How To Begin A Cover Letter: A Comprehensive Guide

Crafting a compelling cover letter is an essential step in securing your dream job. A well-written
cover letter not only introduces you to potential employers but also showcases your skills and
enthusiasm for the position. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, knowing
how to begin a cover letter is crucial for making a lasting impression.

1. Start with a Strong Opening Sentence: Grab the reader's attention right from the beginning. Use
a powerful opening sentence that highlights your enthusiasm for the position or a notable
achievement that aligns with the job requirements.

2. Address the Hiring Manager Directly:Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the hiring
manager or decision-maker. Personalizing your greeting adds a touch of professionalism and
demonstrates that you've done your research.

3. Mention a Mutual Connection or Referral: If you have a mutual connection with the company
or were referred by a current employee, mention it in the opening paragraph. This can create a
positive impression and increase your chances of getting noticed.

4. Showcase Your Understanding of the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company
by mentioning specific achievements, projects, or values that resonate with you. This shows the
employer that you've taken the time to research and are genuinely interested in the organization.

5. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:In the opening section of your cover letter, briefly
highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. Tailor this
information to match the requirements outlined in the job description.

6. Express Your Enthusiasm:Convey your excitement about the opportunity and why you are the
perfect fit for the role. A genuine expression of enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.

7. Keep it Concise and Relevant: While it's essential to provide enough information, keep your
cover letter concise and relevant. Hiring managers often appreciate a well-organized and easy-to-read
document.

8. Close with a Call to Action: End your cover letter with a call to action, expressing your eagerness
to discuss your qualifications further in an interview. Provide your contact information and thank the
employer for considering your application.

Remember, your cover letter is a chance to make a memorable first impression, so take the time to
craft a compelling introduction. For personalized assistance with your cover letter or resume,
consider reaching out to professionals at BestResumeHelp.com . Their expert team can provide
valuable insights and guidance to help you stand out in the competitive job market. Start your
journey towards a successful career today!
This allows us to improve our Site and our services. Write “Sincerely” and follow it with your full
name. And lastly, do as extensive research about the company as possible. Watch this video to
uncover the simple truth of how to write a cover letter for a job application: Step 1: Prepare Yourself
Beforehand You may feel tempted to dive in straight away. First, if you know someone at the
company who referred you to the position, you can try name-dropping. Save preferences This site
uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Recently, I had the opportunity to
work with James Ellegaard. As they read, they get a feel for who you are, as well as what you bring
to the table. That means that you’ve got multiple options and can get a little creative. But make it
sound natural and don’t just copy-paste the company’s mission statement. Here is what you need to
do to make sure that it secures you that crucial interview. Your reputation as a business management
consultancy is second to none and your focus on constant iterative improvements has always
mirrored my own approach to process improvement. A cover letter is a formal letter that accompanies
a CV or a resume. Show that you mirror the values and goals of the role and the organisation. 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. Your cover letter should start with your contact information, the current date,
and the recipient’s information placed neatly in a cover letter header. Please enable JavaScript to
view the comments powered by Disqus. The secret to this type of opening is to avoid obvious name-
dropping and instead focus on what you accomplished, discussed, or learned from your connection.
We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job
sites. For many, the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. An
example could be, “Working alongside Emily White at CloudTech, we co-authored a paper on cloud
security innovations that was recognized at the International Tech Conference last year.” When is
name dropping is a bad idea for your cover letter. Use Keywords Regardless of which tactic you
choose to start your cover letter, keywords are key. 90% of major companies use ATS software to
scan job applications. You’ll use it in the cover letter salutation and the cover letter address. Example
of how to begin a cover letter with a value-based intro. Hiring managers like people who seem
passionate about the opportunity, so this route could let you start your cover letter on a great note.
About About Find out more about Zety and its career experts. A bit too tl;dr? Let’s now move on to
detailed instructions on how to write a perfect cover letter: Prefer the video format. One thing led to
another, and I found a perfect specialist position waiting to be filled on your careers page. But
there’s one special trick you can use—the postscript. You don’t want to go with it simply because
you don’t know the hiring manager’s gender.
Show that you mirror the values and goals of the role and the organisation. That means it’s worth
taking your time to make sure the introductory paragraph of your cover letter makes a strong first
impression. She is the host of Resume.io’s podcast, The Roadmap, where she interviews HR
professionals and career coaches on their biggest tips for today’s applicants. The proposal installs
several tools to address the border, including: requiring the president shut down the border if the
numbers of migrants hits a specific threshold; adjusting the rules for who qualifies for asylum;
expediting the process for deciding asylum claims; and allowing migrants authorization to work
while awaiting adjudication of their asylum claim. Your go-to strategy on what your cover letter
should say in the main body: In the first sentence, prove you’re an expert in your field (refrain from
bragging too much). But we’re here to cure your writer’s block with powerful strategies to start your
letter in job-winning style. There are many angles from which to attack your cover letter
introduction: be creative, name-drop a colleague, talk up your achievements, etc. And lastly, do as
extensive research about the company as possible. Show your transferable skillset and achievements,
and let your determination and motivation do their magic. Your reputation as a business
management consultancy is second to none and your focus on constant iterative improvements has
always mirrored my own approach to process improvement. Do some research! Find out about
company values, their prominent projects, etc. Last year, my key challenge was to design and
optimize nine product websites for XYZ’s most strategic products, improve our SEO results, and
enhance the UX (2). After all, a misstep at this early stage can cost you the job, so you really need to
make sure you get it right. So a little extra footwork puts you in the top 16%. You can mention the
job title, and reference number if there is one. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent.
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. Example of how
to begin your cover letter with a fact-based intro. Before going all in on this opening, make sure to
research your prospective employer and find out what qualities they value most. Cover Letter Help
Boost your chances of having your CV read with our help. Remember Jane, our digital marketing
manager candidate. We've most likely covered that too: Cover Letter Example for Any Industry How
to Start a Cover Letter Recruiters get hundreds of letters, and you need to grab their attention and
deliver the essential message fast. If it doesn’t fit in the first sentence, then it needs to come in on the
second. After working together for several weeks, he recommended that I apply to join the Product
Design team at Osiris Visuals. After all, they’re hiring you, not your connections When you don’t
have permission If a contact or mentor has specifically requested not to be named in your job
applications or public documents, it's important to respect their privacy and discretion. However,
there is certain freedom in choosing a template, as soon as it includes the key parts of a cover letter.
Settings Accept Cookie settings Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and
customize your experience on our Site. We share tips, tools, and knowledge to help you find your
dream job. Employers are on a mission—to find a candidate who offers their company the best bang
for their buck. That’s why learning how to start a cover letter is so vital; it’s your doorway to success.
Example: Name dropping in a cover letter Here’s an example of name dropping in a cover letter that
showcases achievements first, integrates the name-drops into the applicant’s story, and uses the name
drop as support, not the lead. Similar articles IT Cover Letter Examples (Information Technology
Jobs) Excited about applying for that lucrative tech job. You'll learn how to build trust and
credibility, create connections, and highlight your experiences through name dropping without
sounding like a know-it-all. Here we are a year later: Eight of the nine websites I optimized have
achieved and secured their spot in the top 3 results on Google. Highlight your experience After all
the advice we’ve given on how not to sound arrogant when name dropping, you may think that’s the
primary danger with it. So, the most important question is, how do I start my cover letter to get
ahead. Last year, my key challenge was to design and optimize nine product websites for XYZ’s
most strategic products, improve our SEO results, and enhance the UX (2). How to Write a Job-
Winning Cover Letter How to Make a Cover Letter That Stands Out Professional Cover Letter
Examples to Get You Inspired Key Takeaway About Zety’s Editorial Process Sources Frequently
Asked Questions about How to Write a Cover Letter Scroll back to the top A cover letter is your
unique opportunity to showcase your personality and skills. 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. A bit too tl;dr?
Let’s now move on to detailed instructions on how to write a perfect cover letter: Prefer the video
format. Start your cover letter with a relevant accomplishment that makes the reader want to carry
on. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its
functionality. Cover Letter Templates Find the perfect cover letter template. In the chapters below,
we’ll help you decide which cover letter intro is right for you. Having experienced both sides of
recruitment processes in various industries, she is confident you just need the right approach to land
the job you want. A connection doesn’t necessarily need to be a person. Consulting I was thrilled to
learn about the opening for the Senior Consultant role at Wolverton Partners. This success comes
from my ability to conduct robust supplier contract management and negotiation. Don't miss out on
exclusive stories that will supercharge your career. Lauren Little Career Coach Let’s look at another
cover letter example to see how this could be done. Remember to right-align your contact details
and the date and left-align everything else. Cover letters are a treat for those who still care to hire
dedicated professionals. (And that’s you, right?) It’s no surprise, though, that you’re questioning
whether a cover letter is necessary. What if you can't identify the hiring manager's name. Finish with
a call to action and ask for a meeting. These candidates tend to perform better and are more
dedicated to their roles. Key Takeaway Starting a cover letter isn’t so hard after all, right. Cover
Letter Examples See perfect cover letter samples that get jobs. 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. Create a resume now CV CV Builder Create a CV in 5 minutes. The bottom
line is: “I’ve already done this job, so I think I’d fit in.” And it’s just not enough for someone with
more than eight years of experience to get the job.
Then explain how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs. Your record-breaking
month may be noteworthy, but if it has little to do with the duties of the job you’re applying to, you
may want to choose a different accomplishment or opt for another type of opening. Write
“Sincerely” and follow it with your full name. You’ll find them in the job advert and here’s what to
look for. This can hint at your exposure to certain high-level professional environments, adding depth
to your application. Get proven strategies on how to unlock your career's potential, meet VIPs in
your industry and turn your career into a rocketship. Make sure you follow standard UK business
letter format. In addition to writing blogs, Anna also creates Resume.io’s video guides answering
common job search questions. You don’t have to stick to the same boring cover letter introduction
you learned in high school, as there are plenty of ways to go about it. About Zety’s Editorial Process
This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial
guidelines. Here are several proven strategies for starting your cover letter: Highlight your
achievements. Cover Letter Templates Find the perfect cover letter template. Name dropping is when
you mention an influential person you know in your cover letter. Find an angle to write your cover
letter—motivation to advance, shared values or mission statement, recent developments in the
industry. Internal referrals give you a massive advantage over other candidates. My name is Michael
Scarn, and I would like to apply for the Customer Service Officer position at Sellesto. 2. Mention
The Relevant Experience That Makes You a Good Candidate The perfect cover letter attention
grabber. Just keep in mind that your leading sentence needs to be an attention-grabber, and you’re in
good shape. Teaching Assistant As an admirer of the innovative teaching methods you implement at
The Oak Tree School, I was excited to see your opening for a Teaching Assistant. So how long
should a cover letter be? 1 or 2 pages. Use the first name if you’re applying to a relaxed, casual
company. It also demonstrates that this applicant knows what they’re talking about when it comes to
the company they’re applying at: A great example of how to name drop in a cover letter Why name
drop. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying
who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For instance, you could say something like “I led a
team that increased sales by 30%,” and then provide context, “under the guidance of industry expert
Jane Doe.” Use name-dropping as support, not the lead Treat name-dropping as a nice little sideshow
to your qualifications, not the main attraction. Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Cover
Letter How do you begin a cover letter for a job. I would love to leverage my knowledge of SEO
marketing and online growth marketing to achieve groundbreaking results with this initiative.
Starting a cover letter with a brief humblebrag about your past wins is super effective with hiring
managers for performance-centric positions. For example, “My recent project was commended by
Sarah Johnson, a pioneer in educational technology, for its innovative approach to digital learning.”
When they have given you mentorship or guidance If a recognized professional has significantly
contributed to your career development, highlighting this relationship can be beneficial. Professional
Cover Letter Examples to Get You Inspired If you get stuck when writing your cover letter, taking a
look at a professional cover letter example can be really helpful. The XYZ company she applies to
needs (based on the job ad): A savvy digital marketing manager (1) Someone who will supervise the
development of their new online portal (2) Let’s look at how Jane managed to show that she’s both:
RIGHT In my current position at ABC, I have supervised all phases of our online marketing
initiatives, both technical and creative (1). By August, I was certain I wanted to major in veterinary
medicine.
Then, highlight your key achievements, but remember to tie them back to what the company needs -
because this is about them as much as it is about you. Include your and the employer's contact
details, and address the hiring manager by name. The image below shows them all: Use this cover
letter template If you decide to go for a ready-made cover letter template, you'll save a lot of time.
Check out the company website for a blog or newsletter or use Google’s news aggregator to do a
search on the company and find some interesting tidbits. For instance, you could say something like
“I led a team that increased sales by 30%,” and then provide context, “under the guidance of
industry expert Jane Doe.” Use name-dropping as support, not the lead Treat name-dropping as a
nice little sideshow to your qualifications, not the main attraction. Mentioning a renowned scientist
when applying for a marketing role in an unrelated industry might come across as irrelevant or like
you’re trying to impress rather than inform. Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge
your career. Moreover, I have expanded ABC’s client base by 19% since 2018. How to Write a Job-
Winning Cover Letter How to Make a Cover Letter That Stands Out Professional Cover Letter
Examples to Get You Inspired Key Takeaway About Zety’s Editorial Process Sources Frequently
Asked Questions about How to Write a Cover Letter Scroll back to the top A cover letter is your
unique opportunity to showcase your personality and skills. Cover Letter Templates Find the perfect
cover letter template. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them
you're looking forward to hearing from them. That instantly adds a personal touch and a feeling of
familiarity. Zety is a career site fueled by the best career experts and a community of millions of
readers yearly. You don’t have to choose just one type of cover letter beginning; include a bit of
several to create a cover letter opening statement that’s truly compelling. Cover Letter Examples See
perfect cover letter samples that get jobs. In 2024, when hiring managers have to sift through a
deluge of applications for every open position, your professional network is more than just a rolodex
of contacts. Resume Checker Get your resume checked and scored with one click. Here are several
proven strategies for starting your cover letter: Highlight your achievements. WRONG I am writing
to apply for the position of project manager at Cultronics. Cover Letter Builder Write a cover letter
that convinces employers you’re the best. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter
with a strong opening line. It's a way to gently nudge open the door to new possibilities, making
your application stand out. Find an angle to write your cover letter—motivation to advance, shared
values or mission statement, recent developments in the industry. 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. It’s also a great option if you’re simply not
sure which greeting to use. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect
session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and
page interaction information. If yes, don’t be afraid to reciprocate (while still keeping it professional).
In this guide, you’ll learn to master starting a cover letter with a professional introduction that’ll
charm the socks of hiring managers and get your letter read from top to bottom. Then explain how
this information shapes the way you’d approach your potential role or industry. Another important
factor to consider when starting with an achievement is how it relates to your prospective employer.
Save preferences This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Keep in
mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. It acts as an introduction to what
you have to offer, with a bit more flavor than you can put in a resume. That’s why learning how to
start a cover letter is so vital; it’s your doorway to success. The intricate details about their mission,
values, and vision will help you find an angle to write your cover letter. Sources Rate my article: how
to start a cover letter Average: 5 ( 10 votes) Thank you for voting Jacques Buffett, CPRW Jacques, a
Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), is a career expert who has published almost 200
articles on Zety. Most hiring managers can see through that and won’t think better of you for it. Here
are situations where name dropping could backfire: When there’s no real connection Don’t name
drop if you don't have a meaningful or direct relationship with the person. One of our users, Valcia,
had this to say: Zety is an excellent resume and cover letter generator with excellent customer
service. We’ll craft a professional cover letter introduction and sort out all the header details while
we’re at it. Most importantly, always start your cover letter afresh for every application and target
the opening to that company, that job and that hiring manager. This opening can come across as very
business-like, so it’s a great option for formal and numbers-driven professions like finance, marketing
or management. But not this time. Rate my article: how to write a cover letter Average: 4.5 ( 1180
votes) Thank you for voting Aleksandra Nazaruk Aleksandra is a writer and a career expert at Zety.
You’ll use it in the cover letter salutation and the cover letter address. This is one of those things that
are quite easy to get right. Create a smooth transition from the hook through your strengths to
motivation in 3 to 4 paragraphs, tops. It's not about restating your resume, it's about complementing
it with your unique story. Start with an engaging opener that will immediately hook your reader.
Even if only one in two cover letters gets read, that’s still a 50% chance that including one could
help you. If your job requires some level of self-sacrifice, a belief statement is the perfect way to
explain the source of your passion and energy for the field. Save preferences This site uses cookies
to ensure you get the best experience on our website. The proper greeting is the one that best matches
the tone of the company and industry. Try different sentence constructions, for example, instead of:
I’ve decided to move from being a line cook to restaurant manager after 5 years, try saying: After 5
years as a line cook, I’ve decided to move to restaurant management. I've already had way more
callbacks since I used it. Your cover letter introduction has to draw the hiring manager in, giving
them a clear reason to keep reading. There are several reasons you should name drop in your cover
letter, if you can do so honestly and humbly. Try to ask them a clever question about the position.
Thanks for reading my guide on how to begin a cover letter. This could be a former boss, a mentor,
or a colleague who has directly influenced your career path. If your start to your letter isn’t strong,
there’s a chance the hiring manager won’t finish reading it.