Are Cover Letters Necessary in 2025?
Our customers have been hired at: *Foot Note
The opening lines of your cover letter are crucial for capturing the hiring manager’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of your application.
In this guide, we’ll offer creative and effective tips on how to start a cover letter, from telling a personal story to showcasing your most impressive achievement.
Explore expert strategies and examples to take the guesswork out of writing a strong cover letter opening that highlights your unique value and leaves a lasting impression.
What to Include in a Cover Letter Opening
To make a strong first impression, ensure that every element of your cover letter opening — from the header to the first paragraph — is polished and professional.
Your contact information
In your cover letter header, prominently feature your full name, mailing address (city and ZIP code), phone number, email address, and any relevant online professional profiles or websites.
A well-organized header ensures that your application is easy to navigate and sets the stage for the rest of your cover letter. Here is an example:
Your cover letter header should exactly match your resume header for a cohesive and professional appearance that reinforces your personal brand.
Recipient’s contact information
Next, include the date of submission, followed by the hiring manager’s name, job title, company name, and company address if available.
See the example below and explore our cover letter format guide for additional information about margins, spacing, and alignment.
Personalized greeting
A strong greeting sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter. Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name rather than a generic salutation, for example:
- Dear Ms. Thompson,
- Dear Mr. Clarence,
- Dear Dr. Romero,
- Dear Carol Vance,
Explore our guide on addressing a cover letter for additional tips on how to start a cover letter greeting, including what to do when you cannot find the hiring manager’s name.
Introduction
Your introductory paragraph should immediately grab the hiring manager’s attention by clearly stating the role you’re applying for and highlighting your most relevant achievements.
Rather than stating how you found the job, focus on what excites you about the company or how your qualifications align with their needs.
Avoiding a generic introduction is key to standing out from the competition. To get started, follow the tips below and explore our cover letter introduction guide for additional examples.
How to Start a Cover Letter for a Job
Browse expert strategies for crafting an exceptional cover letter introduction that stands out. We also recommend exploring how to write a cover letter for additional samples and guidance.
1. Express genuine enthusiasm
Clearly articulate your excitement about the opportunity. A sincere expression of interest creates a positive first impression and sets a dynamic tone for the rest of your application.
Briefly explain how your skills and experiences align with what excites you about the role. This shows that your enthusiasm is backed by concrete reasons. For example:
I was thrilled to discover the opening for the Marketing Specialist position at Creative Innovations. Your company’s reputation for pioneering campaigns aligns with my passion for transformative marketing. With five years of experience crafting impactful digital strategies, I’m eager to bring my creativity and analytical skills to your team and contribute to Creative Innovations’ continued success.
Choose words that convey your passion. Terms like “eager,” “motivated,” “excited,” or “energized” can help communicate your interest without sounding disingenuous.
2. Highlight a measurable achievement
Opening your cover letter with a measurable accomplishment immediately captures attention by demonstrating past success and your ability to deliver results. For example:
As a Sales Manager at BrightPath Solutions, I increased annual revenue by 40% within a year by implementing a data-driven sales strategy that optimized lead conversion and client retention. With a passion for driving growth and a track record of exceeding targets, I’m eager to bring this results-oriented mindset to Apex Enterprises as your next Senior Sales Manager.
Your cover letter should illustrate a few key accomplishments and results as they relate to the position you are applying for.- Toni Frana, Career Professional
3. Address the company’s pain points
Identify key pain points and priorities from the job description and focus on how your skills and experience directly address the team's needs.
For example, if the job description states, “We’re looking for someone to streamline our content strategy and improve audience engagement," this could indicate content performance issues.
Here is an example of how to start a cover letter by addressing this pain point:
As a content marketing specialist, I am passionate about creating compelling, high-impact content that resonates with audiences and drives engagement. With a proven track record of increasing organic reach by 40% and boosting engagement rates through data-driven strategies, I specialize in content optimization, SEO, and storytelling. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to EverCrest Solutions and contribute to its mission of building a strong, engaging brand presence.
4. Pose a thoughtful question
A well-crafted question piques curiosity and encourages the hiring manager to keep reading. It can also make your introduction more engaging and personable. Here is an example:
What if every challenge was seen as an opportunity to innovate? This mindset has driven my career in project management and is exactly what I plan to bring to the project manager role at Vertex Solutions. With six years of experience leading cross-functional teams, optimizing workflows, and delivering complex projects 15% faster than projected timelines, I thrive on transforming challenges into strategic solutions. I am excited about the opportunity to bring this problem-solving approach to contribute to your team’s continued success.
Our Cover Letter Generator takes the guesswork out of starting your cover letter. Easily add an opener tailored to your experience, skills, target role, and preferred tone of voice:
5. Include keywords from the job listing
Look for recurring skills, qualifications, and responsibilities in the job posting. These are keywords that applicant tracking systems (ATS) are likely checking for to screen applicants.
Integrate keywords naturally into your introduction to reinforce that you have the exact skills and experience the employer is looking for.
Here is an example cover letter introduction with keywords for a digital marketing job posting:
With a passion for data-driven marketing and a proven track record in SEO optimization, I was excited to see the digital marketing manager opening at BrightWave Media. In my previous role at Summit Tech, I led a cross-functional team that increased organic traffic by 45% through targeted content strategies and technical SEO improvements. I’m eager to bring this expertise to BrightWave Media and help drive measurable growth.
6. Mention a shared contact
Mentioning a shared contact early in your cover letter instantly builds credibility and increases the likelihood that hiring managers will notice your application.
A mutual connection can reinforce that you are a strong cultural fit, as they can vouch for your skills and how well you would integrate with the team.
During a recent conversation with Michael Reynolds, a senior project manager at Summit Dynamics, he shared insights about the company’s collaborative approach to problem-solving and its commitment to delivering high-impact projects. His enthusiasm for the team culture and the innovative work being done at Summit Dynamics encouraged me to apply for the Project Manager position. With six years of experience leading cross-functional teams, streamlining workflows, and successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget, I am eager to contribute my skills to your organization.
7. Lead with a story or anecdote
If appropriate, include a short, relevant story or moment that sparked your interest in the field or the company. This personal touch can help your cover letter stand out.
Ensure that your story is relevant to the role, concise, and highlights your passion or core competencies in a way that connects with the company’s needs. For example:
The first time I redesigned a website, I wasn’t a UX designer — I was a college student helping a small local business improve its online presence. After implementing a cleaner layout and improving navigation, their online sales increased by 30% in just two months. That experience sparked my passion for user-centered design, leading me to a career where I now specialize in creating seamless, intuitive digital experiences. When I saw the UX Designer opening at PixelForge, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to apply my design expertise and problem-solving skills to a company that values innovation and user experience.
A cover letter is your opportunity to go beyond your resume and showcase your personality, passion, and how your unique skills align with the company’s needs.- Jasmine Escalera, Career Professional
8. Incorporate industry insights
Starting your cover letter with compelling industry insight shows that you are knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in the field.
It demonstrates that you understand the bigger picture beyond your individual experience and are proactive about staying informed.
To do this effectively, mention a relevant trend, challenge, or shift in the industry and then connect it to your professional skills and experience. Here is an example:
Global supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, with companies facing rising costs, unpredictable disruptions, and the growing need for sustainable logistics solutions. At Nexus Freight Solutions, I know that optimizing efficiency while maintaining agility is critical to staying competitive. With eight years of experience streamlining supply chain operations, reducing costs by 20%, and implementing data-driven inventory management strategies, I am eager to bring my expertise to your team to help navigate these industry challenges and drive operational excellence.
9. Start with a belief statement
You can start your cover letter with a brief yet impactful belief statement that immediately aligns your personal values with the company's culture or the needs of the role. For example:
I believe that integrity, innovation, and inclusivity are the cornerstones of success — principles I have championed throughout my career and am excited to bring to your team. With eight years of experience in project management, I have led initiatives that drive efficiency, foster collaboration, and create meaningful impact. I am eager for the opportunity to contribute my leadership and problem-solving skills to Sterling Technologies to help drive its continued growth and success.
10. Mention recent company news
Referencing recent company news or initiatives in your cover letter shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the organization.
This demonstrates that you’re not only informed about the company’s latest developments but also eager to contribute to its ongoing success. Here is an example:
When I read about Skyline Solutions' recent expansion into AI-driven analytics, I was excited to see a company embracing innovation to enhance customer solutions. As a Product Manager with five years of experience leading data-driven product development, I have successfully launched AI-powered tools that increased user engagement by 30%. I am eager to bring my expertise to contribute to the team’s forward-thinking approach to technology and customer experience.
You can use one of our cover letter templates to easily craft a polished, professional, and compelling cover letter.
Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Cover Letter
- Using a generic greeting: Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” or similar impersonal salutations. Address the hiring manager by name to create a personal connection.
- Starting with a weak hook: An opening that lacks a captivating hook — such as a clichéd or generic statement — can fail to grab attention right away.
- Not personalizing the content: Rather than a one-size-fits-all introduction, tailor your opening by referencing the specific company, role, or industry challenges.
- Repeating resume details: Your cover letter should add context, not just restate your resume. Avoid listing achievements without explaining their relevance to the role.
- Overusing buzzwords: Phrases like “hard worker” or “team player” can come off as empty without supporting examples. Focus on unique value propositions instead.
- Tone misalignment: Avoid being overly casual or excessively formal. Aim for a balanced, professional, and enthusiastic tone that matches the company culture.
- Overlooking proofreading: Typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues in your opening can leave a poor first impression. Always double-check for errors.
Examples of How to Start a Cover Letter
Use these cover letter examples as inspiration to craft an engaging introduction that sets a friendly yet professional tone for your application.
Teacher
Accountant
Salesperson
Key Takeaways
- If possible, address the hiring manager by name. A personalized greeting shows effort and helps your application stand out from generic ones.
- Clearly express why you are excited about the opportunity and how your values align with the company’s culture or recent initiatives.
- Capture attention immediately with a compelling opening, whether it’s a relevant industry insight, a brief success story, or a connection to the company’s mission.
- Your introduction should be engaging but brief, setting the stage for the rest of your cover letter without overwhelming the reader with too much detail.
FAQ
How do you start a cover letter without a name?
If you don’t have the hiring manager’s name, you can use a general but professional greeting relevant to the role you are applying for.
Here are a few examples of how to start a cover letter without a name:
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department] Team,
- Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team,
Browse additional cover letter tips for best practices and guidance to help you craft a strong cover letter that impresses hiring managers.
What is a good opening line for a cover letter?
A strong opening line for a cover letter should immediately grab the reader’s attention, express enthusiasm, and highlight your value. Here are a few effective approaches:
- Highlight a key achievement: “With a proven track record of increasing customer retention by 30% through strategic engagement initiatives, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to [Company Name] as your next [Job Title].”
- Express excitement for the role: “I was thrilled to discover the [Job Title] opening at [Company Name], as it perfectly aligns with my passion for how-to.”
- Reference the company’s mission or a recent initiative: “I admire [Company Name]’s commitment to innovation in how-to, and I’m eager to contribute my skills in [specific skill] to help drive continued success.”
The key is to keep it engaging, relevant, and tailored to the specific job and company.
Explore what to include in a cover letter for details about what to include in the rest of your letter.
How long should a cover letter introduction be?
A cover letter introduction should be three to five sentences long, keeping it concise yet impactful.
The goal is to quickly grab the hiring manager’s attention, express enthusiasm, and provide a compelling reason for them to continue reading.
Get tips on the ideal cover letter length to ensure your letter is succinct yet engaging.
What tone should I use for my cover letter opener?
The tone of your cover letter opener should be professional, confident, and engaging, while also aligning with the company’s culture and industry norms.
Corporate environments may require a more formal and polished tone, whereas startups or creative industries may welcome a more conversational and dynamic approach.
Your cover letter should balance formality and personality, ensuring that you come across as enthusiastic and qualified without being overly casual or robotic.
In your introduction, avoid sounding overly stiff or generic. Instead, aim for a natural yet professional voice that highlights your expertise and excitement for the role.
How do I avoid repeating information from my resume?
To avoid repeating information from your resume in your cover letter, focus on context, storytelling, and personalization rather than just listing your past roles and achievements.
For example, instead of listing accomplishments, provide context around them. Explain how you achieved a result, the challenges you faced, or the impact of your work.
If your resume includes the following, “Increased sales by 30% through targeted email marketing campaigns,” then your cover letter could expand on this accomplishment:
“When faced with declining engagement rates, I developed a data-driven email marketing strategy that not only reversed the trend but boosted sales by 30%, proving the power of personalized content.”
See our cover letter vs. resume guide for additional context and tips on how to ensure your job application is cohesive but not repetitive.
How We Reviewed This Article
Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
Rate this article
How to Start a Cover Letter: Expert Strategies to Stand Out
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.
More Articles by Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRWOur customers have been hired at:*Foot Note
