phrases to start a cover letter

How to Start a Cover Letter (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

When you’re writing a cover letter, nailing the opening is a must. Your cover letter introduction has to draw the hiring manager in, giving them a clear reason to keep reading. That’s why learning how to start a cover letter is so vital; it’s your doorway to success.

After all, more than eight-in-10 recruiters feel that an awesome cover letter is enough to land a candidate an interview even if their resume is only a partial fit for the job. Cool, right?

So, are you ready to make sure that your cover letter opening is everything it can be? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Cover Letter?

Alright, let’s begin with the basics. Before you can learn how to start a letter to the hiring manager, it’s helpful to know what a cover letter is in the first place.

We’ve actually taken several deep dives into the world of cover letters, including how to address a cover letter , the best cover letter format , how to end a cover letter , and a full overview of how to write a cover letter .

But the basic gist is that a cover letter is a written elevator pitch. It acts as an introduction to what you have to offer, with a bit more flavor than you can put in a resume.

In many cases, your cover letter is the absolute first impression you’ll make on a hiring manager. As they read, they get a feel for who you are, as well as what you bring to the table.

Do cover letters really matter that much? Yes, they do. Overall, 49 percent of hiring managers think that receiving a cover letter is important to the hiring process, which is a pretty good indication that they value them.

So, what are the parts of a cover letter? In most cases, a cover letter has:

• Contact Information
• Opening Paragraph
• Body Paragraphs
• Closing Paragraph
• Closing Sentiment

While that seems like a lot, it really isn’t. In most cases, you end up with about a page or so of content. After all, a cover letter isn’t an autobiography of your life; it’s a concise, tailored introduction to who you are as a professional.

Generally, when you’re trying to figure out how to start a cover letter, what you need to focus on are the salutation and the opening paragraph. Those are what make the first impression and usually play a big role in whether the hiring manager reads the whole thing or not.

You may want to dig a little deeper, making sure your opening line really packs a punch. But, really, that’s all part of creating a great opening paragraph, isn’t it? Just keep in mind that your leading sentence needs to be an attention-grabber, and you’re in good shape.

Now, is your cover letter opening more important than the rest of the letter? Well, yes and no. If your start to your letter isn’t strong, there’s a chance the hiring manager won’t finish reading it. That means a fantastic cover letter introduction is essential.

But the rest matters, too. In the end, you want your first impression to be a doozy. It’s just that, if you don’t nail the opening to your cover letter, the rest may never get a glance.

Common Mistakes When Starting a Cover Letter

Before we dive into how to start a cover letter, let’s talk about some cover letter introduction mistakes you want to avoid. After all, a misstep at this early stage can cost you the job, so you really need to make sure you get it right.

First, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not tailoring the content to the position. When you write a cover letter, you are speaking to one particular hiring manager, not everyone who may ever want to hire you. If you don’t focus the content on that specific job, you might not connect with that hiring manager, causing them to move onto a different candidate.

Second, being too generic can come back to bite you. You want to stand out from the crowd, so you need to make sure your cover letter introduction feels a bit unique.

Third, choosing the wrong salutation – or not including one at all – can potentially lead to some trouble. If you go the wrong way, you may not connect with the hiring manager as well or could even offend them a bit. That’s no good.

Finally, spelling and grammar mistakes are a huge deal. They make it look like you lack attention to detail, and that isn’t going to win you any fans.

How to Start a Cover Letter

In many cases, figuring out how to start a letter for your job application is much easier if you take it one step at a time. It lets you tackle everything in succession and gives you a chance to focus on each critical part, increasing the odds that you’ll genuinely nail it.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to start a letter when you’re trying o land a job:

1. Choose the Right Salutation

The salutation in your cover letter opening serves as a greeting. It’s a chance to acknowledge the reader directly, even if just for a brief second.

Ideally, you want to address the hiring manager by name, using an approach like:

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr.] [First Name] [Last Name]

Now, you can potentially add one more option to the list: Mx. This is a relatively new gender-neutral addition that’s favored by people who consider themselves nonbinary.

Generally speaking, you should only use “Mx.” if you are completely, 100 percent certain that it’s the hiring manager’s preferred title. You don’t want to go with it simply because you don’t know the hiring manager’s gender. Why? Well, since it’s a newer option, not everyone is familiar with it, so some hiring managers might think it’s a typo.

Additionally, people may have a variety of opinions about “Mx.,” and not all of them are positive. Since it’s a bit controversial in certain circles, you could offend a hiring manager by using it if that isn’t what they prefer.

So, what do you do if you know the hiring manager’s name but not their gender or preferred title? Worst case, go with “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]” instead. It’s a bit less formal, but it may be better than getting the title wrong.

If you genuinely don’t know the hiring manager’s name – and can’t figure it out with some research – you can try:

• Dear [Job Title/Role] – Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Operations Manager, Dear VP of Sales, etc.
• Dear [Department] – Dear IT Department, Dear Marketing Department, etc.

Those aren’t as personal, but they can do the trick. They at least speak to a particular individual, making it clear that you had a certain recipient in mind. As a result, they are much better than more generic alternatives.

What about “To Whom It May Concern?” Well, we’ve taken a deep dive into how to use to whom it may concern . But, in most cases, that isn’t your best. It feels outdated, for one. Plus, it doesn’t have a particular reader in mind, which isn’t ideal.

The same goes for “Dear Sir or Madam.” Along with being generic and incredibly old-school, it’s also a bit awkward. Plus, it makes it seem like you didn’t even try to come up with something better, and that’s never good.

2. Nail the Opening Sentence

Your opening sentence in your cover letter is what really needs to draw the hiring manager in. As a result, you want to make sure that it packs a wallop.

Usually, you have a few options that can pull this off. First, if you know someone at the company who referred you to the position, you can try name-dropping. Many hiring managers favor direct referrals, so it’s alright to make that connection clear from the beginning.

Second, you can lead off with a relevant accomplishment. This one can get a little tricky to do well. You really have to relate it to something in the role, and that isn’t always easy to manage without using a sentence or so to build in some context.

Finally, you can focus on your excitement. Hiring managers like people who seem passionate about the opportunity, so this route could let you start your cover letter on a great note.

With all of these, you want to make sure the opening sentence taps on the position you’re trying to land. It’s smart to mention the job title, department, and company, as that ensures the hiring manager knows why you’re writing. If it doesn’t fit in the first sentence, then it needs to come in on the second.

3. Round Out the First Paragraph

Generally, your cover letter opening paragraph is going to be two or four sentences long. If you didn’t get it into your opening sentence, use your second one to mention the job opening. That way, the hiring manager understands exactly why you reached out.

After that, it’s time to tap on some relevant skills. Use the job ad to identify high-priority capabilities. Next, treat them like keywords, using the exact same words and phrases to increase your odds of looking like a great match (and getting past an automated screener).

4. Quantify the Details

Numbers stand out visually in a cover letter. They actually draw the eye, as they aren’t as widely used as letters and most forms of punctuation.

By quantifying a detail or two, you create visual interest. Plus, you’re giving the hiring manager some helpful context about what you’ve achieved, something that can make you look like a stronger candidate.

3 Cover Letter Starting Samples

Sometimes, nothing helps bring some tips to life like a handy example or three. If you want to make sure you understand how to start a cover letter or are looking for some samples that you can use as a template, here are three cover letter introduction examples, each representing a different approach.

1. When You Were Referred

Dear Mr. John Doe:

During my 6 years as a sales professional, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of amazing professionals, including Jane Smith, a member of your team who recommended I apply for the Account Manager opening at ABC Inc. In my last position, I managed a portfolio of 25 enterprise-level clients while also boosting sales by 15 percent year-over-year during my tenure. I believe that my penchant for strategic thinking, as well as my strong negotiation and communication skills, make me an exceptional fit for your position.

2. Leading with an Achievement

Dear IT Department:

Over the past 4 years, I’ve focused my career on the world of project management, recently earning by Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Additionally, I personally oversaw five $50k+ development projects concurrently, each of which was finished on time and within budget. I feel that my experience as a leader, as well as my expertise in risk assessment and cost management, makes me an ideal fit for the Project Manager position at XYZ Corp.

3. Going the Excitement Route

Dear Hiring Manager:

When I saw the administrative assistant opening at ABC Company, I immediately knew I wanted to apply. As an office assistant with 6 years of experience, I have honed many key skills you’re hoping to find, including scheduling, report writing, and customer service. Last year, among 50 nominated colleagues, I was even recognized as the Employee of the Year, largely because of my passion and dedication to my work, something that I would love to bring to ABC Company.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, you should now understand how to start a cover letter off in the best way possible. Use all of the tips above, and turn to the cover letter opening samples to serve as guides. That way, you can create an introduction that captures the hiring manager’s attention and keeps them reading, giving you a chance to showcase even more about why you’re such an awesome candidate.

And as always, Good luck!

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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50 Essential Cover Letter Example Phrases

By Status.net Editorial Team on September 17, 2024 — 10 minutes to read

A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and show your enthusiasm for the job. In this article, we are sharing 100 carefully curated cover letter phrase examples to elevate your job application. Organized by category, these phrases will provide you with the inspiration and guidance needed to create a compelling cover letter from start to finish.

Difference Between Cover Letter and Resume

Your resume and cover letter serve different purposes in your job application.

• A resume is a summary of your work experience, skills, and education. It is factual and lists your qualifications.
• A cover letter introduces you to the employer. It explains why you are interested in the job and how your skills match the position.

Format Differences:

• A resume uses bullet points to list your experiences.
• A cover letter is written in paragraphs like a regular letter.

Content Differences:

• Resumes include sections like “Work Experience” and “Education”.
• Cover letters focus on your motivation and how you can benefit the company.
• Resumes are usually formal and straightforward.
• Cover letters have a personal tone and can show some of your personality.
• Resumes are one to two pages long.
• Cover letters are usually just one page.

Importance of Tailoring Your Cover Letter

When you tailor your cover letter, you show the employer that you have done your homework.

• Mention the company’s name and discuss why you want to work there: this makes you stand out from those who use generic cover letters.
• Address your cover letter to a specific person if you can.
• Detail specific skills and experiences that match the job requirements. For instance, if the job requires teamwork skills, mention a project where you worked well in a team.
• Use keywords from the job listing. For example, if the listing mentions “problem-solving” and “communication,” make sure to include these terms in your cover letter. This can help you pass through automated screening tools.
• Explain why you are passionate about the role. Share a brief personal story or interest that relates to the job. This can make your cover letter more engaging.

Crafting Your Cover Letter: Example Phrases

Examples for effective opening paragraph.

• “I am excited to apply for the Project Manager position at […] Company, which I found through your website.”
• “With five years of experience in marketing, I am eager to join your dynamic team at […] Company.”
• “I was thrilled to see the job posting for the […] role at […] Corp on LinkedIn and knew I had to apply.”
• “I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I discovered through [Source]. With my background in [Your Field or Expertise], I am motivated to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your team.”
• “With [Number] years of experience in [Your Field or Expertise], I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I believe my skills in [Specific Skills or Competencies] will be a valuable addition to your team.”
• “I found the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Source] and am very interested in applying. My experience in [Your Field or Expertise] and passion for [Specific Aspect of the Job] make me a strong candidate for this role.”
• “As a professional with a background in [Your Field or Expertise], I am interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to this role because of [Specific Reason Related to the Company or Position].”
• “Having recently completed my [Degree or Certification] in [Your Field], I am eager to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am confident that my training in [Specific Skills or Knowledge] will enable me to contribute effectively to your team.”
• “I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Source]. With my expertise in [Your Field or Expertise] and a passion for [Related Aspect], I am excited about the opportunity to join your team.”
• “With a strong background in [Your Field or Expertise] and a passion for [Related Aspect], I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I believe my skills in [Specific Skills or Competencies] will be a valuable asset to your team.”
• “I am enthusiastic about leveraging my expertise in [Your Field or Expertise] to contribute to the projects at [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I am excited about the opportunity to be part of your team.”

Examples for Highlighting Your Achievements

• “In my previous role, I increased sales by 20% in six months through targeted marketing campaigns.”
• “I successfully managed a project that reduced production costs by 15%.”
• “I developed a […] program that improved satisfaction rates by 30%.”
• “I was named Employee of the Year for my dedication and innovative approach to problem-solving.”
• “I received the […] Excellence Award for my contributions to team projects.”
• “Led a cross-functional team to complete a critical project ahead of schedule.”
• “Implemented a new […] system that streamlined operations by 25%.”
• “Certified as a Professional in Human Resources, enhancing my understanding of HR policies.”
• “Having led a team of […] for over three years, I believe I can bring valuable project management skills to your organization.”
• “My recent internship at […] Company honed my […] skills, making me a perfect fit for your team.”
• “I admire […] Company’s dedication to sustainability and would love to contribute to your innovative projects.”

Examples for Showing Industry Knowledge

• “I have followed […]’s market strategies and was impressed by your latest product launch.”
• “With a deep understanding of the […] industry, I am aware of the challenges your company faces.”
• “Your recent expansion into international markets aligns with my experience in global project management.”
• “The growing emphasis on […] is something I specialize in, and I am eager to apply my skills at your company.”
• “Experienced in using [software tool] to drive sales performance.”
• “Proficient in […], crucial for […].”
• “I admire your commitment to […] solutions and want to be a part of your journey.”

Examples for Demonstrating Relevant Skills

• “My proficiency in […] and […] makes me well-suited for your […] role.”
• “Skilled in […], I can enhance your […].”
• “Experienced in […], I can provide valuable insights for your […] team.”
• “As a team leader, I have honed my communication and organizational abilities.”
• “My problem-solving skills are reflected in my ability to tackle complex challenges.”
• “Expert in […] and possess strong attention to detail.”
• “Adept at conflict resolution and maintaining positive client relationships.”

Examples for Conveying Enthusiasm

Show your individuality and passion for the role. It’s important to come across as sincere and enthusiastic.

• “I am genuinely excited about this opportunity to bring my creativity to your […] team.”
• “My passion for […] aligns with your company’s values.”
• “I thrive in collaborative environments and would love to contribute to your team’s success.”
• “Ever since I attended your keynote at the […] Conference, I’ve been inspired by your innovative approach.”
• “I look forward to the possibility of working at such a forward-thinking company.”
• “I am excited about the opportunity to drive results and grow with your company.”
• “Your company’s commitment to excellence resonates with my career goals.”

Examples for a Persuasive Closing Paragraph

• “I am eager to bring my skills in project management to […] Company and look forward to discussing this opportunity further.”
• “Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.”
• “I am confident that my background in digital marketing makes me a perfect candidate, and I hope to hear from you soon.”
• “You can reach me at 123-456-7890 or via email at [email protected].”
• “I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and would love to provide more details on my background.”
• “Thank you again for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to […] Company.”

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter With No Professional Experience

1. Focus on your transferable skills. Learn more: 150 Example Phrases: Top Transferable Skills Every Company Wants

2. Mention volunteer work, school projects, or other non-job experiences that relate to the job. You can show a willingness to learn and grow by using phrases like:

• “I am motivated to apply the skills I developed through my volunteer work with [Organization] to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].”
• “My experience leading a team project in my [Course/Program] has equipped me with strong organizational and communication skills that I am excited to bring to [Company Name].”
• “Volunteering at [Organization] has given me hands-on experience in [Relevant Skill], which I am enthusiastic about applying in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].”
• “I have developed a solid foundation in [Relevant Skill] through my coursework in [Subject], and I am excited about the opportunity to further develop these skills at [Company Name].”
• “Participating in [Extracurricular Activity] has taught me the importance of teamwork and perseverance, qualities I am eager to contribute to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].”
• “My involvement in [School Project/Club] has provided me with valuable experience in [Relevant Skill], which I am excited to leverage in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].”
• “I am passionate about [Field/Industry] and have taken the initiative to gain experience through [Relevant Activity], which I am enthusiastic about applying at [Company Name].”

3. Highlight your educational achievements: mention any relevant coursework, projects, or academic awards that demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to the field. Examples:

• “My coursework in [Subject] has provided me with a strong foundation in [Relevant Skill], which I am eager to apply in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].”
• “I am proud of my academic achievements in [Subject], and I am excited about the opportunity to bring this knowledge to [Company Name].”
• “Completing my [Degree/Program] has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary for the [Job Title] position, and I am eager to contribute to [Company Name].”

4. Express enthusiasm for the role and the company:

• “I am particularly impressed by [Specific Aspect of the Company], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.”
• “I am passionate about [Field/Industry] and am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your innovative projects.”

5. Be confident in your abilities. (Even if you lack professional experience, your skills and enthusiasm can still make you a strong candidate!) Examples:

• “I am confident that my skills in [Relevant Skill] and my dedication to [Field/Industry] will make me a valuable addition to your team.”
• “I believe my background in [Relevant Activity] has prepared me well for the [Job Title] position, and I am excited to bring my unique perspective to [Company Name].”

Tips and Best Practices

Leveraging strong adjectives and verbs.

Try to use powerful adjectives and verbs whenever possible. These words can make your skills stand out, especially your soft skills. For example, instead of saying “helped,” you can use “facilitated” or “implemented.” Instead of “good,” you can say “excellent” or “high-quality.” Or, if you managed a project, you can describe it as a “successful project” or “high-impact project.” Simple changes like this make your experience seem more impressive.

Following Up After Submission

After submitting your cover letter and resume, wait about a week to follow up. This shows you’re serious about the job. Keep the email short and polite, and mention that you’re checking on the status of your application.

Be specific (reference the job you applied for and the date you submitted your application). Reiterate your interest in the position: this reminds the employer who you are and shows your continued dedication to the role.

Related: 5 Examples: Follow Up on Job Applications (Get More Interviews)

Conclusion and Q & A

How can i write an effective cover letter for a job application.

• Start with a strong opening that grabs attention.
• Mention the job title and where you found the listing.
• Show enthusiasm for the role.
• Highlight your skills and experiences that match the job requirements.
• End with a call to action, like asking for an interview or expressing eagerness to discuss further.

Are there any concise strategies for composing a short cover letter?

• Keep your letter to one page.
• Focus only on the most important points.
• Avoid unnecessary details.
• Stick to three main parts: an introduction, a section that connects your skills to the job, and a closing that thanks the reader and asks for a next step.

When drafting a cover letter, should I opt for a PDF format or a Word format, and why?

A PDF format is usually better. PDFs keep your formatting intact, no matter what device or software the employer uses. This helps your letter look polished and professional. Only use a Word format if the job listing specifically asks for it.

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