Staring at a blank page, ready to craft your cover letter, but the words just won’t come? You know what a cover letter is for, but those first few sentences feel like the hardest hurdle.
You’re not alone! Whether it’s a resume, an essay, or, indeed, a cover letter, getting started is often the most challenging part of the writing process.
Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective method to begin your cover letter, and this guide will show you exactly how!
Keep reading to discover how to effectively start your cover letter and make a great first impression!
Here’s what we will cover:
- Essential components of a cover letter opening
- Detailing your contact information professionally
- Crafting a proper cover letter greeting
- Writing an engaging and attention-grabbing opening paragraph
- 6 Proven examples to kickstart your cover letter effectively
What Should Your Cover Letter Opening Contain
To successfully begin your cover letter, there are three key elements you need to include in your opening section:
- The header with your contact details. This includes both your contact information and the recipient’s details.
- The professional greeting. This is where you formally address your cover letter by greeting the hiring manager, department, or company.
- An attention-grabbing opening paragraph. This paragraph is your prime opportunity to capture the recruiter’s interest and motivate them to read the rest of your application.
Let’s break down each of these components to ensure you start your cover letter the right way.
If you’re applying for an entry-level role and need guidance, check out our article on entry-level cover letters.
What to Include in Your Contact Information
The first section of your cover letter opening is the header, which contains your contact information. It’s a standard professional practice to include this information at the beginning of your document.
The essential details for your header are:
- Your Full name and professional title (if relevant)
- Your Phone number
- Your Email address (use a professional email)
Optionally, you can also include:
- Relevant Social Media Profiles. These are profiles pertinent to the job you’re applying for. This usually means professional networking sites like LinkedIn, GitHub for developer roles, or Medium for writing positions.
- Personal Website. If you have a professional website showcasing your work, like a portfolio or blog, include the link in your cover letter header.
After your personal details, you should include the date, followed by the recipient’s information:
- Hiring Manager’s name
- Hiring Manager’s job title
- Company’s name
- Company’s street address
Once you’ve included all these details, your cover letter header should look something like this:
Just as important as knowing what to include, it’s crucial to know what to leave out of your cover letter header to maintain a professional image. Avoid adding unnecessary details or unprofessional elements.
How to Start a Cover Letter Greeting
Once your header is complete, the next step is to formally greet the hiring manager and start the body of your cover letter.
This involves directly addressing the hiring manager, department, or company in a professional manner. Steer clear of outdated greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “To whom it may concern.” These are impersonal and suggest a lack of effort in researching the company.
Instead, demonstrate to your potential employer that you’ve researched the role and the company, showing you’re not just sending out generic applications. A significant mistake job seekers make (as many as 84%!) is failing to find the hiring manager’s name and personalize their application, according to a CareerBuilder survey.
Addressing the cover letter directly to the person reviewing it makes a strong positive impression.
Here are a few effective ways to find the hiring manager’s name:
The most straightforward method is to check LinkedIn. Search for the department head or a relevant manager within the company you’re applying to.
For example, if you’re applying for a Marketing Specialist position at Novoresume, the hiring manager could be the Head of Marketing or the Chief Marketing Officer.
A quick search on LinkedIn can usually identify this person.
Example of a LinkedIn search to find a hiring manager for a cover letter.
LinkedIn not yielding results? Check the company’s official website, particularly the “Team,” “About Us,” or “Careers” pages. Company directories are often available online, especially for larger organizations.
If these methods don’t reveal a specific name, use these professional greetings to address the hiring manager:
- Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department] Team,
- Dear Director of [Department],
- Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team,
The closing of your cover letter is equally as important as the opening. Learn how to write a compelling closing in our guide on how to end a cover letter.
Promotional image for Novoresume’s Job Search Masterclass.
How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Paragraph
The final, and arguably most critical, part of your cover letter opening is the first paragraph. This is your hook. It needs to be engaging and compelling to ensure the hiring manager is interested enough to continue reading your application.
Recruiters often handle a high volume of applications daily. They typically skim cover letters initially, spending just a few seconds to decide if an application warrants a closer look. Your opening paragraph is key to making that positive first impression and securing more of their attention.
Compare these two opening paragraphs and consider which one would make you want to read more:
Effective Example:
Dear Mr. Brown,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Sales Manager position at [Company Name]. Having exceeded sales targets by 50% at XYZ Inc. in my previous role as Sales Representative, I am confident my 5 years of sales experience and proven track record align perfectly with your company’s goals. I am eager to bring my expertise to your team and contribute to your continued success.
Ineffective Example:
Dear Hiring Manager,
My name is Mary, and I am applying for the Sales Manager position at your company. I have six years of experience as a Sales Manager and believe I am qualified for this role.
While the first example is competent, it’s quite generic and lacks a personal touch. Many applicants might use a similar, standard opening.
The second example, however, is more personalized and immediately highlights why Anna is a strong candidate, making it much more likely to grab the recruiter’s attention.
In the following section, we’ll provide key tips and strategies to help you write an opening paragraph that stands out.
Tip #1. Show Passion and Commitment
Demonstrating genuine passion for the role and the company right from the start significantly increases your chances of getting noticed. Employers value candidates who are not just skilled but also genuinely enthusiastic about their work. Committed employees are typically more engaged and productive.
Research supports this: engaged employees are 17% more productive than their less engaged counterparts. Highlighting your commitment and enthusiasm early on can make a strong positive impact.
Here’s an example of an opening paragraph that effectively conveys passion:
Example:
From my early specialization in Conflict Resolution and my subsequent work with Amnesty International, I have been deeply committed to human rights. Among the organizations in this field, your work stands out. Your dedication to [Company’s specific initiative or value] is particularly inspiring and aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to your mission.
Tip #2. Mention a Mutual Contact (if Applicable)
If someone within the company referred you to the position, mentioning this in your opening paragraph can be highly beneficial.
Referrals are powerful tools in job searching, often giving you a significant advantage. While you might list a referral on your resume, mentioning it directly in your cover letter opening immediately grabs the recruiter’s attention and adds credibility. A referral from a trusted employee can significantly boost your application’s visibility.
Example:
I was delighted to learn about the [Job Title] opening from John Doe, a [Job Title] at [Company Name] for the past five years. Having collaborated with John on an architectural project for over a year, he suggested my skills and experience would be an excellent match for this role.
Tip #3. Prove You Have Researched The Company
Generic cover letters rarely impress. Recruiters want to know you are specifically interested in their company, not just any job. Demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand the company culture and values. This shows genuine interest and initiative.
Highlighting why you are a good cultural fit in your cover letter opening demonstrates that you are thoughtful and intentional in your application.
Example:
I have long admired [Company Name]’s commitment to sustainable practices within the tech industry. My passion for environmental responsibility, combined with my background in software development, makes me particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. I believe my skills in developing eco-friendly software solutions align perfectly with your company’s mission and values.
Tip #4. Lead With An Achievement
Starting your cover letter with a notable achievement is a highly effective way to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention. It establishes your credibility right away and makes them want to learn more about your qualifications. Quantifiable achievements are particularly impactful.
To maximize the impact of your achievements:
- Quantify your achievements whenever possible. “Increased efficiency by 20% in six months” is more compelling than “Improved efficiency.”
- Connect your past achievements to the requirements of the current position. Show how your skills and experiences will bring value to the new role.
Example:
In my role as Marketing Lead at [Previous Company], I spearheaded a campaign that increased lead generation by 150% in just one quarter. This success was achieved through a combination of innovative digital strategies and targeted content marketing, skills I am eager to bring to the Marketing Manager position at your organization to drive similar results.
Tip #5. Start With a Powerful Belief
Beginning with a strong belief statement that reflects your work ethic and professional values is another excellent way to engage the recruiter. Ideally, this belief should resonate with the company’s mission or values, showing alignment and shared purpose.
However, avoid simply parroting the company’s mission statement. Instead, express your own genuine beliefs in your own words to sound authentic and original.
Example:
I firmly believe that data-driven decision-making is crucial for modern business success. This conviction has driven my approach to business analytics throughout my career. [Company Name]’s commitment to leveraging data to improve customer experiences and drive innovation deeply resonates with me, and I am excited about the opportunity to apply my analytical skills to contribute to your continued growth.
Tip #6. Be Direct
In many cases, directness is the most effective approach. Clearly state the position you are applying for and the key reasons why you are a strong fit for the job. This straightforward approach is appreciated by busy recruiters who need to quickly assess applications.
Directness also helps recruiters immediately understand the purpose of your letter and how your qualifications match the role, especially when they are reviewing numerous applications for various positions.
Example:
I am writing to express my direct interest in the Project Manager position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. With over eight years of experience successfully managing complex projects in the tech industry, including a recent project that delivered 10% under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule, I am confident I possess the leadership, organizational, and technical skills necessary to excel in this role and contribute significantly to your team.
Enhance your application by matching your cover letter style with your resume for a cohesive and stronger personal brand!
Example of matching resume and cover letter templates for a cohesive application.
Explore Cover Letter Templates
Key Takeaways
Congratulations, you’re now better equipped to confidently start your cover letters!
Let’s recap the essential points we’ve covered:
- Your cover letter opening should include a header with contact information, a professional greeting to the hiring manager, and an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
- Your header must contain your name, phone number, professional email, the date, and the recipient’s contact information.
- Always aim to find the hiring manager’s name for a personalized greeting. If the name isn’t available, use professional alternatives like Dear Hiring Manager or Dear [Department] Team.
- Your opening paragraph is crucial for capturing the hiring manager’s attention. Strategies for an engaging opening include being direct, leading with a strong belief, or highlighting a relevant achievement.
Related Readings
- How to Address a Cover Letter
- Entry-Level Cover Letter Guide
- How to End a Cover Letter Professionally
- Personal Branding for Career Success
