tend to link high prices with better quality. Similarly, our brain also associates the positive qualities of a referee with a referral. And this fact makes name-dropping so powerful. 

For example, you can open your letter with this statement:

“I’m referring to [position name] as per the recommendation of Josy Gilbert, an Adjunct Professor at your institution and once a Ph.D. supervisor of mine.” 

Don’t have a direct connection to the company? Don’t worry! You can also build up an association link by mentioning an interaction with the company recruiter or employee, bringing up a fact about the company leadership, or name-dropping your current employer if they are a big name in the industry.  

  • Finance 
  • Healthcare 
  • Creative industries 

3. Share Your Passion 

Every employer wants to see eager, motivated people with sparkling eyes, rushing around the office premises (or checking in via Slack). 

And that sentiment makes perfect sense. Research found that calling-oriented workers (people with a great passion for their work) are more satisfied and successful at work than those who primarily work for money. So there’s less turnover. 

You can show that you are this person too. Here’s a sample passionate opening for an internship cover letter : 

“Since I was five, I have been writing short cover stories and asking my Mom to find a publisher for me. Now, I represent other aspiring writers (of legal age) and get them deals with the best publishing agencies in the country”  

  • Recent graduates 
  • Interns 
  • Career transitioners
  • Design 
  • Creative professions 
  • Social work 
  • Customer service 

4. Use Flattery

Sharing your fascination and appreciation for the company you are pitching can help you get your foot into the door. Let’s be real: everyone loves a bit of flattery. But to be impactful, your gushing sentiment has to be genuine and concrete. It’s not enough to say that “I love what you do”. Instead, you have to come up with a way to connect your skillset with the interest in the company operations.

Here’s a sample opening line doing just that:

“When I first entered the Sama Brand flagship store in NY, my first thought was: can I stay to live here? Your merchandising team has meticulous attention to curating your furniture in a way that says “home”. So instead of secretly squatting at your store, I went to check the open jobs, so that I could spend more time at your amazing space”. 

  • Retail 
  • Marketing 
  • Service industry 

The Best Opening Lines for a Cover Letter are Those You’ll Come Up With! 

Don’t get caught up in putting down the perfect opening paragraph from the first try. Leave it blank and work on the body of your cover letter instead. Then circle back to writing that opening.

And if you are still stuck, check out more cover letter examples we have on our website!

Elena Prokopets

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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  • 10 Opening Lines That Are Straight Up Killing Your Cover Letter

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best opening line on cover letter

QUICK INTRODUCTION

You are just out of college and you saw a job advertisement for a job you really like, so you submitted your resume and cover letter – just as the job ad said you should do.

However, weeks have passed by and you have not heard anything back from the employer. The reason for this may be that your cover letter did not capture the attention of the employer so that he or she wants to continue reading and getting to know more about you.

The first thing you want to do is to get your potential employer impressed, not annoyed. In fact, you want to be able to give an awesome first impression of yourself – such that they cannot reject your job application.

So what is the first thing you should do to achieve this? You should amaze them with your well-written job-winning cover letter .

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

Firstly, what is a cover letter?

It is a letter or written communication that serves to introduce an accompanying document or introduces a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). A cover letter helps to show why you are the best person for the job description and how you will be a great addition to the company.

It also shows your capability to communicate your career objectives efficiently and to support your resume career summary .

When it comes to preparing a cover letter as a part of a job application, many job seekers are filled with anxiety about experimenting with their cover letters.

They are usually under the pressure to please the hiring manager, and it that pursuit they forget to show their personality in their job applications documentation.

This is the major reason why their application would look lifeless and will not differentiate this applicant from other applicants. You should let your personality be seen clearly through the cover letter so you stand out from your competition applying for the same position.

After several weeks or months of you searching for the perfect job and you have found it and now it is your turn to impress the employers with your cover letter so you land and stand out in a job interview , so you get the job offer.

A cover letter is the most effective way for you to introduce to the hiring or resource manager who you are, the things you have to offer, why you want the job and why you are the one to be offered the position—but you have a very limited period of time to do all of these things.

Therefore, if you really want to attract the reader or employer’s attention, you have to start right.

OPENING LINES OF COVER LETTERS

Opening lines of cover letters are usually not very specific, but they do not need to be. Abby Locke , a speaker, writer, and president of Washington DC-based Premier Writing Solutions says “Most cover letters usually begin with lines like, ‘In response to your job advertisement, I’m forwarding my resume for your review and consideration’”.

You should endeavor to make a very strong first impression by writing something spectacular and different – something that will clearly express the value you are offering.

You can attract the attention of the reader of your cover letter by:

  • emphasizing your accomplishments
  • expressing the reasons why you are interested in the job
  • stating the mission of the employer, and
  • showing how your strongest skills can contribute to the achievement of that mission.

Abby Locke suggests that the road to writing a good cover letter is to start with writing a list of the best three ways you would make an impacton the organization.

You should be able to ask yourself and answer questions such as “What core competencies would enable me to surpass the norm in the position I am targeting?”. Locke also emphasized on you answering how the employer would gain from hiring you.

The ability to convey all these details in just a few lines seems impossible. The start of the cover letter should be very catchy, but not overselling especially if you are a student or graduate who has not even a year of experience for reference.

You should ensure that your cover letter should be professional, but not boring – but be careful, as the borderline between those extremes is usually very blurry.

It is an awesome idea to have several examples of cover letters you can look through to serve as a source of inspiration when you are desperate for one.

Towards the end of this article, there will be few ideas on how to write killer opening lines for your cover letter; but firstly, let us see the top 10 opening lines that are straight up killing your cover letter

10 OPENING LINES THAT ARE STRAIGHT UP KILLING YOUR COVER LETTER

1. “dear sir/madam”, “to whom it may concern” or “dear recruiter”.

It is almost criminal to use a non-specific salutation to address your cover letter as you are admitting that you have not done your research and you do not know who and where are you applying for a job.

Doing this also suggests that you are using a generic template and that you are sending the same cover letter to every employer you apply to for a job.

Do not get me wrong – templates save time and you should use them for that reason as long as you rework it for the each specific employer.

2. “My name is…”

Your name is on your resume, your application form (if you had to complete one to apply for the job) and on your envelope/email which you used to submit your job application.

It is also in your signature at the bottom of your cover letter so why waste valuable space to state your name once again at the beginning of it?

Give credit to the hiring manager/recruiter for being able to figureout your name before starting to read your cover letter and instead, use these potentially only a few seconds you have to leave a mark on the reader by stating something that will convince them to start a conversation with you.

3. “I am writing to express my interest in/for…”

Of course, you are writing to express your interest in the advertised vacancy – otherwise, you would not be writing at all.

Do not state the obvious and move on to saying why you are applying for the specific position and why are you excited by the prospect of getting it.

4. “I have enclosed for your consideration my resume…”

Similarly to the above, when submitting a cover letter as a part of a job application by default you do that to accompany your resume.

The recruiter or the hiring manager will see your resume when they open your application, so again – there is no need to waste their time and space in the letter to state the obvious.

5. “My qualifications for this job are…”

Your resume will list all your qualifications in details, but can mention them in brief in your cover letter too but not at the very beginning.

The start of the letter should grab the reader’s attention and many of the other applicants for the same job will probably share your qualifications, so that will not make you distinct in the eyes of the recruiter.

You can do better when it comes to the opening line of your cover letter – keep reading for tips how you can achieve that.

6. “My first job was [X], my second job was [X], my third job was…”

Well, like this you have re-written your CV into your cover letter! Having your resume in two different places is not the way to sell yourself.

Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to expand and add detail to the experiences and skills you have listed in your CV, as well as to prove to the potential employer that you are the best choice among the other applicants, so use it well!

7. “I am probably not the best candidate, but…”

Oh, boy (imagine the reader facepalm as soon as they read this)! If you don’t believe in yourself and that you are the best candidate for the job, why would the recruiter?

It is good to be modest and not come across as arrogant narcissist when writing your cover letter, but it is not good to set yourself for failure.

Starting your cover letter with this sentence will give reasons to the recruiter to reject your application right off the bat.

8. “This job will be the perfect opportunity to develop my skills”

Big NO-NO! Telling your potential employer that you need this job because it will allow you to learn new or improve existing skills is a rookie mistake. Employers pay you for bringing your skills to their workplace – they are not a training school.

Employers also know that a good employee will not be static at the new workplace, they will pick-up new skills and further develop their current skills but this should not be the main reason why you are applying for a given position.

Instead, you should convince the reader in the first sentence that they should hire you because of the skills, abilities, attitudes, experience, and qualifications you bring to the table.

9. “My mum/friend/family told me to apply for this job”

Even if this was really the case, there is no need for the world to know this, especially not your future employer.

No company wants employees who are not passionate about their work and their industry, as they know these employees have short career span.

They will leave the company as soon as another opportunity closely matching their interests appears.

So, do not start your cover letter with an information about who suggested you apply for the vacancy – ideally, this idea should have come out of your desire to work in that particular industry/company.

10. “Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my application”

Ok, you are polite – we get it. However, you will have your chance to thank the reader for their time reading your application at the end of the cover letter (once they have actually read it).

Again – do not waste very limited space at the begging of your cover letter to say something that can be said somewhere else in the letter.

Be smarter about how you use your cover letter “real-estate” as it will be either a very good or a very bad investment you will make for your future.

HOW TO WRITE A KILLER OPENING LINE FOR YOUR COVER LETTER

Now that we have seen what opening lines NOT to write, let us review few examples of good opening lines and few pieces of adviceon how to write the opening lines in cover letters that can help you bag the job that interests you.

Use Powerful Words

“ As an expert in the field of f inancial planning, I have given financial advice for the executions of projects of different kinds both at large and small scale ”.

Using powerful words to describe yourself grabs the attention of the reader to your cover letter. Display of confidence in abilities is better than false humility.

The job that you are applying for is requiring a certain amount of self-confidence and abilities and you need to have the experience to back up your claims.

Some other examples of opening lines following this rule are:

  • The position advertised by you sounds like a great match with the qualifications and skills that I have been able to acquire during [Here mention the relevant study program or job employment]…
  • Financial analysis, project management, and research are my passions and areas of expertise. Not only are these my passions, but also I believe these skills are the foundation for any project management professional. As an analytical financial manager, I excel at extracting data to understand where the company’ focus should be.
  • As an experienced financial manager and former business owner, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to remain current with the fluctuations in the value of currency and inflation in the investment portfolio market without breaking the budget.
  • As an event planner for ABC Company, I ensure seamless communication and marketing between all involved parties. By implementing new social media marketing tactics in the past year, I have doubled the attendance at all events organized by the company.

Kill The Competition

“ While soldiers are eager to battle, strategists win the war. I am an artful strategist of my profession, different from my co-applicants in the following ways… ”

You should be able to differentiate yourself from your competition. Ensure you use your most relevant accomplishment stories to explain your value to the company .

Other examples of this are:

  • “Unlike many other project cost managers, I ensure all parties know who is responsible for what, and when each part is due. I do this using my own system that I have used for 20+ years because it works. At any time, I can see the status of all activities. This ensures every project execution is on time and on a budget, plus we clearly see when we’ve succeeded, and what needs to be developed next time.”
  • “After spending five years managing the internal finances for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall project budget or draft an inter-office budget in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work consulting executives on their financial strategy.”

Introduce The Leader In You

“ I coordinated the Annual Youth Science Expo which occurred for 340 hours, 30 volunteers in the course of five weeks.”

Show that you can be involved in leadership or management. Breaking down the details allows the employers to understand your accomplishments .

Some examples of opening lines are:

  • “Through my years of experience in PR, I have established my skills and strength in social media, media networking and leading a group of team members. It is the combination of these skills that make me the best candidate for the PR Manager position .”
  • “I am so happy your company needs a social media coordinator skilled at With my track record of boosting social networking by 55% increase in the number of followers through teamwork and creative leadership, I believe that I’m a great fit.

Kick-Off With Excitement

“ I have been excited since I discovered the opening in project management with your company… ”

Employers are attracted by those who seem to show excitement towards the job as this shows dedication.

Other examples of similar opening lines are:

  • “I was excited to find an opening in HR with ABC Company because your work with XYZ Company has been important to me for a long time. I am the best candidate for this position because it combines my experience with HR and XYZ Company.”
  • “As a long-time fan of ABC Company’s certifications, I was thrilled to see your vacancy. With my experience cutting costs 48% for XYZ Company while dropping lead times by nearly 20% and boosting quality, I believe I can be of help with ABC Company current market challenges as I continue to expand my personal skill set.”

Quote The Trail Blazers

“ Accountability enables responsibility.” – J.K Rowling. As a manager who has gathered experiences over the years, I sincerely believe that the key to success in any work environment is accountability .”

Have your work ethic described with a quote. Quotes tend to add more worth to your cover letter.

Another example of how the use of quotes works effectively when you are applying for a job position is the following:

  • “As sociologist John Hudson has observed: ‘A billion hours ago, modern homo sapiens emerged. A billion minutes ago, Christianity began. A billion seconds ago, the IBM PC was released. A billion Google searches ago… was this morning.’ I have chosen this quote as an introduction to my application as a social networkmanager because…”

Use The Culture-Field-Skill (The Bridge) Formula

“ Born in Korea, studied in Canada and worked in China; my blend of cultures and Asian background may just be unprecedented! I am… ”

This opening line is usually used when the job demands a bridge between fields, countries or cultures.

This also can be found in the following example:

  • “Having finished my education in international relations and business, I’m interested in the opportunity to combine my passion for exploring cultures with my professional career. Your advertisement for the position as business development manager for the French market, therefore, appears very intriguing to me…”  

Show Your Expertise

“ Two of my best aspects of expertise are financial analysis and time management. In my years of experience in coordinating teams and meetings, I have been able to put these into full use… ”

The right keywords will make sure your cover letter is read. Illustrate your passions, dreams, and goals and use these to meet their needs.

  • “ABC Company’s marketing assistant opening is an excellent match to my qualifications. As a recent graduate of X University with a major in marketing and business, I offer solid academic credentials as well as industry experience gained from an internship at XYZ Company. If given the chance, I know that my strong business and marketing foundation would benefit your department, customers, and the company’s bottom line.”

Name Your Referrer

“ In my recent conversation with your financial manager XY, I was informed about the opening in your Accounting Department and thus was suggested to apply for the job of … ”

You named your referrer to provide the employer with a point of reference to go from. The employers will be interested to find out why your referrer thought you would be a good fit for the job – like in this example:

  • “John Smith, your financial manager, suggested that I apply for this position because he knows firstly, that software solutions achieved 78% performance-to-goals at XYZ Company, and secondly – that you are looking for a software developer with efficiency and efficacy, which my CV shows.”

Display Knowledge About The Company

“ Recently, your company was highlighted in the XXX Newspaper because of your partnership work with “Company ABC” whose work I follow… ”

Stating your knowledge about the company and their recent events can be a real turn-on. You can start your cover letter stating your knowledge of what they do and why you know so much about them.

Some examples of cover letter opening lines of this kind are:

  • “I recently read that your company is #2 on X Magazine’s list of top companies to work for in 2017 in this state.”
  • “I read with great passion the article in X Magazine announcing the upcoming launch of your company’s branch in my area. Congratulations on this new venture and it’s impressive $20 million in pre-launch sales!”

The Impact Making Man

“ When I learned that the ABS Company was recruiting new staff members, Istrongly felt that I had to apply. I have always been anticipating finding a company where I can make an impact .”

You should speak as if you are already hired by the organization.

Another example of opening lines such as this is:

  • “When I discovered that ABC Company was hiring, I knew I had to apply. I’ve desired to find a company where I feel like I can make an impact even while working as…”

Creativity can bring you the job. Keep the cover letter simple and well detailed.

The first few sentences in cover letters have a loaded task – they are to attract the attention of a recruiter who has already reviewed many applications.

Then they need to convince a hiring manager to go deeper into your background to find out whether your skills and personality match the position they need to fill or whether you would be a benefit to the organization or not. It is your cover letter, it is your opening line, and it may be your ticket to that dream job.

Do not underestimate it.

10 Opening Lines That Are Straight Up Killing Your Cover Letter

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best opening line on cover letter

Writing a Cover Letter That Opens Doors: Tips from Tech Recruiters

Crafting a compelling cover letter can make a significant difference in your job application process, particularly in the tech industry. While your resume provides the technical details of your career, your cover letter offers a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and the value you bring to the role. Let's dive into expert advice from tech recruiters on how to write a cover letter that stands out.

1. Start with a Strong Opening

The first impression is crucial. Your opening should grab the recruiter's attention and make them want to read more. Avoid generic phrases like "I am writing to apply for..." Instead, start with something engaging and relevant.

"Imagine a world where technology bridges gaps in education, making learning accessible to everyone. As a passionate software engineer with a background in edtech, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission at XYZ Company."

Why It Works:

This opening sets the stage for your application by aligning your passion with the company's mission, showing that you are not just looking for any job, but this specific job.

2. Tailor Your Letter to the Job Description

Tech recruiters emphasize the importance of customization. A tailored cover letter demonstrates that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.

"I was thrilled to see the opening for a Data Analyst at ABC Tech. With my experience in leveraging Python and SQL to drive data-driven decisions, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team's success."

By directly addressing the job requirements and mentioning specific skills, you show that you understand what the role entails and how you can meet those needs.

3. Highlight Relevant Achievements

Tech recruiters are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their impact. Highlighting your accomplishments with quantifiable results can make your cover letter more compelling.

"In my previous role at DEF Inc., I optimized the data processing pipeline, reducing processing time by 30% and improving data accuracy by 20%. This improvement not only enhanced our data quality but also saved the company $50,000 annually."

Specific achievements with measurable results provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and contributions.

4. Show Enthusiasm for the Company and Role

Expressing genuine enthusiasm for the company and the role can set you apart from other candidates. Research the company's projects, culture, and values, and reflect that in your cover letter.

"I am particularly drawn to XYZ Company's commitment to innovative healthcare solutions. Your recent project on AI-driven diagnostics is groundbreaking, and I am eager to bring my expertise in machine learning to help advance this initiative."

This approach shows that you are not just looking for any job, but are specifically interested in contributing to the company's innovative projects.

5. Demonstrate Cultural Fit

Tech companies often place a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Mentioning aspects of the company's culture that resonate with you can help you stand out.

"ABC Tech's emphasis on continuous learning and collaboration aligns perfectly with my personal values. I believe that my proactive approach to professional development and my collaborative nature would thrive in your team environment."

This highlights your alignment with the company's values and culture, making you a more attractive candidate.

6. Address Potential Concerns Proactively

If there are any potential red flags in your application, such as a career gap or a lack of direct experience in a specific area, address them head-on in your cover letter.

"After taking a career break to care for a family member, I am now eager to return to the workforce. During this time, I completed several online courses on cloud computing and earned my AWS certification, ensuring my skills remain up-to-date."

Proactively addressing potential concerns shows honesty and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.

7. Close with a Strong Call to Action

End your cover letter with a confident call to action, inviting the recruiter to take the next step.

"I am excited about the possibility of contributing to XYZ Company and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working together."

A strong closing reinforces your enthusiasm and encourages the recruiter to move forward with your application.

QA Engineering

Careerist's Role in Crafting Compelling Cover Letters

At Careerist, we understand the importance of a well-crafted cover letter in the job application process. Our programs are designed to help students articulate their value effectively. Here's how we support our students:

1. Personalized Coaching

Our 1:1 career coaching sessions help students tailor their cover letters to specific job descriptions, ensuring they highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.

2. Real-World Insights

Through partnerships with industry professionals, Careerist provides insights into what tech recruiters are looking for, helping students align their applications with industry expectations.

3. Practical Training

Our hands-on training programs ensure that students not only learn technical skills but also understand how to communicate their value effectively in their cover letters.

Example Cover Letters

Example 1: software engineer.

XYZ Company

Imagine a world where technology bridges gaps in education, making learning accessible to everyone. As a passionate software engineer with a background in edtech, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission at XYZ Company. Your commitment to innovative solutions that improve educational outcomes resonates deeply with my personal and professional goals.

I was thrilled to see the opening for a Software Engineer on your team. With my experience in developing scalable applications using Python and JavaScript, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your innovative projects. At my previous role at DEF Inc., I optimized the data processing pipeline, reducing processing time by 30% and improving data accuracy by 20%. This improvement not only enhanced our data quality but also saved the company $50,000 annually.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ Company's commitment to continuous learning and collaboration. Your recent project on AI-driven diagnostics is groundbreaking, and I am eager to bring my expertise in machine learning to help advance this initiative. Additionally, I believe that my proactive approach to professional development and my collaborative nature would thrive in your team environment.

I am excited about the possibility of contributing to XYZ Company and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Sincerely,[ Your Name]

Example 2: Data Analyst

Data is the new oil, and I am passionate about turning raw data into actionable insights that drive business decisions. As a seasoned Data Analyst, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to ABC Tech's mission of leveraging data to create innovative solutions.

I was thrilled to see the opening for a Data Analyst at ABC Tech. With my experience in leveraging Python and SQL to drive data-driven decisions, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team's success. In my previous role at DEF Inc., I developed a predictive model that increased sales forecast accuracy by 25%, leading to more informed business strategies and increased revenue.

ABC Tech's emphasis on data-driven innovation and its collaborative culture aligns perfectly with my professional values. I am particularly impressed with your recent project on predictive analytics for customer behavior, and I am eager to bring my expertise to further enhance these initiatives.

After taking a career break to care for a family member, I am now eager to return to the workforce. During this time, I completed several online courses on cloud computing and earned my AWS certification, ensuring my skills remain up-to-date.

I am excited about the possibility of contributing to ABC Tech and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Example 3: UX Designer

User experience is at the heart of impactful digital solutions, and I am passionate about creating designs that enhance user satisfaction and drive business success. As a dedicated UX Designer, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to LMN Corp's mission of delivering exceptional user experiences.

I was thrilled to see the opening for a UX Designer at LMN Corp. With my experience in user-centered design, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your innovative projects. At my previous role at XYZ Agency, I led the redesign of a major client’s e-commerce platform, resulting in a 40% increase in user engagement and a 25% boost in conversion rates.

LMN Corp's emphasis on continuous learning and collaboration aligns perfectly with my personal values. Your recent project on integrating AI to personalize user experiences is groundbreaking, and I am eager to bring my expertise in user research and design thinking to help advance this initiative.

ABC Tech's emphasis on continuous learning and collaboration aligns perfectly with my personal values. I believe that my proactive approach to professional development and my collaborative nature would thrive in your team environment.

I am excited about the possibility of contributing to LMN Corp and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Writing a cover letter that opens doors in the tech industry requires a combination of research, personalization, and a clear demonstration of your value. By following the tips from tech recruiters and leveraging the support offered by Careerist, you can craft a compelling cover letter that sets you apart from the competition. Remember, your cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story and show why you are the perfect fit for the role. So, take the time to make it count!

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Cover Letter opening line

I have the same old opening line a lot of us have - "I am seeking an opportunity to apply my 15 years experience....." etc etc.

I'm in the process of rewriting my cover letter - making it a little more nimble and less resume read throughish. One of the things I've focused on is how important the opening line/paragraph is. Looking for some feedback if this is a solid opening line or if not, any suggestions to tweak.

"As a procurement leader with over 15 years of dynamic experience, I discovered your [Job title] opportunity with great excitement. Successfully navigating starting new departments from the ground up as well as taking existing ones to the next level has provided me skills and insight that can help [COMPANY X]"

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3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

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best opening line on cover letter

3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out was originally published on Vault .

It's a myth that high quality job openings are few and far between thanks to Covid. The truth is, despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic, there are many great openings out there. And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out.

1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.

Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they're looking for. The secret to achieving this is to use specific details, rather than vague ones.

For example, the following was recently used by an applicant when applying for a Head of Marketing position (shortly after sending this, the candidate was interviewed and then hired):

“I have a passion for data and analytics. I enjoy spending (a little too much time) geeking out in Google analytics, advertising platforms, and BI tools (Tableau and Looker), digging deep into data to identify opportunities that can be leveraged to drive growth and inform testing strategies for campaigns, websites, and products.”

Now compare the above to the below (which has less personality and fewer details, and thus would likely not stand out):

“I am well versed in data analytics, and I am experienced with Google analytics, BI Tools, and other advertising platforms. I have a proven ability to inform testing strategies for campaigns for websites and products.”

Here's another example of cover letter phrasing that captures the attention of hiring managers:

“I'm rather obsessed with personal organization. I read three organizational blogs on my own time, and I've organized my desktop folders into color-coded sub-categories. My friends laugh at me for saying things like, ‘An organized space equals an organized mind,' but I don't like wasting time looking for things.” 

Now compare that to this less specific phrasing:

“I have a proven track record of being organized, and I have a passion for it. I have a proven knack for keeping files organized on an ongoing basis, and I have put organizational processes and procedures in place for my department. The bottom line is organization is always my highest priority.” 

2. Prove your level of dedication to your profession.

Another way to stand out is to illustrate specific things about your dedication to your field. In the following example, a candidate showcases her dedication to her profession, proves that she spends a lot of time thinking about driving results in her field, and shows that she takes concrete steps in order to be a high quality contributor in her field. All of which goes a long way when it comes time for hiring managers to decide which candidates to interview. 

“I believe that a good marketing strategy requires seeking out the latest trends and staying one step ahead of the competition. I've attended the Traction conference two years in a row and completed the 2018 Reforge Growth Series, a highly credible and exclusive course that only accepts 10 percent of applicants and is built by leaders from Hubspot, Uber, and other firms. Through these professional developments, I've opened my mind to uncommon marketing methods, and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop strategies that create sustainable, low-cost customer acquisition loops that lead to long-term positive ROI.” 

Now compare the above to the below, which is less detailed and includes less specific phrasing:

“I have the skills and requirements for this position, and I believe I would complete every task asked of me to the highest standard expected. My background and experience make me an excellent fit for this position for many reasons. I am very interested in marketing, and I think I would be a great asset to the team.”

3. Include concrete, quantitative results that show your value.

In any written application, you'll need to showcase some form of quantitative results to stand out. Note that even if you don't have a lot of shiny results in your career yet (or even any relevant experience—which is okay!), you can still use words to capture someone's attention with what you have done. And if you do have a record of achieving quantifiable results, then by all means include them, like in the below:

“I developed several Google ad campaigns that were worth more than $500,000 and that resulted in high-level customers. Also, through testing and optimization, I increased newsletter sign-ups by more than 200 percent.”

Now compare that to this bland sentence:

“I have experience in Google ad campaigns, as well as experience in testing and optimization.”

A final note

When trying to convey your personality, get across your dedication, or communicate your value, there's a big difference between saying you're a good fit for the job and actually showing it.

So, when writing your cover letters, try to hold these words in mind: I know you (the hiring managers) don't know me, so let me show you exactly why I'm completely invested, committed, and passionate about doing this specific type of work. And let me show you the specific reasons why hiring me, over all other candidates, would be beneficial to you.

If you hold all this in mind, the right details and words will flow right out of you—and into your cover letters.

Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their ideal roles and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you want to dive deeper on the topic of your career mindset and become a person who knows exactly how to land their dream job offer, listen to her on the podcast Get a Six Figure Job You Love .

College World Series highlights: Tennessee tops Texas A&M for first baseball national title

best opening line on cover letter

Rocky Top is now the top of the college baseball mountain.

Tennessee defeated Texas A&M 6-5 in the Men’s College World Series championship series winner-take-all game to capture the team’s first national championship in school history. The Volunteers with its 60th win became the first college baseball team to reach that mark since Wichita State won the title in 1989.

It didn’t take long for Tennessee to get on the board with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first from Christian Moore. The Aggies boasted one of the best pitching staffs this season, but it was the Tennessee pitchers that put on a dominant showing the majority of the night that made it a frustrating night for Texas A&M. A seventh inning filled with highlight plays proved to be much-needed insurance to hold off a late rally.

With the victory, the Volunteers also broke the No. 1 overall seed curse, becoming the first team Miami (Fla.) in 1999 to win the national championship as the top ranked team in the tournament. The national championship was 127 years in the making, ending a long title drought since Tennessee began playing baseball in 1897. The reached the championship round in 1951 but lost to Oklahoma.

It’s also another milestone of SEC domination in the sport. The conference has captured its fifth championship in a row with five different schools winning the College World Series dating back to 2019.

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Celebrate Tennessee's national title with our new book

Watch Tennessee win national championship

Aaron Combs strikes out Ted Burton to win national title.

ROCKY TOP REACHES THE TOP 🏆 #MCWS x 🎥 ESPN / @Vol_Baseball pic.twitter.com/s2MqV2A2yH — NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 25, 2024

Texas A&M scores in ninth but falls short

Texas A&M is down to its final inning, but it added another score. Gavin Grahovac hit a leadoff double and two batters later, Jackson Appel brought him in to make it a 6-4 game with one out. They added another run on a wild pitch, but Aaron Combs struck out Ted Burton to end the game.

Kirby Connell ends eighth inning with strikeouts

Kirby Connell has been sensation for Tennessee, and he put an end to the Texas A&M scoring threat in the eighth inning with big-time strikeouts.

Connell struck out Kaeden Kent and Ryan Targac swinging and was pumped to end the frame as Tennessee it three outs away from a national championship with a 6-3 lead.

M8 | KIRBY Ks!!! Two huge strikeouts to stand a pair of Aggies and limit the damage to just two runs. It's 6-3 Vols with Peebles, Stark and Moore due up in the bottom of the inning. #GBO // #OTH // #MCWS // #BeatTAMU pic.twitter.com/IrkpSpkzKy — Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 25, 2024

Texas A&M adds runs to cut deficit

Don’t count out the Aggies just yet.

A three-run seventh inning looked to be the nail in the coffin for a Tennessee victory, however Texas A&M is chipping away and making it a ballgame late.

Jackson Appel opened up the inning with a single and ended up advancing to third thanks to wild pitches from Dylan Loy. Hayden Schott then made solid contact for a single to bring in Appel, and two batters later, Caden Sorrell hit a double to left center and Schott turned on the jets to make it from first base to home to add another run. That be enough for Tony Vitello, opting to put in Kirby Connell in hopes of ending the threat.

Keep chipping away! #GigEm x @CadenSorrell x #MCWS pic.twitter.com/9gmfrnK8fV — Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) June 25, 2024

Hunter Ensley avoids out at home to score on miraculous play

How did Hunter Ensley not get tagged out?

Tennessee outfielder Kavares Tears hit a double off the centerfield wall and Ensley boldly decided to go from first to home. The throw got to Texas A&M catcher Jackson Appel early and it looked to be an easy tag out at home. But Ensley maneuvered around the tag and his left hand touched home plate to score an incredible run and push the Volunteers ahead 6-1 heading to the eighth inning.

SAFE!! 111 mph off the bat from KT and an incredible slide at home by Hunter to avoid the tag!!! 📺 https://t.co/57mSIippEi (ESPN) #GBO // #OTH // #MCWS // #BeatTAMU pic.twitter.com/7pj5Whlv07 — Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 25, 2024

Tennessee has done a lot of its damage on the night with two outs. Four runs have been scored with two outs and the team is 8-for-14 in the situation.

Tennessee's Dylan Drieling hits massive home run

There's still two innings left, but Dylan Dreiling has moved Tennessee closer to its first baseball title.

Texas A&M ace reliever Evan Aschenbeck retired the first two batters in the bottom of the seventh before Billy Amick kept the Volunteers alive with a single. Dreiling hit a high-flying ball to the sky. It wasn't clear if the ball was gonna clear the fence, but right fielder Casey Sorrell ran out of room in trying to make a leaping catch. The two-run homer made it a 5-1 game.

WHO ELSE?!?! MR. CLUTCH!! 📺 https://t.co/57mSIippEi (ESPN) #GBO // #OTH // #MCWS // #BeatTAMU pic.twitter.com/l3KUqT9jWl — Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 25, 2024

Texas A&M can't capitalize with RISP

There isn't much time left, and Texas A&M missed a golden opportunity to cut the deficit or take the lead.

The Aggies had Kaeden Kent and pinch runner Ryan Targac on base with the top of the lineup on deck in the seventh inning. Gavin Grahovac just missed out on a massive hit with a deep fly out to right field. Jace Laviolette looked like he had a hit get passed first baseman Blake Burke, but Christian Moore was perfectly positioned to get the ball, get the throw to first and prevent the run from scoring.

Texas A&M is now 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position on the night.

Texas A&M brings in Evan Aschenbeck

Texas A&M needs to prevent Tennessee from extending the lead, and it's turning to the Division I ERA leader to assure that.

The Aggies brought in Evan Aschenbeck in the sixth inning and he is likely to go the distance in hopes the offense is able to come through late. Aschenbeck led the country with a 1.39 ERA.

Texas A&M chases Zander Sechrist

Zander Sechrist was sensational on Monday, but the Aggies were able to get him out of the game thanks to a pair of singles from Jackson Appel and Hayden Schott. Tennessee turned to closer Nate Snead to get out of the jam, and it worked, capped off with a spectacular catch by Blake Burke on a lineout.

Zander Sechrist dealing, strikes out the side

Zander Sechrist has been a star for Tennessee this postseason, and he very well could be the reason why the Volunteers are national champions. He struck out Kaeden Kent, Travis Chestnut and Gavin Grahovac in the fifth inning. He now has six strikeouts on the night and allowed one run on four hits.

He doesn't appear to be slowing down, but head coach Tony Vitello said his team is getting close to going to the bullpen.

Tennessee back in front with pair of runs

The tie game didn't last long after Tennessee responded to Texas A&M's first run with scores of their own in the third inning to retake the lead 3-1.

Leading off, Blake Burke showed off the power with a double to right centerfield to start the bottom of the third inning. He moved to third base after Billy Amick grounded out, and Dylan Dreiling hit a ball to deep center field that gave Burke plenty of time to tag and score. The Volunteers weren't done in the inning with back-to-back hits from Hunter Ensley and Kavares Tears, leading to Texas A&M taking out starter Justin Lamkin for Josh Stewart.

The Volunteers weren't done scoring yet. Dean Curley welcomed Stewart with a single to bring in Ensley. However, Curley got caught trying to extend the single to second base and was tagged out to end the inning.

Bunt leads to Texas A&M score

Small ball leads to a tie game.

Travis Chestnut’s decision to bunt proved to be effective as he eventually went around the bases to score and tie the game at 1-1 in the third inning.

Chestnut’s bunt was placed perfectly in front of home plate, and Tennessee catcher Cal Stark tried to get the runner out at first when it didn’t look like he had a play. It resulted in an erratic throw that let Chestnut get to second, and a few pitches later, he stole third base to put himself in prime scoring position. Gavin Grahovac capitalized with a single to left field to bring Chestnut in for the first run of the game for the Aggies. 

Another mistake from Tennessee led to Texas A&M getting two runners on base, but the Volunteers caught a break with a double play to end the inning.

Aggies on the board 👍 #MCWS x 🎥 ESPN / @AggieBaseball pic.twitter.com/Gu9wXWgrCd — NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 24, 2024

Pitchers put up scoreless second inning

Tennessee and Texas A&M both got a batter on base in the second inning, but neither side was able to do much with it in a scoreless second frame.

Justin Lamkin gave up the leadoff home run in the bottom of the first and allowed a couple of runners on base afterward, but he appeared more composed in the second inning, allowing only a walk that was aided by a pitch clock violation. On the other side, Zander Sechrist is off to another promising start with two early strikeouts and one hit allowed.

Tennessee stars shine in Omaha

Some of the top people from Knoxville are in attendance to root for Tennessee to win its first baseball national championship. Inside Charles Schwab Field is Volunteers icon Peyton Manning, football coach Josh Heupel and men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes. Also joining them was country music singer Morgan Wallen, a Tennessee native who was a notable baseball player in high school before an injury sent him a different direction.

Christian Moore hits leadoff home run for Tennessee

What a start for Tennessee.

After Zander Sechrist had a 1-2-3 inning, the Volunteers got on the board quickly thanks to Christian Moore. The second baseman got perfect contact on the bat and sent the ball over the wall for a leadoff home run to give the Volunteers the early lead. It was Moore's 34th home run of the year, third-most in Division I.

Texas A&M starter Justin Lamkin allowed two more base runners but worked out of the jam to keep the score 1-0 heading to the second inning.

C-Mo came to play! Vols strike first! 📺 https://t.co/57mSIippEi (ESPN) #GBO // #OTH // #MCWS // #BeatTAMU pic.twitter.com/D9J1luzr5e — Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 24, 2024

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M: TV, time, streaming and how to watch

  • Date: Monday, June 24
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET
  • Cable TV: ESPN
  • Streaming: ESPN+ ; YouTube TV; fuboTV

Heat turned up in Omaha

It'll be a hot one inside Charles Schwab Field, where the temperature is 99 degrees at the time of first pitch between Texas A&M and Tennessee, according to AccuWeather . Temperatures are expected to go down as the game goes on, but it'll still be warm with temperatures forecasted to be in the low 90s by 9 p.m. local time. Keep an eye on how the pitchers and hitters handle the heat.

Tennessee starting lineup

  • Christian Moore, 2B
  • Blake Burke, 1B
  • Billy Amick, 3B
  • Dylan Dreiling, LF
  • Hunter Ensley, CF
  • Kavares Tears, RF
  • Dean Curley, SS
  • Cannon Peebles, DH
  • Cal Stark, C

Texas A&M lineup

  • Gavin Grahovac, 3B
  • Jace LaViolette, RF
  • Jackson Appel, C
  • Hayden Schott, DH
  • Ted Burton, 1B
  • Caden Sorrell, LF
  • Ali Camarillo, SS
  • Kaeden Kent, 2B
  • Travis Chestnut, CF

Tennessee starting pitcher

The Volunteers will go with Zander Sechrist on the mound to start Game 3. The left-handed senior from Buford, Georgia is 5-1 with a 3.22 ERA and 17 starts this season.

Sechrist is coming off one of his best performances with Tennessee when he was the starter in the national semifinal matchup with Florida State. He tied a career-high 6.1 innings pitched with just two runs allowed on five hits in a 7-2 win over the Seminoles. He's been on fire in the postseason; in three NCAA Tournament games this year, he has pitched 17.1 innings and has allowed only two earned runs on 15 hits with 12 strikeouts.

Texas A&M starting pitcher

Justin Lamkin will get the start for Texas A&M in the championship game. The sophomore is 3-2 season with a 5.00 ERA and 15 starts in 2024.

Although the ERA seems high, Lamkin has been excellent for the Aggies in Omaha. He pitched in both wins over Florida, including the one to send Texas A&M to the championship series, when he struck out nine Gators and gave up no runs. In eight innings in Omaha, Lamkin has 15 strikeouts and given up four hits.

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M prediction

As we look ahead to tonight’s decisive game, there are positive cases to be made for both Tennessee and Texas A&M to emerge victorious. The Aggies, despite missing out on the opportunity to clinch, came out of game two with its pitching staff in relatively good shape. A&M coach Jim Schlossnagle was able to keep bullpen ace Evan Aschenbeck in reserve after he successfully closed out game one, and one definitely likes the Aggies’ chances if they can get the ball to him with the lead in the late innings. That could be easier said than done, however, as A&M’s big bats have been largely silent outside of the big second inning on Saturday.

This brings us to the case for Tennessee, which has already gotten one solid start out of Xander Sechrist in Omaha, and coach Tony Vitello will be counting on him to deliver another. The more urgent issue for the Volunteers has been their inability to take advantage of a slew of baserunners, stranding a hefty 19 over the first two games.

One has to think, however, that if the Aggies continue to give the Vols’ big hitters chances, they’ll eventually deliver. While the concept of momentum in sports is nebulous and often fleeting, right now it’s on Tennessee’s side. It will likely be close, but we’ll take the healthier Volunteers to claim the crown. -- Eddie Timanus

Texas A&M players to watch

  • How the Aggies can get the lead will depend on their hitting.   Jace LaViolette  and Gavin Grahovac topped 20 home runs with Grahovac providing the only run Sunday with a long ball. Kaeden Kent , son of former major leaguer Jeff Kent, is providing the hottest bat. Pressed into action due to a season-ending injury to Braden Montgomery, Kent has hit .450 provided a home run and 7 RBI in Omaha.
  • The Aggies will turn to Justin Lampkin to start Game 3 with the sophomore hoping to continue his success after throwing scoreless eight innings across two outings against Florida at the CWS. Waiting to pick up the baton is ace reliever Evan Achenbeck , who leads the nation in ERA. He'll be rested after two spotless innings Friday and could be summoned well before that if the Aggies have the early lead.

Tennessee players to watch

  • Zander Sechrist gets the ball for the Volunteers in Game 3. The senior lefty is second on the staff with a 3.22 ERA after two clutch starts in the postseason - a win against Evansville in their decisive super regional game and a strong effort against a powerful Florida State lineup that sent Tennessee to the championship series. Nate Sneed notched his sixth save in Sunday's win and could be called on again.
  • Where the Tennessee offense gets its offense from is anybody's guess. With a lineup that boasts five players that reached 20 home runs, there's danger everywhere. Christian Moore and Blake Burke , the two leading hitters, are the tablesetters at the top of the lineup. Dylan Dreiling hit a key home run Sunday and is second on the team in RBI with 72, one behind Moore.

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M betting: Odds, spread for College World Series

The Volunteers are favored take home the title, according to the  BetMGM college baseball odds . Looking to wager? Check out the  best mobile sports betting apps  offering  2024 sports betting promos .

Odds listed as of Monday.

  • Spread:  Tennessee (-1.5)
  • Moneyline:  Tennessee (-250); Texas A&M (+185)

College World Series bracket: Remaining schedule

College World Series championship series rundown

  • Game 1:  Texas A&M 9, Tennessee 5
  • Game 2:  Tennessee 4, Texas A&M 1
  • Game 3:  Monday, June 24, 7 p.m. ET

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  1. Best Cover Letter Opening

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  2. Best Cover Letter Opening

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  3. Best Cover Letter Opening Latter Example Template

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  4. How to Write a Cover Letter That Lands the Job

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  5. How to Start a Cover Letter [+ Introduction Examples]

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  6. How to Start a Cover Letter [+ Introduction Examples]

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COMMENTS

  1. 30 Better Ways to Start a Cover Letter

    Communicate that you'll bring something to the company: You'll get more into the details after your opening, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, "This person can do something for us ," rather than, "This job would really help them .". Stick to the point: Your opener, while creative, should still be ...

  2. 7 Powerful Ways To Start a Cover Letter (With Examples)

    The headline on the image says, "Cover letter format" A woman sits at a table writing on a piece of paper. There's a simple cover letter represented by lines. On one side of the cover letter, there are labels for the sections of the cover letter. The labels are: 1. Date and contact information 2. Salutation/greeting 3. First, introduce yourself 4.

  3. 5 Perfect Opening Lines for Your Cover Letter

    Here are five ways to write the opening lines of your next cover letter: 1. Job Title & Accomplishments. This is a very common and effective way to start out a cover letter. The idea is to get straight to the point and impress the employer with your background. Use your most impressive and most relevant accomplishment stories to explain your worth.

  4. 12 Ways to Start a Cover Letter: Examples & Tips

    The best cover letter opening lines are simple, direct, and informative. While it can be tempting to use cover letter starters that are unique and add flair to your application, you should make sure that your opening is appropriate for the company culture. Otherwise, you risk your cover letter coming across as unprofessional or gimmicky.

  5. How to Start a Cover Letter [+ Introduction Examples]

    Here's a simple-but-powerful cover letter introduction template to use as an example: Dear [First Name], I was excited to come across the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a [Current Job Title] with [# of Years] years of experience, I have become competent in [Relevant Skills & Job-Related Abilities].

  6. How to Start a Cover Letter (+10 Opening Line Examples)

    Tip 1: Understand what goes into a basic cover letter opening. No two cover letters should sound exactly the same — every job is different, and every applicant is different. However, the opening lines of your cover letter should contain certain key details: The job title and company name so the employer immediately knows which job you want

  7. How to Start a Cover Letter

    Mention a Mutual Contact (if Applicable) Tip #3. Prove You Have Researched The Company Tip #4. Lead With An Achievement Tip #5. Start With a Powerful Belief Tip #6. Be Direct Key Takeaways Related Readings. Share this article. Here you are, looking at a blank document that's supposed to be your cover letter.

  8. How to Start a Cover Letter: 7 Great Cover Letter Openings ...

    7. Use humor and creativity. Recruiters are human 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 even be a reason to call you up for an interview.

  9. Best Ways to Write a Cover Letter Opening With Examples

    Note a mutual connection. If a former or current employee at the company referred you, mention this in the opening statement of your cover letter. Employee referrals are important to hiring managers because they result in the best success rates. Example: I was excited to learn about this job through my former coworker, Eliza Woods.

  10. How to start a cover letter (With 7 powerful examples)

    How to start a cover letter. To create an effective opening to your cover letter, follow these steps: 1. Convey enthusiasm for the company. If you are genuinely attracted to the company's brand or have used their products or services before, this is a great opportunity to say so. Employers value authentic enthusiasm because it often ...

  11. 7 Powerful Ways To Start a Cover Letter (2024 Examples)

    4. Bring up something newsworthy. Kick off your cover letter with evidence that you've done your research - and a little flattery. If the company you're applying for was recently in the news, mention it in the opening line and tie it into why you admire the company. To avoid sounding insincere with your compliments, bring up a specific ...

  12. How to Start a Cover Letter [20+ Opening Line Examples]

    To start a cover letter without a name, use some variation of 'Dear XYZ Team Manager' or 'Dear Hiring Manager'. Never fall back on old-fashioned salutations such as "To Whom it May Concern.'. It's far too cold and impersonal. RIGHT. Dear XYZ Team Hiring Manager.

  13. 5 Opening Lines That Will Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

    Here are five ideas to get a hiring manager's attention from the first line of your cover letter . 1. Show Excitement. When I interview candidates, the people that stand out the most are the people that smile genuinely, have an engaging attitude, and seem excited to interview. This holds the same truth for cover letters.

  14. 5 opening lines for your cover letter that will set you apart

    Before we get to the examples, there are a few key components to your first sentence that you need to keep in mind: State the position you are applying for clearly. Lead with your best skill. Show ...

  15. 5 Perfect Opening Lines for Your Cover Letter

    Here are five ways to write the opening lines of your next cover letter: 1. Job Title & Accomplishments. This is a very common and effective way to start out a cover letter. The idea is to get straight to the point and impress the employer with your background. Use your most impressive and most relevant accomplishment stories to explain your worth.

  16. 6 of the Most Captivating Cover Letter Openers (& Why They Work)

    There's a "wow factor" when you tell a story in the opening of your cover letter, Rasmussen explains. "It grabs your attention, and makes you think, 'Here's someone who had something major happen to them. I should read on.'". It also shows off your personality, too. Strategy 5: Show Your Passion.

  17. The 11 Best Cover Letter Examples of 2024

    1. The professional cover letter. In this great cover letter example, the applicant landed an IT project management job by proving they had the required project management skills and experience while providing highlights from their career: Include hard numbers in your cover letter to impress the employer.

  18. How to Start a Cover Letter That Grabs Attention

    Addressing a cover letter (including an email) Always place the company's name and address just before the greeting. If at all possible, find and include the name of the recruiter or hiring manager. (More on this coming up.) Use the same heading, font type, and font size as your resume to create a feeling of organization and flow.

  19. 25 Cover Letter Opening Examples to Make an Impact

    A compelling cover letter is essential for making a strong first impression on potential employers. One of the most critical components of an effective cover letter is the opening line, which sets the tone for the entire document and grabs the attention of hiring managers. To help you craft the perfect introduction for your cover letter, we've compiled a list of 25 powerful opening lines ...

  20. 4 Best Cover Letter Opening Lines to Make a Mark in the First Paragraph

    The best greeting for a cover letter is *drum roll* — Hello [Person Name]. Yeah, that's nothing fancy. But the research of some 300,000 business emails found that simple salutations like "Hey", "Hi", and "Hello" drive the highest open rates. So go with either of the above, depending on the level of formality adopted in the ...

  21. 10 Opening Lines That Are Straight Up Killing Your Cover Letter

    10. "Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my application". Ok, you are polite - we get it. However, you will have your chance to thank the reader for their time reading your application at the end of the cover letter (once they have actually read it).

  22. Writing a Cover Letter That Opens Doors: Tips from Tech Recruiters

    2. Tailor Your Letter to the Job Description. Tech recruiters emphasize the importance of customization. A tailored cover letter demonstrates that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position. Example: "I was thrilled to see the opening for a Data Analyst at ABC Tech.

  23. How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

    So let's talk about how to do cover letters right., First, understand the point of a cover letter., The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just ...

  24. Cover Letter opening line : r/resumes

    Having successfully built new departments from the ground up, as well as propelled existing departments to the next level, I feel my insights and abilities would bring substantial value to the [COMPANY X] organization". (Enclosed is a copy of my resume. I would welcome the opportunity..yada yada etc) Reply. [deleted]

  25. 5 Fantastic Cover Letter Opening Lines (with step-by-step ...

    Here are 5 quick ideas: [I will pretend that you are entering a technical or conservative field.] 1. Start with "Like you,…"The most powerful word when promoting yourself is YOU. Starting the ...

  26. Cover Letter Templates and Examples for 2024

    The best cover letter templates offer a structured framework for developing a well-organized document. Our cover letter templates can save you time and give you a significant jump start. Rather than beginning from scratch, you can focus your efforts on customizing the content to fit your specific situation and the requirements of the particular ...

  27. 3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

    And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out. 1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.

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