Because recruiters only spend a few seconds scanning each resume, writing an attention-grabbing cover letter introduction is essential to increasing your interview chances.
To create a positive first impression and get an employer to continue reading, have a look at 10+ cover letter openers for different situations and company-specific examples.
10+ best cover letter opening lines
Here are the 10 most powerful cover letter starters for a variety of situations:
1. Show your passion for what you do
Employers love investing in passionate workers. Even if you lack certain CV skills required for your target job, showing passion in your cover letter’s introduction tells employers you’re worth the extra training effort on their end.
Here’s an opening line that showcases your passion:
Using passion to start your cover letter
I dream in Middle English and often catch myself using it in everyday conversation. That’s how enthralled I am with Chaucer’s works, and why I’m an exact match for Oxford University’s open Medieval Studies Teaching Assistant position.
2. Mention your connection to the company
If you know someone who works at the company, start your cover letter by mentioning their name (with their permission, of course).
Mentioning someone the employer knows immediately creates a personal connection with said employer, likely getting you a place on their shortlist.
Below is an example of how to drop a reference’s name when opening your cover letter:
Opening your cover letter with a mutual connection
I’m [Your Name], an experienced social media marketer reaching out about your Social Media Marketing job. Your marketing manager, [Reference’s Name], is familiar with my experience and skills, and [he/she/they] encouraged me to apply.
3. Communicate your excitement for the role
Employers want to know why you like their company, so telling them directly why you’re keen to apply shows them you’re sincere.
Expressing your enthusiasm for a position also presents you as a lively and personable candidate. Just remember to tailor your cover letter starter to the company by providing specific examples.
For instance, take a look at this applicant’s cover letter opening:
Starting your cover letter with excitement
When I saw that [Company Name] was hiring, I couldn’t wait to apply. [Company Name]’s mission statement of providing youth with free resources to better understand their finances is one that I wholeheartedly agree with. I’ve listened to [Company Name]’s weekly podcasts zealously for the past 7 years and credit it for igniting my passion in finance and cryptocurrency.
4. Discuss relevant industry-related news
Bringing up recent news about the field you’re applying to in your cover letter introduction is sure to capture a recruiter’s attention and show you’re up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
Doing so also aligns your interests with their own, and they’ll be curious to read the rest of your cover letter to search for other relevant connections.
This cover letter opening shows that the applicant who wrote it stays informed about the company they’re applying to:
Beginning your cover letter with relevant news
I’ve worked for 8+ years as a web developer and engineer, but I’ve long dabbled in game development on the side and wished that I could make it my day job. After following Team17’s IPO last week, I finally decided to pursue this goal by applying for [Company Name]’s Game Developer position.
5. Highlight your research about the company
Impress the employer with information from their latest press release or a reference to one of their upcoming projects in your cover letter’s introduction.
This is an example of how to open your cover letter with research:
Mentioning research in your cover letter opening
I believe I’m ideally suited to fill your vacant Sales Assistant position. I noticed that [Company Name] recently acquired a mid-level extreme sports clothing retailer, and my prior experience as a semi pro skateboarder will allow me to help you grow your new venture.
6. Begin with your top accomplishment
Opening your cover letter with an impressive achievement is always a good idea because it provides the employer with proof of your work ethic.
If you choose this strategy, use data to maximise the impact of your accomplishments, like the following example does:
Including an achievement in your cover letter starter
I saw [Company Name]’s Sales Manager position posted on LinkedIn, and I knew I had to apply. I’m an experienced salesperson who’s topped my current company in commissions and gross revenue for 8 straight quarters, and I’m looking for a new challenge and opportunities to advance my career.
7. Use humour in your cover letter opening
If done right, humour is a perfect way to start your cover letter. Employers spend hours reading applications filled with dull repetition, so if you can make them chuckle with your opening line, you’ll increase the chances they keep reading.
Here’s an example of a cover letter beginning with a touch of appropriate humour:
Being funny in your cover letter opening line
I’m [Your Name], and my goal is to be the first person to deliver a pizza on Mars. But until then, I’d love to hone my driving and customer service skills as a Delivery Driver for Good Chaps Pizza.
8. Express admiration for the company
Everyone loves a compliment. Beginning your cover letter by praising the company not only flatters the employer but also indicates you’d be an effective brand ambassador.
This cover letter opening does a great job of buttering up the employer:
Using admiration to start a cover letter
My name is [Your Name], and you can’t imagine how thrilled I am to apply for Centrepoint’s Supported Housing Officer position. The support you provide to the underprivileged in our community is amazing, and I’d be honoured to join your team.
9. Explain how you can help the company
One of the best ways to start your cover letter is by telling the employer how your skills meet their needs.
But don’t just say you’ll help the company. Instead, show how you’ll be useful with specific reasons like this applicant does:
Describing how you can assist a company
I’m a professional driver with 4+ years’ experience delivering food in the Greater London area. Familiarity with your delivery area and a spotless driving record make me an ideal candidate for [Company Name]’s open Delivery Driver position.
10. Provide a personal mission statement
Beginning with a belief statement is an effective way to personalise your cover letter and express some of your values to an employer.
And if your values and beliefs are also similar to the company’s, the employer will think you’re a good cultural fit for the team.
Introduce your cover letter with a purposeful statement like this one:
Starting your cover letter with a belief statement
From an early age, I knew I had a passion for helping the elderly. My close relationship with my grandparents and a love for hearing stories of their past grew into a strong wish to protect and empower this population. I’m now applying for the role of Patient Advocate at [Hospital Name] to ensure each patient receives appropriate support and health care services that cater to their needs.
Tips for starting a cover letter
If you have multiple ideas for how to start your cover letter, here’s how to choose the best one:
1. Learn more about the company you’re applying for
Study the job advert and do some internet research to determine what hard skills and soft skills the company is looking for and get an idea of the company’s culture.
For instance, look through a company’s social media profiles and official website to understand their work culture.
Here’s what to do with the information you gather:
If the company seems formal
For a formal or corporate company, try using a straightforward cover letter opening, like detailing an impressive achievement or describing how your skills can benefit the company.
Here’s an example of how to start a cover letter for a formal engineering firm:
Cover letter opening for a formal company
As a recent engineering graduate from [University Name], I was thrilled to see that [Company Name] is accepting applications for this year’s cohort of entry-level electrical engineers. As a recent B.Eng. graduate from the University of Leeds, I’d like to leverage my academic knowledge and practical skills through a responsible position as [Position Title].
If the company appears laid-back
With a more laid-back company such as a family-owned business, a creative agency, or a tech startup, try expressing passion for your work or using humour to show your personality.
Below is an example of how to begin a cover letter for a laid-back organisation:
Cover letter introduction for a laid-back company
[Company Name] is quite literally one of the coolest companies I’ve ever heard of. I knew this was the perfect role for me after learning how much your organisation cares about inclusion and diversity for women in the tech industry. And honestly, the opportunity to bring your dog to work and participate in weekly board game nights also drew me in.
2. Include keywords from the job advert
Include skills from the job advert because many companies rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to automatically sort applications based on relevant keywords.
We’ve underlined the skills, keywords, and hints about the work culture in this laid-back company’s job advert to help you know what to look for:
3. Avoid using cover letter introduction clichés
Writing a new cover letter for each application you submit is time-consuming. You’ll be tempted to use clichés for efficiency, but doing so risks making your application easy to ignore.
So avoid starting your cover letter with these overused phrases:
Phrases to avoid when starting a cover letter
- I’d like to express my interest
- I’m writing to apply for
- As you’ll see on my attached CV
- I’d love to be considered
How to address a cover letter
Another important part of starting a cover letter is the greeting. If you know the name of the employer’s contact person, proper cover letter formatting looks like this:
Dear [Mr/Mrs/Ms][Contact Person’s Last Name],
But if you’re writing a speculative application letter or don’t have a contact person, here’s how to address a cover letter without a name:
Dear [Department or Company Name],
