How to start a cover letter in a compelling way. With 6 examples!

A well-written cover letter can make a convincing argument for why a prospective employer should hire you. But first, you have to get the hiring manager to read it. The opening of your cover letter should grab a recruiter’s attention and motivate them to continue reading about your skills, experience, and value. A focused, persuasive opening statement can help your cover letter stand out and give you a leg up on the competition.

This article will show you how to start a cover letter that convinces a hiring manager to keep reading. We’ll cover:

• What to include in a cover letter opening

• How to begin a cover letter with a strong statement

• Examples you can use to guide your own cover letter

What to include in a cover letter opening

When starting a cover letter, include these elements:

• Header. Similar to a resume header, a cover letter header should include your name and contact information. You can also add other details, such as a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.

• Greeting. Use a professional greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager by name.

• Compelling opening statement. The first paragraph of your letter should capture the recruiter’s attention, inspiring them to continue reading. In your opening statement, briefly describe who you are, what job you’re applying for, and why you’re the best candidate for the role.

How to start a cover letter

Stuck on the best way to start a cover letter? Follow these tips to write a powerful opening that will impress a hiring manager:

1. Show your enthusiasm

Prospective employers want to hire engaged, enthusiastic candidates who seem passionate about the role and company. Use your cover letter opening to explain why you’re interested in applying. Does the job perfectly align with your long-term career goals, or do you have a unique connection to the industry? Share those details in your beginning paragraph:

My love for animals began as a young child, when I “adopted” a litter of kittens I found on my parents’ farm. As a veterinary technician for the past three years, I’ve used my passion to give each animal in my care the love and attention they deserve. I’m confident my dedication to animals would make me a valuable asset to your practice. 

2. Emphasize a mutual connection

A referral can be a great way to get your foot in the door for an open position. If someone recommended you for the role, mention that connection in the first paragraph of your cover letter. A mutual connection can instantly lend credibility to your application:

I was excited to learn about the position from my former colleague, Brent McAdams, who recommended I apply for the role. Brent and I worked on several projects during our three years together at IBM, and he thought my data analysis skills could be useful in this new role.

3. Discuss your core values

While your resume focuses primarily on your skills and experience, your cover letter can include relevant details about your personality and professional philosophy. Discussing your core values in the opening paragraph can be a good way to stand out from other candidates, especially if your values align with the organization’s mission or culture. Explain how the job you’re applying for will allow you to put those values into action:

I believe in building rapport with customers by seeking to understand their unique needs. I know your company has a customer-first mindset, and I’d uphold this value by striving to deliver exceptional service in every customer interaction.

4. Mention a notable accomplishment

Your cover letter is a natural place to expand on the achievements you’ve listed on your resume. Choose one notable accomplishment and mention it in your opening paragraph. Make sure to emphasize the impact it had on a previous employer. Use measurable statistics, like dollar amounts and percentages, to show how you’ve added value in your past positions:

In my current position as a human resources manager, I’ve successfully led initiatives to improve employee satisfaction and engagement. These efforts have led to a 25% increase in employee retention within a two-year period, saving the company an estimated $40,000 in recruiting and hiring costs.

5. Do your research

Most recruiters can spot a generic cover letter a mile away. In your cover letter opening, show a prospective employer that you’ve done your research on their company. For example, you can mention the company’s mission, clients, or culture. You can also discuss a major company achievement or an award it won:

When I learned the company has a history of awarding over $100,000 each year in grants to local nonprofits, I was inspired to apply for the position. I previously worked as a marketing specialist for a nonprofit, and I understand the value of community support. In a marketing role with this company, I would aim to increase public awareness about its philanthropic efforts and commitment to the local area.

6. Link your experience to the position

A hiring manager may read dozens of cover letters, if not more, for a single position. Make a strong statement in your opening paragraph by linking your past experience to the open position. Mention how the skills you’ve gained in other jobs will contribute to your success in the new role:

Over the past five years, I’ve worked as a project manager for a technology company, leading teams to produce on-time deliverables that have generated over $500,000 in revenue. In a new role with your organization, I plan to use my leadership skills and knowledge of risk management strategies to achieve similar success.

Starting a cover letter can be intimidating, but these examples offer some ideas about how to begin. When crafting your cover letter opening, aim to show prospective employers your enthusiasm for the role and share why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

Want more help with writing the perfect cover letter? Use Career.io’s Professional Cover Letter Builder to craft a tailored, well-written letter that sets you apart from the competition!

Key takeaways

1. The opening of your cover letter should include a header, greeting, and compelling statement that encourages the prospective employer to keep reading.

2. Start your cover letter with a few sentences that will catch the hiring manager’s attention. You can describe your passion, share a notable achievement, or discuss how your values align with the company’s mission.

3. Looking at some examples can help you craft the perfect opening for your cover letter.