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How To Start a Cover Letter With Examples and Tips

creative cover letter opening sentence examples

  • How to Start a Cover Letter
  • Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples

Personalize Your Cover Letter

  • What to Write in the Rest of Your Letter

Cover Letter Sample

More cover letter examples and templates.

Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

What's the best way to start a cover letter for a job? The first couple of sentences of your  cover letter  are the most important ones. Recruiters and hiring managers often spend mere seconds scanning your application.

If your cover letter doesn't grab their attention right away, they may never even get as far as the second paragraph. What should these all-important first sentences say? Keep in mind that you're hoping to differentiate yourself from the competition. Your goal is to explain to the reader who you are, why you're writing, and how you can contribute to the employer's success.

This might mean  highlighting a contact , providing a quick window into your relevant background and experience, or emphasizing a significant accomplishment that would make you an asset to the organization.

Think about why the hiring manager should select you, above all other candidates, for an interview, and you'll be on the right track.

How to Start a Cover Letter 

Be direct.  In these opening sentences, you want to explicitly let the reader know which position you're applying for. Hiring managers are often looking at candidates for several open jobs at any given time. Make sure it's easy for them to discover your intent. For example:

I am interested in the coordinator position at ABC company.

Mention a contact.  If someone  referred you to the position , include that information early on as well. Referrals are one of the key aspects to securing an interview, so be sure to mention yours right away. For example:

Jane Doe suggested I contact you about the job, as she feels my skills would be a good fit for the position.

State an accomplishment.  Try to state an accomplishment from your previous job. If you can, show how you added value to the last company you worked for. You might even add the job title you had if it's similar to the one you are applying for. For example:

As coordinator at XYZ Enterprises, I have increased my group's output by 37% over the past 15 months.

Express excitement.  Convey your passion for your work, and your excitement about the job and company. Your cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself to the hiring manager, and to share why you're well qualified for the job. For example:

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss what I have to bring to the position at ABC company.

Use keywords.  If you can include any  keywords  from the job listing, do so. You can mention a skill you have that was included in the post. For example: 

My track history of successfully managing teams and delivering projects on time and on budget makes me a good fit for this role.

Examples of Cover Letter Opening Sentences 

  • As an information technology professional with high-level management experience in the IT industry, I learned that the best way to achieve success was to utilize the resources I had by employing well-defined objectives and an attitude of empowerment.
  • I am very interested in the entry-level position that is available at ABC Investment Partners. I recently graduated from XYZ college, and my courses in investments, finance, and business have equipped me with a solid base upon which I plan to build my career.
  • I am writing to express my strong interest in the international marketing position open at WellCam, Inc. My colleague Janna Doling recommended that I contact you directly about this position, owing to the years I have spent developing successful campaigns for XYZ company.
  • I'm writing to express my interest in the editorial assistant position listed on Monster.com. Given my five years of editorial experience and excellent capabilities, I would appreciate your consideration for this position.
  • I have a very strong interest in pursuing a teaching career. With experience working at both elementary and high school levels, as well as in activities outside of the traditional classroom, I have a diverse background with much to offer.
  • I have the pleasure of being acquainted with one of the counselors on your staff, Eleanor Seville. She let me know about the open position and recommended that I contact you.
  • I was excited to read about the administrative assistant job opening at XYZ company. I have several years of administrative experience in a variety of fields, including insurance and finance.
  • I understand that you have been deluged with resumes since  Computer World  released their list of the best companies to work for. Mine is one more, but I do have experience that is hard to come by.
  • My proven track record of successfully performing complex analyses on various corporations makes me an ideal candidate for the analyst opportunity that you have advertised.

When you're not sure how to get started, it can be really helpful to review  examples of cover letters . You can use these as a guide, but be sure to tailor your introduction to your personal circumstances and the job you're applying for.

The more closely you  construct your cover letter  to show that you're a  match for the job requirements , the better your chances of getting selected for an interview.

What to Write in the Rest of Your Cover Letter

Of course,  the rest of your letter  is important too. You'll need to use an  appropriate salutation , and make your  cover letter closing  polite and inviting. In the  body of your letter , you have the opportunity to pitch your qualifications for the job in more detail than you have room for in your resume.

If there are specific events or accomplishments you feel are likely to make you stand out, you can briefly mention them and explain in more detail should you secure an interview.

Make sure your  contact information  is complete as well, and format your  signature  to match the letter style you are using.

Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)

John Smith 37 Oak Street Middle Village, New York 10502 555-555-555 john.smith@email.com

March 22, 2021

Dr. Jane Doe All Smiles Dentistry 5 Main Street, Suite A Middle Village, New York 10502

Dear Dr. Doe,

My former coworker, Maria Rodriguez, suggested that I contact you to express my interest in the position of dental assistant in your office in Middle Village.

I’m a licensed dental assistant with over 10 years of experience helping dentists and hygienists make their patients smile. In my current role with ABC Dental, I have gained proficiency in the four-handed dentistry technique, as well as mastering Henry Schein Dentix software.

I also have the following skills and qualifications, as outlined in the job description on your website:

  • Experience taking and developing dental X-rays
  • Infection control expertise, including preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
  • Knowledge of several different types of scheduling software
  • Language skills (bilingual: English/Spanish)
  • Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail

Most importantly, I love people. I consider it a great privilege to help dentists improve their patients’ lives by providing the very best support and customer care.

I’ve enclosed my resume, and I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Review cover letter examples for many different types of jobs, and get downloadable templates you can use to write your own cover letters.

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30 Opening Sentences to start your Cover Letter

30 Opening Sententeces to start your Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is not something most people look forward to. It is one of those tasks that come with every job application but not something that is easily done. Eventhough the cover letter has become less crucial for a job application over recent years (first selections based on just a short look at the CV’s or LinkedIn profiles has almost become the standard procedure). But nevertheless you are still expected to send a cover letter to accompany your job application. Particularly the start or the first sentence of the cover letter can cause difficulty. Some believe that the first sentence is crucial for your job application and that it should blow away the reader of your cover letter. Fortunately this is almost never the case (maybe when you are applying for a position as a creative writer…). Using a traditional (or conservative) first sentence is not something a recruiter will see as a dealbreaker, especially when the content of your CV stands out from other candidates. But when the competition in your area is fierce and the content of your CV is not (yet) sufficient to differentiate yourself from other candidates, your cover letter, and especially the first sentence, can help you to grab the recruiter’s attention.

There are several starting points possible for your cover letter. You can use a tradional or conservative first sentence. A traditional first sentence is very acceptable when you are applying for a formal position or at a very formal company. A very appreciated way to start your cover letter is to express your excitement or enthusiasm for the job opening. If you want to create more personal connection between the company / the recruiter and yourself you can start your cover letter on a more personal note by sharing your passion or inspiration. Another smart way to demonstrate a connection between the company or the recruiter and yourself is to use name-dropping. Do you want to get straight to the point and you immediately want to differentiate yourself from the competition? You can start your cover letter by pointing out your strengths and experience in the first sentence. When you are writing a speculative job application requires a different approach. For each category we have composed several example first sentences.

TRADITIONAL / CONSERVATIVE OPENING SENTENCES

  I’m writing to express my interest in the position as [position title] at [company name]

I’m writing to apply for the position of [position title] at [company name].

I would like to propose my candidature for the position of [position title] with [company name].

I was very interested to read the job post for [position title] at [company name], I herewith send you my CV to consider.

Please find enclosed my CV as application for the position as [position title] at [company name].

SHOWING ENTHUSIASM / EXCITEMENT AT THE START OF YOUR COVER LETTER

With great enthusiasm, I am writing in reponse to your advertisement for [position title] at [company name].

I was excited to come across the job post for [position title] at [company name].

I’m excited to be applying for [position title] at [company name].

I’m excited to present my CV to you for the position as [job title] at [company name].

Throughout my career I have always been eager to accept exciting challenges. The opportunity to work for [company name] as a [position title] and to work on the challenges described in the job description sparked my enthusiasm.

USING NAME DROP AT THE START OF YOUR COVER LETTER

I was excited to receive a message from John Adams about a job opening in the [department name] department of [company name].

Last week I met John Adams from your sales department at the London fashion week event. He kindly informed me about the job opening for [job title] at your company.

A mutal friend of ours, John Adams, recently suggested I should apply for [position title] at your company.

When I visited your store in [location] last week I was excited to come across the job post for [position title] at the message board.

FOCUS ON EXPERIENCE OR STRENGTHS IN YOUR COVER LETTER

As an experienced account manager, I strongly believe in data analysis as a source of new opportunities.

As a marketing manager I have experienced the rise of digital marketing in a highly competitive business environment.

My extensive experience in sales, marketing and leadership, as well as my excitement for new challenges, has motivated me to apply for the position of [position title] at [company name].

After spending five years of leading a marketing team in an international business environment, I am looking for an exciting new challenge.

As a sales expert with a passion for the travel industry, I read your advertisement for the position of [job title] with great interest.

USING A PERSONAL APPROACH

Ever since I was in nursery school I wanted to become a teacher.

As a passionate traveller, I enjoy meeting new people, learning about new cultures and adapting to changing circumstances. I was excited to see all these elements in the job post for [position title] at [company name].

As a inspired volunteer in my own local community, I have watched [company name] efforts to support local communities all over the UK with great admiration.

I’ve wanted to work in the hotel industry ever since I visited a hotel with my parents for the first time when I was five years old.

[company name]’s goal to reduce the co2 emission in the transportation industry inspired me to visit your website. There I was excited to see there is the current job opening as [position title].

As a social worker, I believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore life in a safe environment.

OPENING SENTENCES FOR A SPECULATIVE COVER LETTER

I’m writing to enquire whether there is an opportunity available to join [company name] as a [position title].

I’m interested in working for [company name] for some time, therefore I am writing to explore if you have any current [position title] vacancies.

I’m writing to inquire into your need of a [position title] at [company title].

I’m very interested in the business activities of [company name], I’m writing to enquire whether there are any current [position title] vacancies.

Do you need someone that can motivate your sales team to reach challeging targets and to explore new opportunities? If so, look no further!

There are probably many more categories of first sentences you can think of. In some industries it is popular to write a bold or creative first sentence to draw the attention to your job application.  think that there is one category of first sentences missing from this overview; the bold and creative first sentences. It is not that we don’t believe a bold or creative first sentence can help you to stand out from other candidates. Making a bold or creative statement at the start of your job application is something that has to come from your own creativity and it has to suit your personality. If you write “look no further, I am the perfect candidates” you should be able to back this attitude up during a job interview.  Bold or very creative statements are a bit of a acquired taste, there is a chance that you strike exactly the right chord, but there is also a good chance that you strike out and reduce you chances.

We have gathered the sentences above to give you inspiration to start your cover letter. We know from our own experience that the first sentence of your cover letter can sometimes feel like the most crucial element of your job application. But in reality it hardly ever is, even with a very traditional or conservative first sentence you can be successful. Don’t let the first sentence of your cover letter hold you back from applying for your dream job!

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09 Sep 5 Creative Cover Letter Openings (& examples)

What you'll learn

Compelling cover letter openings with cover letter opening sentence examples

If you’ve read a few of my posts, then you know I am a firm believer that writing a cover letter is a requirement and not an optional component in your job-hunting arsenal.

But not just any ol’ cover letter will do.

If the opening of your cover letter doesn’t grab attention and captivate the reader, they won’t bother getting to the rest of your cover letter, or resume, to ever find out why you are a perfect fit for the role.

Submit a thrown-together, few sentence, or uninspired cover letter, and it won’t serve its purpose to:

  • Validate to the hiring manager or recruiter exactly why you are THE PERFECT candidate for the position and how you will add value to the company
  • Answer any questions the hiring manager or recruiter would have about your candidacy, so they put you in the “interview” pile rather than the “pass” or “circular” file
  • Demonstrate your professionalism, as well as your interest and enthusiasm for the position and the company

To learn more, see my post on “ Why You Need a Cover Letter ”

Yes, a cover letter can be a powerful tool to get you an interview and on your way to landing the job of your dreams…but only if it’s compelling and holds the reader’s attention.

A boring or cookie-cutter cover letter can have the opposite effect and turn the hiring manager off from continuing to read about your incredible work experience.

Need more assistance getting noticed in your job search? Receive my free resume checklist, “ Resume Dos and Don’t That Get You Noticed .”

How to write a compelling opening for your cover letter (with examples)

Everyone knows you only have one shot at a first impression, and your cover letter is no different. So, your cover letter opening sentences need to be strong, compelling, creative and informative.

Whew, that’s a lot to pack into the opening sentences of a cover letter. But do not fear, it can be done!

Here are my strategies for writing a creative and compelling cover letter opening that will grab the attention of the hiring manager and get you noticed. I’ve even included example sentences you can personalize and add to your own cover letter:

1. What You Are Known For

Include in your opening sentences what you are known for (generating sales, saving money, motivating teams, improving results). Then connect the dots on how those skills will not only pertain to the position you are applying for, but also will benefit the company.

Example: My specialty is driving public relations programs that grow health and wellness companies through media coverage. I have driven PR and Communication strategies for both startup and large companies where I created measurable results within the first six months. I am excited about the prospect of creating significant awareness for [Company Name] as the [Position Title].

2. Relevant Experience

Open your cover letter by providing the work experience (not necessarily job title) you have that aligns with the position you are applying for and why this experience will drive results at a new company. This is a strong strategy if you have not held the exact title of the position for which you are applying , but have the required experience per the job description.

Example: I have successfully been leading sales teams to unprecedented results for the past 8 years. By implementing ongoing training programs, initiating sales rep check-ins, and creating new motivation and incentive tools, I have increased our close rate by 25% and revenue by 15% in the past eighteen months. I am excited about the prospect of delivering similar results for [Company Name] as the [Position Title].

3. Results and Accomplishments

By including impressive results and accomplishments from your previous positions in the opening of your cover letter (or, actually, anywhere in your cover letter), it validates you will achieve results wherever you go. Be sure to include quantifiable results and the numbers or percentages of how they were measured so the reader will understand the value you added at your previous companies and how it will be applicable to the new role.

Example: In one-year at [Current Company], I increased search-engine marketing (SEM) leads 150% while decreasing cost per lead (CPL) by 26%. I am excited by the prospect of bringing my experience and expertise in digital media to [Company Name] and drive similar results as your next [Position title].

4. Key Requirements

Use a few key requirements of the position (i.e. keywords from the job description) in your opening to immediately showcase how you have the relevant experience and skills. This strategy is particularly effective when applying at larger companies likely to be using an applicant tracking system scanning for keywords.

Example: Budget planning and financial analysis are two of my strongest areas of expertise. I not only oversee, review, and adhere to the budgets for each business department of [Current Company], I also ensure that all of the company’s financial practices are in line with regulations and legislation. Through my years of experience in finance, I have perfected my skills in financial analysis, budget development, and strategic planning, and I look forward to exploring the opportunity to bring this unique skillset to elevate the department at [Company Name] as your next [Position Title].

5. Network Referral

If a person from your professional network refers you to the hiring manager or recruiter, or recommends you apply to the position or company, include that information upfront of your cover letter. Having a personal introduction is one of the best ways to get (and keep) the attention of the hiring manager, so don’t be shy about using that in your opening.

Example: Joan Smith, my former supervisor, thought I would be a great fit for [Position Title] and recommended I reach out to you. I worked with Joan for three years. During this time, Joan witnessed firsthand how my unique ability to recognize real talent in a stack of resumes and get candidates excited about working for [Company Name] through phone interviews improved and streamlined our recruiting and hiring processes. I am enthusiastic to use these special skills, and many more, to help [Company Name] improve its employee team and corporate culture as the [Position Title].

Cover Letter Opening Sentences Not to Use

Sadly, I’ve seen too many articles and blog posts that provide what I believe to be poor advice on how to write the opening of a cover letter. Some of the tips and examples they share are not what I would consider a “compelling, attention-grabbing” opening.

Instead, some of these recommendations and examples look like the tired, overused, and outdated openings that I’ve read far too often in cover letters I read as a hiring manager.

I recommend you DO NOT open your cover letter by:

  • Simply stating the position for which you are applying
  • Providing general work experience without specifics or results
  • Relying solely on your enthusiasm for the position or company
  • Focusing on what’s in it for you, rather than what you can deliver the company

Examples of cover letter opening sentences I DO NOT recommend you use:

  • I am very interested in the junior finance position that is open at Acme Company. I recently graduated from State University with a degree in economics and took courses in accounting, investments, and analysis, which have given me a solid base upon which I plan to build my career.
  • I’m writing to express my interest in the Social Media Marketing position listed on your website. Given my two years of social media experience and excellent capabilities, I would appreciate your consideration for this position.
  • I am writing to express my strong interest in the Human Resources Coordinator position open at Acme Company. My colleague Bobby Jones recommended that I contact you directly about this position, due to my years successfully performing similar responsibilities for ABC Company.
  • I have a very strong interest in pursuing a sales career. With experience working in both traditional retail and outbound phone sales, I have a diverse background with much to offer.
  • I was excited to read about the Public Relations Assistant position at Acme Company. I have several years of PR experience in a variety of fields including software and insurance.

Final Advice

The opening sentences are just that, the opening of your cover letter. Be sure to continue developing your cover letter with engaging language, strategically placed keywords, results and achievements, and a proactive close ( click here for more information on each of these points).

Once you have written your cover letter, read, proof, edit, read and proof it again so there are no mistakes. Your cover letter and resume reflect your work abilities, so don’t let them be a poor representation of your abilities by having errors in them.

Be sure your cover letter (and resume) includes how to contact you (email, LinkedIn, phone). You don’t want all that hard work to go to waste because they don’t know how to find you!

Finally, customize your cover letter for every position you apply. You can begin with your own version of a template that includes your significant positions and corresponding results. Then, take the time to customize each cover letter to include the keywords, principal requirements, and desired experience outlined in the job description for which you are applying. You will find you have much better results if your cover letter (and resume) are clear, direct and specific to the position you are applying for and the requirements of the role.

Crafting a compelling opening to your cover letter can really make a difference in getting noticed by the hiring manager or recruiter.

I hope these creative cover letter openings work for you. If you use one of these ideas, please let me know, and share how it worked. If you have creative and compelling cover letter openings of your own, please share those too! I would love to see them!

For more on writing a cover letter, check out 5 Components of a Cover Letter (with a Cover Letter Example)

When you are ready to send your cover letter, read how to send a cover letter to learn the best way to do so..

Grab a copy of Your Complete Guide to Cover Letters for free and get a cover letter template, creative opening templates, and more to help you craft a compelling and effective cover letter!

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Creative Cover Letters (With Examples)

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Find a Job You Really Want In

Cover letters are your employer’s first introduction to you as an individual. Your cover letter touches on your interest in the job, the company, and what skills you possess that make you ideal for the position. Your letter will tell the hiring manager a bit about yourself, as well, such as what passions outside of work drive you.

In that regard, it makes sense to be a bit creative with your cover letter to make it feel like you and to catch the hiring manager’s attention. If you’re considering writing a creative cover letter, or wondering if creative cover letters catch an employer’s attention, then keep reading.

Key Takeaways:

Hiring managers can read through dozens of cover letters in a day, so making sure yours stands out is key to getting an invitation to interview .

A creative cover letter helps grab the reader ’s attention by doing something different, whether that’s done visually or through the written content.

Before submitting a creative cover letter, research the company to look for any guidelines and make sure your letter matches the company culture.

Remember that creative cover letters won’t be well received by everyone.

Creative Cover Letters (With Examples)

What is a creative cover letter?

How to write a creative cover letter, tips for making cover letters creative, 10 creative cover letter examples, creative cover letter faq.

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Creative cover letters are exactly what they sound like — a cover letter that’s outside the norm. There aren’t any particular guidelines as to what makes a creative cover letter — it is creative, after all — meaning that there are many ways for you to make your letter stand out.

Cover letters can be creative in a number of ways, such as:

Format. If you’re being creative with your cover letter, you don’t have to follow the standard format. Putting things in a different order, adding color or pictures, or formatting the letter differently are things that’ll make it stand out from the crowd. This can be anything from bullet points to a different size margin.

Just be aware that throwing the rules out entirely can be confusing, so be careful how you go about it.

Personalization. All cover letters talk a bit about your passions or interests. But a creative cover letter can add anecdotes, asides, or references to your favorite books or movies.

Informality. Having a conversational tone is atypical for cover letters, but it’s the sort of thing that will really appeal to certain company cultures.

Humor. Adding humor can be a huge boon to cover letters. The trick is making sure that the jokes land, which isn’t easy in writing. But so long as you don’t go do anything controversial or embarrassing, the attempt will likely be appreciated.

Graphics. You can add pictures, graphics, drawings, or charts to your cover letter. There are only certain instances where this is applicable, but if you’re applying for a graphic arts or drawing position, including something you designed in your cover letter shows them your skills right away.

Audio. It’s also possible to add audio to your cover letter if it’s electronic (which most are).

Creative cover letters tend to work best with creative industries, such as:

Architecture

Graphic design

Entertainment

A creative cover letter isn’t going to follow the same rules as a standard cover letter, meaning that it’ll take more thought and effort to write. As you’re doing something nonstandard, your letter is more likely to be scrutinized, which means that you have to be sure that you write the absolute best cover letter you can.

Research the company. If you’re thinking about changing the design to be more creative than the standard header and content format, make sure that your creative cover letter will be well-received. Some professions are stricter and want to see your skills, experience, and qualifications instead of your creativity.

In these cases, it’s best to stick with a classic cover letter with just a professional header and you can get more creative in the body of your letter .

Choose your format. In industries where creativity is encouraged and a good way to attract attention, you can play with the layout, design, and color scheme. The sky’s the limit and you can get super creative.

You just have to make sure that your cover letter is legible and communicates all of your skills and experience. If you’re getting creative, try matching your cover letter to your resume , website, or portfolio . Use the same color scheme or design across all of your application materials so your submissions are easily identifiable and cohesive.

If you’d rather leave your cover letter looking traditional and just spice up the content, there are plenty of ways to make your writing engaging. Improving your writing and adding a little extra flair can liven up your cover letter, making it exciting for the reader.

Take advantage of your first paragraph. The first sentence is most important, and you can leave it at just a creative first sentence if you don’t want to be too outside the norm. However, your first paragraph is where you can be enthusiastic and creative, all while tying it into the skills required for the job.

You can’t just write anything. It’s important that whatever anecdote, joke, or observation you start with is relevant to the job that you’re applying for.

Tell them why you are interested in the company. One way to get creative is to research the company and find interesting facts or stories that you connect with, then mention them in your cover letter.

Include things about where your interests intersect or why you love that company in particular. Some examples include charities that you’re both passionate about or how the organization has made an impact on your life.

Highlight your accomplishments. You might have an achievement that you’re especially proud of or is particularly relevant to the position you’re applying for.

If that’s the case, leading with that might be a good way to capture your reader’s attention right from the beginning.

Proofread and edit. As this letter is going to be non-standard, it’s especially important you don’t have any errors. You don’t want the recipient thinking that you’re just unaware of cover letter standards, or feel that the rules don’t apply to you.

Reread the letter to make sure the point you want to get across lands. It’s best to have someone that you trust read the letter for you as well, just to make sure it works.

While writing a creative cover letter is in many ways similar to writing a standard one, there are some tips to make it more engaging. The trick to a creative cover letter is to make it stand out, and unique cover letters get noticed. It’s important to try to put your personality into the letter, as that’s what you’re really selling: yourself.

Show off your passions. If you love your career path or you’re super excited for the position you’re applying to, let it be known!

Sharing your genuine excitement and passion for a field, industry, or job is a good way to show your dedication, expertise, and engagement.

Create a story. Your cover letter doesn’t just have to be a dry walkthrough of your professional life and achievements.

Include a belief statement. Like a goal or objective on a resume , a belief statement on your cover letter can give hiring teams a one sentence overview of who you are and what you want to achieve.

It’s a great place to write about yourself and align with a company’s values or goals to show that you’ve done your research and you’d be a good culture fit.

Mention a network connection. If you have a friend who already works at the company or got a referral from someone in your network, you should add that to your cover letter . That shows that you already know people at the company and they could vouch for you.

Connections at companies can be extremely useful, so try networking and seeing where you can find connections.

Proofread. Before submitting your cover letter, make sure you are rereading to look for any spelling or grammar errors. You can even have someone else look over it to catch anything you might have missed. It can look unprofessional to send in a letter with errors in it.

Tailor your cover letter. Make sure you are tailoring your letter to each job. Hiring managers can tell when you send in the same cover letter. Make sure to include the company name and the recruiter’s name if you found it. It can also be a good idea to include any keywords from the job listing or company website.

As the definition of a creative cover letter is so broad, it can be difficult to picture what is meant by that. Remember that while this is a creative exercise these are still business letters, so you can’t completely throw all the rules out the window. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t write up a fun cover letter and get a job with it.

Some people may say that I’m crazy for quitting my real estate job and going to culinary school, but those people have never tasted my signature pasta alla vodka. My unique career journey positions me perfectly to manage ABC Restaurant as they franchise and expand, while keeping the quality of service consistent.
As the recipient of the American Financial Technology “Most Cutting-Edge IT Initiative” award, I’m always ready to bring my best, most creative ideas to whatever IT project I’m tackling. I’m committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends and bringing that knowledge and expertise to share with all of my colleagues when we tackle projects.
When I noticed that ABC Company donates 10% of its profits to the ASPCA, I knew that I had to apply for this position. I care deeply about animal welfare causes and even spend my free time volunteering with the ASPCA. Being able to work at an organization that gives back to a group I support while allowing me to grow professionally is an opportunity that I cannot pass up.
As an accountant , I believe that everyone should know how to manage their finances responsibly. I do not just analyze and watch over my clients’ finances, but teach them how to be financially responsible so they can make informed decisions about their money.
When I was a kid, I lived at the movie theater. I would always see new movies as soon as they came out and kept going back to see everything again. Since then, I’ve worked to fit my love of movies and skill as a writer to find a career in media journalism. This position writing for the culture section of XYZ Magazine is the perfect opportunity for me to contribute to an iconic publication while bringing my personal passions into my professional life.
You’re looking for a social media savvy content marketer ? Look no further, I’m right here. I have grown Instagram accounts by 5000+ followers, created dedicated TikTok audiences, and ran Facebook ads with 200% ROI in the last year alone and I’m excited to beat those stats with ABC Company.
Thanks to my former colleague, Jane Doe, I heard of an opening for a PR Director at your company and was immediately intrigued. Jane has nothing but great things to say about your company and once I saw the job description, I knew it would be a perfect fit.
I have been constantly refreshing XYZ Company’s careers page since I found out about their mission to support local nonprofits with innovative tech. When I finally saw a job posting that happened to be in my industry, I applied immediately. I admire XYZ’s mission and I believe my enthusiasm for web development and your mission will make me the perfect fit for the Full Stack Developer position.
If you’ve seen my resume , you know that I’m not exactly qualified for the business analyst position. But what you can’t see from my resume is my dedication to teaching myself the ins and outs of the industry in my spare time or the endless networking I’ve done to understand the role of a business analyst . Here’s why I’m uniquely positioned to wow you as your newest business analyst.
I believe that every business has a valuable service to provide, it’s just about finding the perfect audience for it. As a marketer , I love tackling the “hard to sell” businesses and flipping around their branding and messaging until they’re profitable.

What should a creative cover letter include?

A creative cover letter should include a standard heading but a unique body paragraph. A standard header is important for professionalism, but the body of the letter should be an interesting way of introducing your skills and accomplishments.

How do I make my cover letter unique?

You can make your cover letter unique by adding relevant personal touches. For example, telling a brief story about how and why you left your real-estate job to pursue culinary school can speak to your passion and willingness to learn.

Plus, such an opening is unexpected and clever. What restaurant would expect you to talk about real estate? But, that makes you a more unique and memorable candidate.

How do you end a creative cover letter?

The best way to end your creative cover letter is through charming confidence. Briefly summarize why you’re the best candidate for the job, and thank the employer for their time.

Are creative cover letters effective?

Yes, creative cover letters are effective. For example, up to 83% of hiring managers say that a great cover letter could convince them to schedule an interview with an applicant.

And a creative cover letter makes you even more memorable, which will make it far easier to land an interview.

Should you have a creative cover letter for a creative industry?

It isn’t required that your cover letter be creative if you’re applying for a creative job, but that’s where a creative cover letter is most likely to be effective. It’s important to consider the company culture before deciding what kind of cover letter to write. There are many businesses that have creative jobs — like graphic design — that aren’t inherently creative industries.

Harvard Business Review — How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed)

Inc. Magazine — 11 Secrets to Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

Harvard University — Resumes and Cover Letters

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Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

Amanda Zantal-Wiener

Published: December 14, 2023

I've sent plenty of cover letters throughout my career, so I know it isn't usually fun to write one. Fortunately, the cover letter examples I painstakingly gathered below show that it’s possible to have a little fun with your job search — and maybe even make yourself a better candidate in the process.

 person types of a cover letter

I was shocked upon learning 45% of job seekers don't include a cover letter when applying for a job. I definitely don't recommend following the crowd on this matter because your cover letter is a chance to tell the stories your resume only outlines.

It's an opportunity for you to highlight your creativity at the earliest stage of the recruitment process.

→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]

Are you ready to showcase your unique skills and experience? Or are you looking for more tips and cover letter inspiration?

Keep reading for 20+ cover letter examples, then check out tips for cover letter formatting and what makes a cover letter great .

creative cover letter opening sentence examples

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

  • Standard Cover Letter Template
  • Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
  • Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Cover Letter Examples

  • Standard Cover Letter Example
  • Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample
  • Entry-Level Cover Letter Example
  • The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'
  • The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter
  • The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.
  • Short-and-Sweet Cover Letter Example
  • The Short Story
  • The Bare Bones Cover Letter
  • The Breezy Follow-Up
  • The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter
  • The Internship Cover Letter
  • The Brutally Honest Cover Letter
  • The Pivot Cover Letter
  • The Graphic Design Cover Letter
  • Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example
  • Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example
  • General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example
  • Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example
  • Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example
  • Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example
  • Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example
  • Director Cover Letter Example
  • Editorial Cover Letter Example
  • Promotion Cover Letter Example
  • Law Cover Letter Example

Customizable Cover Letter Examples

In a hurry for a cover letter example you can download and customize? Check out the ones below from HubSpot’s cover letter template kit .

1. Standard Cover Letter Example

cover letter examples: standard cover letter

Download a Customizable Copy of This Cover Letter Example

This standard cover letter is among my favorite approaches because it hits all the right notes: It includes a space to give a brief summary of your experience, as well as a space to delve in-depth into the specific responsibilities of your current role.

You also have the chance to describe the challenges you’ve mastered in previous roles, showing that you’re capable of facing any problem that comes your way.

Why I Love It

I love this cover letter because it allows you to describe the high points of your career while still being professional, personalized, and succinct.

2. Data-Driven Cover Letter Sample

cover letter examples: data driven cover letter

Numbers are worth a million words — or that’s how I think the saying should go (if only we could include pictures in cover letters).

Citing data and statistics about your achievements at your current company is an assured way to capture a hiring manager’s attention.

Over the years, I've learned most hiring managers don’t read the entire letter, so a bulleted summary of your achievements can be a powerful way to increase the effectiveness and scannability of your message.

I love this cover letter because it’s adaptable to any role. Even if you don’t work in a data-centric role, you can include any enumerable achievement.

If I worked in a creative industry, for instance, I could include the number of creative assets you designed for your current company.

3. Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

cover letter examples: entry-level cover letter

Many of us have had "first job jitters" (that's what I'm calling it) when applying for our first career opportunity.

However, my experience taught me to increase my chances of getting that first interview by including a cover letter that explains how my education can help me succeed in the role I applied for.

In fact, HubSpot staff writer Erica Santiago says highlighting her education was key to snagging her first role out of college.

"When I graduated from journalism school, I only had a couple of internships under my belt and maybe some writing clips — not enough to compete with most young professionals with more experience," she recalls.

"So, I highlighted the classes I took such as 'News Reporting and Writing' or 'Electronic News Gathering," she says, "And I explained the assignments I did and how they gave me real-world experience in interviewing and reporting."

She says that's how she got her first job as a digital journalist for WSVN in Miami.

If you need help understanding how to highlight your education in a cover letter, look no further than this example from HubSpot.

While other cover letter samples give experienced professionals the opportunity to share their experience at length, this one gives you the chance to describe your personal and professional attributes.

You can then convey how you can use your knowledge to help your target company reach its goals.

I love this cover letter because it’s easy and simple to use for a student who has little experience in their target industry — including those who haven’t yet completed an internship.

Looking for more? Download the entire kit below.

5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

Fill out the form to access your templates., best cover letter examples.

What does a good cover letter look like in practice, and how can you make yours stand out? I  found six examples from job seekers who decided to do things a bit differently.

Note: Some of these cover letters include real company names and NSFW language that I've covered up.

1. The Cover Letter That Explains 'Why,' Not Just 'How'

You may already know how to talk about how you’ll best execute a certain role in your cover letter. But there’s another question you might want to answer: Why the heck do you want to work here?

The Muse , a career guidance site, says that it’s often best to lead with the why — especially if it makes a good story.

I advise against blathering on and on, but a brief tale that illuminates your desire to work for that particular employer can really make you stand out.

cover letter that explains "why" with a story about a childhood experience with the chicago cubs

Image Source

Here’s another instance of the power of personalization.

The author of this cover letter clearly has a passion for this prospective employer — the Chicago Cubs — and if she’s lying about it, well, I'm sure that would eventually be revealed in an interview.

Make sure your story is nonfiction and relatable according to each job. While I love a good tale of childhood baseball games, an introduction like this one probably wouldn’t be fitting in a cover letter for, say, a software company.

But a story of how the hours you spent playing with DOS games as a kid led to your passion for coding? Sure, I’d find that fitting.

If you’re really passionate about a particular job opening, think about where that deep interest is rooted. Then, tell your hiring manager about it in a few sentences.

Why This Is A Great Cover Letter

This example shows how effective personalization can be. The writer is passionate about the employer, drawing from her own childhood experience to communicate her enthusiasm.

Further reading: Sales Cover Letter Tips

2. The 'We're Meant for Each Other' Cover Letter

This cover letter example is a special one because it was submitted to us here at HubSpot. What does the letter do well? It makes a connection with us before we've even met the letter's author.

We're meant for each other cover letter submitted to HubSpot

"Content Marketing Certified" shows the applicant has taken the content marketing certification course in our HubSpot Academy (you can take the same course here ).

Our "records" indicate he/she did indeed give an interview with us before — and was a HubSpot customer.

The cover letter sang references to a relationship we didn't even know we had with the candidate.

The letter ends with a charming pitch for why, despite him/her not getting hired previously, our interests complement each other this time around.

(Yes, the applicant was hired).

This cover letter example does an excellent job of building rapport with the employer. Despite not getting hired for previous roles they applied for at HubSpot, the writer conveys exactly why they are right for this role.

Read more: Customer Service Cover Letter Tips

3. The Cover Letter with H.E.A.R.T.

HubSpot has a lot of H.E.A.R.T. — Humble, Empathetic, Adaptable, Remarkable, Transparent.

Our Culture Code is the foundation of the company's culture, the driving force behind our mission to help millions grow better , and serves as the scaffolding for our hiring practices.

Recruiters at HubSpot look for applicants that demonstrate how they embody the Culture Code and job description, paying extra attention to cover letters that are super custom to HubSpot.

In another HubSpot submission, a HubSpot applicant writes about how she found out about HubSpot, why she likes the company, and how her professional experience aligns with H.E.A.R.T.

cover letter that details experience according to hubspot values: humble, empathy, adaptability, remarkable, and transparent.

HubSpot's recruiting team was impressed with her dedication to the company and how she went beyond what was asked for by linking her portfolio in her closing paragraph.

Featured Resource: 5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Cover-Letter-Templates

Download our collection of 5 professional cover letter templates to help you summarize your professional journey and land your dream job – whether it's at your first or fifth company.

Short Cover Letter Examples

4. the short-and-sweet cover letter.

In 2009, David Silverman penned an article for Harvard Business Review titled, " The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received. " That letter has three complete sentences, as follows:

Short and sweet cover letter example with only three sentences

One might argue that this particular letter is less than outstanding, and I'll also admit it's an older example.

It’s brief, to say the least, and the author doesn’t go into a ton of detail about what makes him or her qualified for the job in question.

But that’s what Silverman likes about it — the fact that the applicant only included the pieces of information that would matter the most to the recipient.

"The writer of this letter took the time to think through what would be relevant to me," writes Silverman. "Instead of scattering lots of facts in hopes that one was relevant, the candidate offered up an opinion as to which experiences I should focus on."

When you apply for a job, start by determining two things:

  • Who might oversee the role — that’s often included in the description, under "reports to." Address your letter to that individual.
  • Figure out what problems this role is meant to solve for that person. Then, concisely phrase in your cover letter how and why your experience can and will resolve those problems.

The key to this standout cover letter is research.

By looking into who you’ll be reporting to and learning more about that person’s leadership style, you’ll be better prepared to tailor your cover letter to focus on how you can create solutions for them.

Read here for more tips on how to land your dream job .

5. The Short Story

Basha Coleman began her cover letter with a short story. The goal of this short story is two-fold:

  • Detail the experience she already has with the organization.
  • Stand out to the hiring team.

short cover letter example from basha coleman that starts with a short story about her existing experience with pepsi

I notice her short story follows a typical narrative arc: It has a conflict/obstacle, a turning point, and a positive outcome, all created with a goal to emphasize a theme or point.

In this case, Coleman is emphasizing her existing affinity with the brand and her triumphs within the program so that she can continue on her career path.

Like the second example in our list, this cover letter does an excellent job of conveying the applicant’s existing affinity for the brand. If you are applying to a company you love, don’t be shy about showing it and explaining why.

6. The Bare Bones Cover Letter

In today's job market, cover letters aren't always necessary. Even though many recruiters won't ask for or even read them, cover letters can still be effective and convey personality to a reader.

Writing a strong cover letter can help you better convey your interest in the position and company.

This template from The Balance Careers puts together the essential components of a short cover letter: excitement about the position, your qualifications, and a call-to-action for the recruiter to follow up with you.

Combining these central aspects in a well-written, compelling narrative will go a long way in convincing readers to hire you.

short cover letter example with summarized bullet points

This letter is organized and concise. The inclusion of bullet points to highlight key skills and help the recruiter skim the document is a nice touch.

Check out this post for more useful cover letter tips .

7. The Breezy Follow-Up

In this cover letter, Amanda Edens is following the instructions the hiring manager gave by forwarding an email with resume and writing samples attached.

short cover letter example from Amanda Edens with bullet points and breezy language

This short cover letter is the result. I especially admire how she uses casual and breezy language to convey personality and enthusiasm, and she keeps her paragraphs succinct.

Not only does Amanda include links to relevant writing samples that are live on the web, but she also closes with a strong final paragraph that:

  • Summarizes the expertise she has relevant to the posting
  • Emphasizes that she doesn't want to simply get a job but rather help the organization accomplish their goals
  • The reader gets everything they need in an organized and thoughtful manner.

8. The Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

In this cover letter the candidate, Michelle, plays up her prior music industry experience to build a connection with Epic Music Group. If you have specific industry experience for the role you are applying for, be sure to highlight that.

Cover Letter Example: Admin Cover Letter

It’s clear that she’s passionate about not only the music industry, but Epic as a whole.

She’s done so much research on the company that she knows what software programs they use, and happens to be proficient in it to help convey value to the hiring manager.

This example further illustrates the importance of research.

Make sure you understand the culture of the company to which you’re applying before you send a completely unfiltered cover letter — if you don’t, there’s a good chance it’ll completely miss the mark.

In just three short paragraphs, the applicant uses their company research to drive home why they are the perfect fit for the role — emphasizing industry experience as well as software knowledge specific to the company.

All of this communicates that she’d be able to start with very few hiccups while getting up to speed.

Further reading: 15 Cover Letter Templates

9. The Internship Cover Letter

Maybe you’re just getting started in your career and looking to land the right internship to gain experience in your field.

In this case, you’ll need to highlight more of your educational background and transferable skills since you won’t have as much professional experience to highlight.

Cover Letter Examples: Internship Cover Letter

The cover letter above is a great example of how to emphasize your skills and accomplishments when applying to internships or entry-level positions. A few things the applicant does well:

  • Highlights relevant extracurriculars and affinity networks. In this case, the applicant is applying for a business analyst position, so mentioning their involvement in a FinTech group makes sense.
  • Previous internships in relevant fields: Our applicant points out that they’ve interned as a Business Analyst at another firm. Pointing out that they’ve done the role before will help make their case for fit.
  • Highlight other useful skills: This applicant is fluent in both English and German. If an international company or an organization needs bilingual support, knowing multiple languages is an asset.

This cover letter example illustrates how you can leverage your education and background to get the gig even when you don’t have much working experience. Highlighting previous internships or experience in related fields can go a long way in convincing hiring managers you’re the perfect candidate for the role.

Further reading for recent graduates:

  • How to Find a Job After College
  • Writing a Cover Letter for an Internship

Creative Cover Letter Examples

10. the brutally honest cover letter.

Then, there are the occasions when your future boss might appreciate honesty — in its purest form.

Former Livestream CEO Jesse Hertzberg, by his own admission, is one of those people, which might be why he called this example " the best cover letter " (which he received while he was with Squarespace):

Brutally honest cover letter example

As Hertzberg says in the blog post elaborating on this excerpt — it’s not appropriate for every job or company.

But if you happen to be sure that the corporate culture of this prospective employer gets a kick out of a complete lack of filter, then there’s a chance that the hiring manager might appreciate your candor.

"Remember that I'm reading these all day long," Hertzberg writes. "You need to quickly convince me I should keep reading. You need to stand out."

The applicant did their research on the company’s culture and executed this cover letter flawlessly. It’s funny and shows off the applicant’s personality all while making it clear why they are a good fit for the role.

Further reading:

  • How to Stand Out and Get Hired at Your Dream Company
  • How to Find Your Dream Job

11. The Pivot Cover Letter

Making a career switch? Your cover letter can be an excellent opportunity for you to explain the reasoning behind your career change and how your transferable skills qualify you for the role.

Cover Letter Example: Creative Pivot Cover Letter

It’s clean but effective.

Since the role she is applying for is more visual, it’s important to both show and tell why you’re a good fit.

This cover letter strikes the perfect balance between creativity and simplicity in design while putting the applicant's career change into context.

The copy is clean, with a creative font choice that isn’t distracting from the content, but still demonstrates the applicant’s knack for design.

12. The Graphic Design Cover Letter

When applying for more creative roles, the design of your cover letter can say just as much as the words on the page. Take the graphic designer letter example below.

sandra barnes cover letter

It’s got so much going for it:

  • Pop of color
  • Clean layout
  • Interesting fonts

Besides the style elements, this example also doesn’t skimp on the key skills recruiters are looking for. Using metrics, the applicant proves their value and why they would be a great fit.

This cover letter thoroughly conveys the applicant’s skills and qualifications using a variety of visual elements and emphasizing their greatest achievements.

Pro tip: If you're applying for a graphic design job, share a link to your graphic design portfolio website , even if it's not an application requirement.

Job Cover Letter Examples

Next up, let’s go over some classic cover letter examples for jobs, especially if you’re applying to internships or only have a few years of experience.

The below cover letters follow the golden rules and don’t deviate too much from the standard — which is ideal if you’re applying to positions in more traditional industries.

13. Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example

consulting cover letter

Many internship applicants are early on in their careers or are still in college. That means they’ve yet to gather enough experience to offer tangible proof of their ability to do the job.

That means that a cover letter is the place where an internship applicant can shine.

This cover letter example highlights the applicant’s skills in a bullet-point format. That makes it easier for an overburdened hiring manager to get the essence of her points, quickly, if they’re only skimming cover letters.

Not only that, but this applicant personalized the letter in every single sentence. She shares information about her prior conversations with some of the company’s employees and mentions the company’s name at every turn.

While she only has one prior consulting job, she deftly mentions the skills she developed in that role and ties them into her desired position at Quantcast Product Group.

This cover letter example does a fantastic job advertising the applicant’s soft skills in a highly scannable format — while still going heavy on the personalization.

Don’t be shy to lightly play with formatting to get your point across and to imbue the letter with your passion for a company.

14. Nonprofit Referral Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: nonprofit referral

This cover letter example for a nonprofit job hits the ground running by right away inserting the name of one of the nonprofit’s Superintendents.

That’s an excellent way to get a recruiter’s attention and make you stand out from the slush pile, even if you’re only just out of school, as is the case for this applicant.

If you’ve received an internal recommendation for a position, you’d be wise to open your letter with that information. Don’t worry about it feeling too stilted or strange — remember, hiring managers only skim letters.

Your goal is to make sure they get information about you that they otherwise won’t get from your resume.

With only three full paragraphs, this cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. No time is wasted, and it also goes over the critical basics, such as skills and experience.

This nonprofit cover letter includes a recommendation from an internal employee at the target organization, making it more likely to stand out from the slush pile.

I  also love that it doesn’t skimp on the basics, such as skills, enthusiasm, and experience.

15. General Email Inquiry Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: general internship inquiry

Even if a job opportunity isn’t available at an organization yet, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be. You can always send a general inquiry cover letter, like the one in this example.

This email cover letter for a political campaign internship is short and sweet, but includes the critical information the campaign coordinator needs to consider the applicant for any new positions that may open up.

The best part about this cover letter is that it can be easily customized from one political campaign employer to the next.

While it does include a level of personalization, it’s brief and can be easily changed to address the specific political candidate.

When sending general inquiries like this one, it’s essential to make the personalization aspect as pain-free as possible for yourself. That may mean including only one sentence or two, knowing that a general inquiry might not be replied to.

This email cover letter example hits all the right notes while keeping it brief and to-the-point. While we don’t recommend choosing this format for a formal cover letter, it works if you’re sending a general inquiry to an employer over email.

It’s also a good example to follow if you’re still in college or have very little experience.

Read more: How to Write a Letter of Interest

16. Post-Phone-Call Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: post phone call

If you get a phone call from a potential employer and they invite you to send your resume, pat yourself on the back — that is such a win. In your cover letter, be sure to mention that right away, like this example does.

A hiring manager or an executive at a company likely has a lot of tasks on their plate, which means that they may forget about your call from one week to the next.

That is totally okay, which is why this example starts with a reminder that the applicant and the letter recipient spoke back on January 31st. It also has a few more details about why they started speaking in the first place.

Aside from leveraging the phone call that’s already occurred, this cover letter also does an excellent job explaining why the applicant is an ideal choice for the job.

It goes into detail about skills and previous experience with a high level of enthusiasm, and includes a promise to follow up at the end.

This cover letter example includes two things that will immediately draw my attention: A phone call they’ve already had, and a mutual contact at their organization.

The job and internship search can be grueling; never be afraid to use everything you have at your disposal to improve your standing over other applicants.

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter

17. Mission-Driven Graduate Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: mission driven

This cover letter example from a recent B.A. graduate wowed me from the first sentence.

The applicant right away explains her attained degree and her specific career interests, then dives into the aspects of her experience that make her such a great candidate.

It's so personalized to the employer’s own mission that it’s difficult to stop reading it.

Even if the hiring manager isn’t a science or health professional, they would be able to effectively gauge the applicant’s suitability for the role by the expertise she shows in her cover letter alone.

The applicant explains at length why she’s excited to work for that specific hospital. The organization serves Aboriginal populations, which aligns with her own values and research interests.

In the last paragraph, she summarizes what she knows about the employer in one sentence, then describes how each of her experiences supports the employer’s mission.

That is an exceedingly clever and meaningful way to align yourself with an organization at a deeper level.

If you’re applying to a mission-driven organization, don’t be shy about showing your excitement and expertise. You don’t need a lot of experience to show that your values align with those of your target organization.

This cover letter example is especially good inspiration if you’re making a career change, have only just a few internships under your belt, or are graduating from college.

18. Short Recommendation Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: short recommendation

Referral or recommendation cover letters don’t need to be too long, and this is a great example of that. It immediately leverages a mutual connection at the company.

The mutual connection recommended that the applicant contact the hiring manager for a role, which is a piece of information I  always recommend you frontload in your letter.

This specific cover letter comes from an applicant with little experience, making it a good example to follow if you’re switching careers or just out of college.

Instead of talking about their experience, the applicant uses anecdotal evidence to convey their enthusiasm for working at that company.

The writer also goes over their most salient skills, such as being able to speak multiple languages. They also explain how their degree directly applies to the target role.

I  love that the candidate highlights their leadership abilities and makes that an effective selling point for being hired.

This cover letter doesn’t go on for too long, which we love. It’s simple and sweet and provides all the information the hiring manager needs to look more closely at the applicant’s resume and make an interviewing decision.

19. Professor or Research Position Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: professor or research

Academic or research position cover letters might require a little more information than the typical cover letter — and this is one such example. Why is it okay to go a little longer?

Because the letter is not only a way to supplement the PhD candidate’s academic CV, but to provide a writing sample for the search committee.

I love this cover letter because it expresses the candidate’s enthusiasm for teaching and explains her instructional ethos, such as providing out-of-the-classroom opportunities, championing communication, and encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone.

The applicant also suggests courses she may be able to teach at the target institution, and expresses her interest in developing new courses as needed.

She also suggests how she can enhance the college’s extracurricular programming by offering study abroad courses, which shows not just an interest in teaching but adding to the school’s overall culture.

While this letter goes for a little longer than recommended, it serves as a fantastic writing sample and explains the applicant’s research background at length.

If you’re applying to academic or research roles, don’t be afraid to go into detail about what most excites you in terms of research interests.

20. Director Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: director

This cover letter example — for a Director of Catering position at a university — doesn’t waste any time.

The applicant right away says that they’re a strong candidate for the role, then jumps right into three salient qualifications that make him a great fit.

I love how the applicant uses bullet points and bold text to guide an overburdened hiring manager through the cover letter — and to give them permission to scan it, if needed.

If the hiring manager would like more information or actual examples of the skills, they merely need to read the rest of the bullet point paragraph.

As mentioned, light formatting can be beneficial to your cover letter, as it draws the recruiter’s eyes and prevents them from having to fish for the information they’re looking for.

This short, sweet cover letter includes the critical information a hiring manager or high-level executive needs to make an interview decision.

I  love the use of formatting that doesn’t stray too much from regular cover letter conventions, and I  like that the applicant kept all other paragraphs extremely brief.

21. Editorial Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: editorial

Applying for an editorial or journalistic position? Like a cover letter example I  shared earlier, you can take a more storytelling approach to capture the hiring manager’s attention.

This cover letter example does that effectively by telling an anecdote that directly mentions the newspaper where they’d like to work.

This immediately draws the reader in and tells them that this application isn’t random at all; the applicant would like to work at the newspaper because they’ve read it every morning.

Not only that, but they have a favorite reporter on the newspaper’s staff. The applicant then jumps into the specific reason they want to take an editorial position at the Baltimore Sun.

The cover letter includes all pertinent information, such as how previous positions have equipped the applicant to take on this job. It closes with enthusiasm after keeping the reader rapt every step of the way.

The applicant uses storytelling to — you guessed it — apply for a position that needs storytelling skills. If you’re applying for a data-driven position or a graphic design position, why not showcase those skills in the cover letter itself?

I  like that this letter doesn’t diverge too much from cover letter conventions while still differentiating itself.

22. Promotion Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: promotion

In this cover letter example, the applicant already works for the employer and wishes to apply for the next position to move up in their career.

I  like that the letter cites the applicant’s extensive knowledge of the organization, which will no doubt give them an advantage over external applicants.

Not only that, but the applicant also references their experience before they started working at the employer and uses that information to make their candidacy even more desirable.

Lastly, this letter includes a healthy level of enthusiasm for the university and the position — something that is never extra in a cover letter.

This cover letter example does an excellent job showing the candidate’s knowledge of their current organization while stating why they’re a natural fit for the promotion.

Plus, the letter includes information on the applicant’s relevant activities outside of work — if you’re involved in any organizations that might help you do your job better, be sure to include them.

23. Law Cover Letter Example

job cover letter examples: law

This law cover letter example jumps right into personalization, a bold move that will serve you well if you’re genuinely interested in a company and want to stand out.

The applicant cites the recipient’s recent article on bond litigation, then ties that into the role they’d like to get at the law firm.

The applicant then goes into his skills and the feedback he’s received from past managers. This is an excellent way to introduce your skills without sounding dry — or even unfounded.

By citing positive feedback you’ve received, you’ll imply that others have praised you for having those skills, and that you’re not only "tooting your own horn."

Pro-Tip: In cover letters, it’s absolutely okay to toot your own horn — that’s what they’re for. But if you can cite others’ remarks, that also helps.)

At just two and a half paragraphs, this letter is exceedingly short but no less effective. It’s an excellent example of how to personalize your letter quickly while still conveying the essentials of a cover letter.

This short cover letter example keeps it brief while still creating high impact. The applicant personalizes the letter immediately, cites external feedback, and conveys enthusiasm.

This letter proves you don’t need to write a novel about an employer to sway the hiring manager into giving you an interview.

Now that I've shown you some excellent examples, let's talk about how you can create the best cover letter for your dream job.

What is a good cover letter?

A cover letter is used to show your interest in the role, passion for the company, and the impact you've had in previous positions. Good cover letters should include a standout opening, relevant skills and qualifications, and a strong finish with a call-to-action — all within one page and unique to each application.

What’s on a cover letter?

Before you start writing your cover letter, let's cover a few basic must-haves you'll want to include. If you’re looking for more detailed instructions, check out this guide to writing a cover letter .

Add a simple, but pleasant greeting to address the recruiter or hiring manager.

Learn more:

  • Dear Sir or Madam Alternatives
  • Cover Letter Greetings

Write a catchy introduction that explains why you’re interested in the role.

  • How to Write an Introduction
  • Tips for Writing a Good Introduction Sentence

Work Experience

This is the heart of your cover letter. It outlines your relevant experience and why you’d be a great fit for the role. You can highlight special skills, experiences, professional achievements, or education to help make your case.

  • How to Write About Your Professional Background
  • Professional Bio Examples
  • LinkedIn Bio Examples

In this paragraph, add a call-to-action by expressing interest in an interview. Offer your contact information and sign off.

  • Email Closing Line Examples
  • Tips for Writing Conclusions

What does a cover letter look like?

Besides showing off your skills and qualifications, cover letters give you the opportunity to present a clear, concise, and compelling writing sample. It shows off your personality and your ability to convey ideas.

That's a lot of information to include on a single page, so it can help to have a clear structure to start with.

Check out our fillable cover letter templates to see how you should organize the content of your cover letter.

HubSpot Cover Letter Template

What makes a great cover letter?

A cover letter is personal, but it also needs to help you reach a goal and help the hiring team understand how you could perform that role with their company. This complexity can make cover letters really tough to write.

Because cover letters are difficult to write, many come off as boring, basic, or confusing for hiring managers to read. But the tips below about the qualities that make a cover letter great can help you take your cover letter from basic to bright.

Start with this quick video, then keep reading for more tips:

Personalized Introduction

Begin with an introduction that's personal. It should capture the reader's attention and address your recipient by name. Then, add a compelling opening sentence that emphasizes your interest in the specific role.

Helpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

In an increasingly digitized world, where customer-centric strategies are vital for business success, I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Introduction:

"To Whom it May Concern,

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at HubSpot. I have some experience in marketing and can help your clients grow their businesses."

Relevant Professional Experience

It can be tempting to use the same cover letter for every job. After all, it's about your experience, isn't it? But it's not enough to rephrase the work history in your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to fill a specific role, so you need to show how your experience translates to their unique needs.

So, the body of a great cover letter should showcase the specific professional experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills that directly relate to what the job needs.

To speed up this part of the cover letter writing process, start by creating a list of your transferable skills . Drafting this list can help you quickly focus on the skills to highlight in your cover letter.

Then, use AI tools to summarize job descriptions and narrow in on where your experience and the needs of the role you're applying for overlap. This post is full of useful AI assistant tools if you're new to AI.

Helpful Cover Letter Experience:

"At [Company Name], I had the opportunity to assist a global ecommerce retailer in enhancing their online customer experience. By conducting in-depth market research and customer journey mapping, I identified pain points and areas of improvement in their website navigation and user interface."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Experience:

"I also worked with an ecommerce retailer to improve the customer experience. We did some surveys and training, and they were happy with the results."

Useful Examples

To make your cover letter stand out, add specific examples that show how you've solved problems or gotten results in past roles.

Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using data to give the reader a clear understanding of your impact.

Helpful Cover Letter Example:

"I lead a team of five content writers while increasing website traffic by 18% year-over-year."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Example:

"I have a great track record of leadership and achieving fantastic results."

Research and Company Knowledge

Hiring teams aren't hiring anyone with the skills to do the job. They're hiring a person they'll work alongside at their specific company.

So, to show that you're not just looking for any job anywhere, share your knowledge of the company's industry, values, and culture in your cover letter.

Spend some time on the company website and take notes on what makes this business interesting to you and why you would want to work there.

Then, explain how your skills align with the company's mission and goals and explain how you could add to their chances of success. This will showcase your interest in the company and help them see if you are a good cultural fit.

Helpful Cover Letter Research:

"I was particularly drawn to HubSpot not only for its industry-leading solutions but also for its exceptional company culture. HubSpot's commitment to employee development and fostering a collaborative environment is evident in its recognition as a top workplace consistently. I strongly believe that my passion for continuous learning, self-motivation, and dedication to contributing to a team will make me a valuable asset to HubSpot."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Research:

"I have been inspired by HubSpot's commitment to inbound marketing and its comprehensive suite of solutions. HubSpot's dedication to providing valuable content and fostering meaningful relationships aligns with my own values and aspirations."

Clear Writing

Your cover letter needs to pack in a lot of important information. But it's also important that your cover letter is clear and concise.

To accomplish this, use professional but easy-to-understand language. Be sure to remove any grammar or spelling errors and avoid lengthy paragraphs and avoid jargon or overly technical language.

You may also want to use bullet points to make your letter easier to skim. Then, proofread your cover letter for clarity or ask a friend to proofread it for you.

  • Guide to Becoming a Better Writer
  • Tips for Simplifying Your Writing

Helpful Cover Letter Writing:

"In addition to my academic accomplishments, I gained valuable practical experience through internships at respected law firms.

Working alongside experienced attorneys, I assisted in providing legal support to clients. This hands-on experience helped me develop a deep understanding of client needs and enhanced my ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Writing:

"Furthermore, as a complement to my academic accomplishments, I have garnered invaluable practical experience through internships at esteemed law firms.

Throughout these placements, I actively collaborated with seasoned attorneys to conduct due diligence and furnish clients with comprehensive legal support. Notably, these experiences fostered a profound comprehension of client necessities, whilst honing my legal acumen to articulately convey intricate legal principles within a lucid and concise framework, adhering to applicable precedents and statutes of limitations."

Genuine Interest and Enthusiasm

Find ways to convey your passion for the role and how excited you are to contribute to the company you're applying to. At the same time, make sure your interest feels authentic and outline how it aligns with your career goals.

Your ultimate goal is an enthusiastic letter that feels honest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Showing excitement in writing doesn't come naturally for everyone. A few tips that can help you boost the genuine enthusiasm in your letter:

  • Record audio of yourself speaking about the role, then use voice-to-text technology to transcribe and add these sections to your letter.
  • Choose your words carefully .
  • Write in active voice.

Helpful Cover Letter Tone:

"I am genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company/Organization Name] as an accountant. My combination of technical proficiency, eagerness to learn, and strong attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that my dedication, reliability, and passion for accounting will contribute to the continued success of your organization."

Unhelpful Cover Letter Tone:

"Honestly, I can hardly contain my excitement when it comes to reconciliations, financial statement analysis, and tax regulations! Engaging in spirited discussions with professors and classmates has allowed me to foster an unbreakable bond with the fascinating world of accounting, and I'm positively bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of applying my skills in a professional setting."

Memorable Conclusion

End your cover letter on a strong note. Summarize your top qualifications, restate your interest in the position, and express your interest in future communication.

Then, thank your reader for their time and consideration and include your contact information for easy follow-up.

To make your conclusion memorable, think about what parts of your letter you'd most like the hiring manager to keep top of mind. Then, consider your word choice and phrasing. If you're feeling stuck, this list of ways to close an email can help.

Helpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the needs of Greenpeace. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

Together, let's make a lasting impact on our planet.

[Your Name]"

Unhelpful Cover Letter Conclusion:

"Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and how I can contribute to Greenpeace's mission. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview.

I’d like to add another stage to the job search: experimentation.

In today’s competitive landscape, it’s so easy to feel defeated, less-than-good-enough, or like giving up your job search.

But don’t let the process become so monotonous. Have fun discovering the qualitative data I’ve discussed here — then, have even more by getting creative with your cover letter composition.

I certainly can’t guarantee that every prospective employer will respond positively — or at all — to even the most unique, compelling cover letter. But the one that’s right for you will.

So, get inspired by these examples and templates. Write an incredible cover letter that shows the hiring team at your dream job exactly who you are.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

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  • 10 Opening Lines That Are Straight Up Killing Your Cover Letter

creative cover letter opening sentence examples

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creative cover letter opening sentence examples

QUICK INTRODUCTION

You are just out of college and you saw a job advertisement for a job you really like, so you submitted your resume and cover letter – just as the job ad said you should do.

However, weeks have passed by and you have not heard anything back from the employer. The reason for this may be that your cover letter did not capture the attention of the employer so that he or she wants to continue reading and getting to know more about you.

The first thing you want to do is to get your potential employer impressed, not annoyed. In fact, you want to be able to give an awesome first impression of yourself – such that they cannot reject your job application.

So what is the first thing you should do to achieve this? You should amaze them with your well-written job-winning cover letter .

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

Firstly, what is a cover letter?

It is a letter or written communication that serves to introduce an accompanying document or introduces a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). A cover letter helps to show why you are the best person for the job description and how you will be a great addition to the company.

It also shows your capability to communicate your career objectives efficiently and to support your resume career summary .

When it comes to preparing a cover letter as a part of a job application, many job seekers are filled with anxiety about experimenting with their cover letters.

They are usually under the pressure to please the hiring manager, and it that pursuit they forget to show their personality in their job applications documentation.

This is the major reason why their application would look lifeless and will not differentiate this applicant from other applicants. You should let your personality be seen clearly through the cover letter so you stand out from your competition applying for the same position.

After several weeks or months of you searching for the perfect job and you have found it and now it is your turn to impress the employers with your cover letter so you land and stand out in a job interview , so you get the job offer.

A cover letter is the most effective way for you to introduce to the hiring or resource manager who you are, the things you have to offer, why you want the job and why you are the one to be offered the position—but you have a very limited period of time to do all of these things.

Therefore, if you really want to attract the reader or employer’s attention, you have to start right.

OPENING LINES OF COVER LETTERS

Opening lines of cover letters are usually not very specific, but they do not need to be. Abby Locke , a speaker, writer, and president of Washington DC-based Premier Writing Solutions says “Most cover letters usually begin with lines like, ‘In response to your job advertisement, I’m forwarding my resume for your review and consideration’”.

You should endeavor to make a very strong first impression by writing something spectacular and different – something that will clearly express the value you are offering.

You can attract the attention of the reader of your cover letter by:

  • emphasizing your accomplishments
  • expressing the reasons why you are interested in the job
  • stating the mission of the employer, and
  • showing how your strongest skills can contribute to the achievement of that mission.

Abby Locke suggests that the road to writing a good cover letter is to start with writing a list of the best three ways you would make an impacton the organization.

You should be able to ask yourself and answer questions such as “What core competencies would enable me to surpass the norm in the position I am targeting?”. Locke also emphasized on you answering how the employer would gain from hiring you.

The ability to convey all these details in just a few lines seems impossible. The start of the cover letter should be very catchy, but not overselling especially if you are a student or graduate who has not even a year of experience for reference.

You should ensure that your cover letter should be professional, but not boring – but be careful, as the borderline between those extremes is usually very blurry.

It is an awesome idea to have several examples of cover letters you can look through to serve as a source of inspiration when you are desperate for one.

Towards the end of this article, there will be few ideas on how to write killer opening lines for your cover letter; but firstly, let us see the top 10 opening lines that are straight up killing your cover letter

10 OPENING LINES THAT ARE STRAIGHT UP KILLING YOUR COVER LETTER

1. “dear sir/madam”, “to whom it may concern” or “dear recruiter”.

It is almost criminal to use a non-specific salutation to address your cover letter as you are admitting that you have not done your research and you do not know who and where are you applying for a job.

Doing this also suggests that you are using a generic template and that you are sending the same cover letter to every employer you apply to for a job.

Do not get me wrong – templates save time and you should use them for that reason as long as you rework it for the each specific employer.

2. “My name is…”

Your name is on your resume, your application form (if you had to complete one to apply for the job) and on your envelope/email which you used to submit your job application.

It is also in your signature at the bottom of your cover letter so why waste valuable space to state your name once again at the beginning of it?

Give credit to the hiring manager/recruiter for being able to figureout your name before starting to read your cover letter and instead, use these potentially only a few seconds you have to leave a mark on the reader by stating something that will convince them to start a conversation with you.

3. “I am writing to express my interest in/for…”

Of course, you are writing to express your interest in the advertised vacancy – otherwise, you would not be writing at all.

Do not state the obvious and move on to saying why you are applying for the specific position and why are you excited by the prospect of getting it.

4. “I have enclosed for your consideration my resume…”

Similarly to the above, when submitting a cover letter as a part of a job application by default you do that to accompany your resume.

The recruiter or the hiring manager will see your resume when they open your application, so again – there is no need to waste their time and space in the letter to state the obvious.

5. “My qualifications for this job are…”

Your resume will list all your qualifications in details, but can mention them in brief in your cover letter too but not at the very beginning.

The start of the letter should grab the reader’s attention and many of the other applicants for the same job will probably share your qualifications, so that will not make you distinct in the eyes of the recruiter.

You can do better when it comes to the opening line of your cover letter – keep reading for tips how you can achieve that.

6. “My first job was [X], my second job was [X], my third job was…”

Well, like this you have re-written your CV into your cover letter! Having your resume in two different places is not the way to sell yourself.

Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to expand and add detail to the experiences and skills you have listed in your CV, as well as to prove to the potential employer that you are the best choice among the other applicants, so use it well!

7. “I am probably not the best candidate, but…”

Oh, boy (imagine the reader facepalm as soon as they read this)! If you don’t believe in yourself and that you are the best candidate for the job, why would the recruiter?

It is good to be modest and not come across as arrogant narcissist when writing your cover letter, but it is not good to set yourself for failure.

Starting your cover letter with this sentence will give reasons to the recruiter to reject your application right off the bat.

8. “This job will be the perfect opportunity to develop my skills”

Big NO-NO! Telling your potential employer that you need this job because it will allow you to learn new or improve existing skills is a rookie mistake. Employers pay you for bringing your skills to their workplace – they are not a training school.

Employers also know that a good employee will not be static at the new workplace, they will pick-up new skills and further develop their current skills but this should not be the main reason why you are applying for a given position.

Instead, you should convince the reader in the first sentence that they should hire you because of the skills, abilities, attitudes, experience, and qualifications you bring to the table.

9. “My mum/friend/family told me to apply for this job”

Even if this was really the case, there is no need for the world to know this, especially not your future employer.

No company wants employees who are not passionate about their work and their industry, as they know these employees have short career span.

They will leave the company as soon as another opportunity closely matching their interests appears.

So, do not start your cover letter with an information about who suggested you apply for the vacancy – ideally, this idea should have come out of your desire to work in that particular industry/company.

10. “Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my application”

Ok, you are polite – we get it. However, you will have your chance to thank the reader for their time reading your application at the end of the cover letter (once they have actually read it).

Again – do not waste very limited space at the begging of your cover letter to say something that can be said somewhere else in the letter.

Be smarter about how you use your cover letter “real-estate” as it will be either a very good or a very bad investment you will make for your future.

HOW TO WRITE A KILLER OPENING LINE FOR YOUR COVER LETTER

Now that we have seen what opening lines NOT to write, let us review few examples of good opening lines and few pieces of adviceon how to write the opening lines in cover letters that can help you bag the job that interests you.

Use Powerful Words

“ As an expert in the field of f inancial planning, I have given financial advice for the executions of projects of different kinds both at large and small scale ”.

Using powerful words to describe yourself grabs the attention of the reader to your cover letter. Display of confidence in abilities is better than false humility.

The job that you are applying for is requiring a certain amount of self-confidence and abilities and you need to have the experience to back up your claims.

Some other examples of opening lines following this rule are:

  • The position advertised by you sounds like a great match with the qualifications and skills that I have been able to acquire during [Here mention the relevant study program or job employment]…
  • Financial analysis, project management, and research are my passions and areas of expertise. Not only are these my passions, but also I believe these skills are the foundation for any project management professional. As an analytical financial manager, I excel at extracting data to understand where the company’ focus should be.
  • As an experienced financial manager and former business owner, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to remain current with the fluctuations in the value of currency and inflation in the investment portfolio market without breaking the budget.
  • As an event planner for ABC Company, I ensure seamless communication and marketing between all involved parties. By implementing new social media marketing tactics in the past year, I have doubled the attendance at all events organized by the company.

Kill The Competition

“ While soldiers are eager to battle, strategists win the war. I am an artful strategist of my profession, different from my co-applicants in the following ways… ”

You should be able to differentiate yourself from your competition. Ensure you use your most relevant accomplishment stories to explain your value to the company .

Other examples of this are:

  • “Unlike many other project cost managers, I ensure all parties know who is responsible for what, and when each part is due. I do this using my own system that I have used for 20+ years because it works. At any time, I can see the status of all activities. This ensures every project execution is on time and on a budget, plus we clearly see when we’ve succeeded, and what needs to be developed next time.”
  • “After spending five years managing the internal finances for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall project budget or draft an inter-office budget in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work consulting executives on their financial strategy.”

Introduce The Leader In You

“ I coordinated the Annual Youth Science Expo which occurred for 340 hours, 30 volunteers in the course of five weeks.”

Show that you can be involved in leadership or management. Breaking down the details allows the employers to understand your accomplishments .

Some examples of opening lines are:

  • “Through my years of experience in PR, I have established my skills and strength in social media, media networking and leading a group of team members. It is the combination of these skills that make me the best candidate for the PR Manager position .”
  • “I am so happy your company needs a social media coordinator skilled at With my track record of boosting social networking by 55% increase in the number of followers through teamwork and creative leadership, I believe that I’m a great fit.

Kick-Off With Excitement

“ I have been excited since I discovered the opening in project management with your company… ”

Employers are attracted by those who seem to show excitement towards the job as this shows dedication.

Other examples of similar opening lines are:

  • “I was excited to find an opening in HR with ABC Company because your work with XYZ Company has been important to me for a long time. I am the best candidate for this position because it combines my experience with HR and XYZ Company.”
  • “As a long-time fan of ABC Company’s certifications, I was thrilled to see your vacancy. With my experience cutting costs 48% for XYZ Company while dropping lead times by nearly 20% and boosting quality, I believe I can be of help with ABC Company current market challenges as I continue to expand my personal skill set.”

Quote The Trail Blazers

“ Accountability enables responsibility.” – J.K Rowling. As a manager who has gathered experiences over the years, I sincerely believe that the key to success in any work environment is accountability .”

Have your work ethic described with a quote. Quotes tend to add more worth to your cover letter.

Another example of how the use of quotes works effectively when you are applying for a job position is the following:

  • “As sociologist John Hudson has observed: ‘A billion hours ago, modern homo sapiens emerged. A billion minutes ago, Christianity began. A billion seconds ago, the IBM PC was released. A billion Google searches ago… was this morning.’ I have chosen this quote as an introduction to my application as a social networkmanager because…”

Use The Culture-Field-Skill (The Bridge) Formula

“ Born in Korea, studied in Canada and worked in China; my blend of cultures and Asian background may just be unprecedented! I am… ”

This opening line is usually used when the job demands a bridge between fields, countries or cultures.

This also can be found in the following example:

  • “Having finished my education in international relations and business, I’m interested in the opportunity to combine my passion for exploring cultures with my professional career. Your advertisement for the position as business development manager for the French market, therefore, appears very intriguing to me…”  

Show Your Expertise

“ Two of my best aspects of expertise are financial analysis and time management. In my years of experience in coordinating teams and meetings, I have been able to put these into full use… ”

The right keywords will make sure your cover letter is read. Illustrate your passions, dreams, and goals and use these to meet their needs.

  • “ABC Company’s marketing assistant opening is an excellent match to my qualifications. As a recent graduate of X University with a major in marketing and business, I offer solid academic credentials as well as industry experience gained from an internship at XYZ Company. If given the chance, I know that my strong business and marketing foundation would benefit your department, customers, and the company’s bottom line.”

Name Your Referrer

“ In my recent conversation with your financial manager XY, I was informed about the opening in your Accounting Department and thus was suggested to apply for the job of … ”

You named your referrer to provide the employer with a point of reference to go from. The employers will be interested to find out why your referrer thought you would be a good fit for the job – like in this example:

  • “John Smith, your financial manager, suggested that I apply for this position because he knows firstly, that software solutions achieved 78% performance-to-goals at XYZ Company, and secondly – that you are looking for a software developer with efficiency and efficacy, which my CV shows.”

Display Knowledge About The Company

“ Recently, your company was highlighted in the XXX Newspaper because of your partnership work with “Company ABC” whose work I follow… ”

Stating your knowledge about the company and their recent events can be a real turn-on. You can start your cover letter stating your knowledge of what they do and why you know so much about them.

Some examples of cover letter opening lines of this kind are:

  • “I recently read that your company is #2 on X Magazine’s list of top companies to work for in 2017 in this state.”
  • “I read with great passion the article in X Magazine announcing the upcoming launch of your company’s branch in my area. Congratulations on this new venture and it’s impressive $20 million in pre-launch sales!”

The Impact Making Man

“ When I learned that the ABS Company was recruiting new staff members, Istrongly felt that I had to apply. I have always been anticipating finding a company where I can make an impact .”

You should speak as if you are already hired by the organization.

Another example of opening lines such as this is:

  • “When I discovered that ABC Company was hiring, I knew I had to apply. I’ve desired to find a company where I feel like I can make an impact even while working as…”

Creativity can bring you the job. Keep the cover letter simple and well detailed.

The first few sentences in cover letters have a loaded task – they are to attract the attention of a recruiter who has already reviewed many applications.

Then they need to convince a hiring manager to go deeper into your background to find out whether your skills and personality match the position they need to fill or whether you would be a benefit to the organization or not. It is your cover letter, it is your opening line, and it may be your ticket to that dream job.

Do not underestimate it.

10 Opening Lines That Are Straight Up Killing Your Cover Letter

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Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples, How to Write, Tips

cover letter opening sentence examples 1

A strong opening sentence in a cover letter is crucial in making a memorable first impression and compelling the hiring manager to read further. Our guide, “ Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples, How to Write, Tips,” provides you with numerous unique examples, easy-to-follow writing steps, and invaluable tips. This guide will enhance your skills in drafting impactful cover letters, increasing your chances of capturing the recruiter’s attention and securing that desired job interview.

What is Cover Letter Opening Sentence?

A cover letter opening sentence, also known as a cover letter introduction, is the first line or paragraph of your cover letter. This part is critical because it sets the tone for the entire letter. It’s your chance to grab the hiring manager’s attention and make a strong first impression. The opening sentence should be engaging, professional, and tailored to the job and the company.

What is Good Opening Sentence for Cover Letter?

A good opening sentence for a cover letter is one that is personalized, engaging, and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role. Instead of generic phrases like “I’m applying for the role of…”, you could use the opening sentence to highlight a major accomplishment or express genuine interest in the company. For example, “As a Certified Public Accountant with five years’ experience in industry-leading firms, I have consistently saved costs by 20%”. Or, “Having been a long-time admirer of your company’s commitment to sustainability, I was excited to see the opening for…”. This not only shows you’ve done your homework but also establishes a connection with the reader.

100 Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples – Copy & Paste

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1. “As a passionate advocate for sustainable business practices, your recent job posting immediately caught my attention.” 2. “With my background in [field], I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to your team.” 3. “I am a driven and result-oriented [job title], and the opportunity to work with [Company name] excites me.” 4. “When I came across the opportunity to work at [Company name], I knew I had to apply.” 5. “Having excelled in my career as a [job title], I am now seeking opportunities to expand my skillset at [Company name].” 6. “With a consistent track record of [accomplishment], I believe I can bring value to your team.” 7. “My experience in [job duty] at [previous job] makes me a strong candidate for this position.” 8. “As a [job title] with [number] years of experience, I am writing to express my interest in your recent job posting.” 9. “With my strong understanding of [industry/role], I am eager to bring my expertise to [Company name].” 10. “Having achieved [accomplishment] at [previous job], I am ready to bring the same level of dedication to [Company name].” 11. “The chance to contribute to [Company name], a leader in [industry], is a thrilling prospect for me.” 12. “My track record in [job duty] aligns perfectly with the requirements you outlined.” 13. “As a long-time admirer of [Company name], I was excited to see an opening for [Job Title].” 14. “With my solid background in [job duty], I am confident in my ability to contribute to [Company name].” 15. “As an experienced [job title] who has consistently demonstrated [skill], I believe I am an ideal candidate for this position.” 16. “I was thrilled to see an opening in [Company name] that aligns with my career objectives.” 17. “Having consistently delivered [results] in my previous roles, I am excited about the opportunity to bring this experience to [Company name].” 18. “With my strong background in [industry], I am ready to bring my skills to [Company name].” 19. “As an ambitious professional with [number] years of experience in [industry], I am excited about the prospect of joining your team.” 20. “The chance to contribute to the innovative work being done at [Company name] is a thrilling prospect for me.” 21. “My unique blend of [specific skill 1] and [specific skill 2] sets me apart as a candidate for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].” 22. “My professional background makes me uniquely qualified for your [Job Title] position.” 23. “My history of success in [specific field or role] has primed me for the challenging [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 24. “I was excited to discover the opportunity for [Job Title] at [Company Name], as it aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.” 25. “I am eager to apply my proven leadership skills to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 26. “I am particularly interested in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] due to its focus on [specific focus or project].” 27. “Having admired the innovative work of [Company Name] for years, I was thrilled to see the opening for [Job Title].” 28. “I believe that my unique mix of experience, professionalism, and skills makes me an ideal candidate for [Company Name]’s [Job Title] position.” 29. “The prospect of working as a [Job Title] at [Company Name] is exciting, and I am confident I can make a meaningful contribution.” 30. “As a dedicated professional with over [number] years of experience in the [industry], I know my diverse skills and qualifications will make me an asset to [Company Name] team.” 31. “I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] – a company I have admired for its commitment to [specific aspect or value].” 32. “The [Job Title] position at [Company Name] caught my attention as it perfectly aligns with my interest in [specific interest relevant to the job].” 33. “I am confident that my experience in [specific role or industry] and my ability to [specific skill] make me a strong candidate for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 34. “I am eager to leverage my [number] years of experience in [specific role or industry] to tackle the exciting new challenges that the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] offers.” 35. “I believe that my passion for [aspect of the job] and experience in [specific role or industry] make me a perfect fit for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 36. “Having significantly improved [specific aspect] at my current job, I am eager to provide similar results for [Company Name] as your new [Job Title].” 37. “My dedication to improving [specific aspect], combined with my knowledge of [specific area], makes me a strong candidate for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 38. “I am very interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and believe that my unique skills and experiences make me a perfect fit.” 39. “I am highly motivated and excited about the possibility of bringing my unique blend of skills, experience, and professionalism to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 40. “Given [Company Name]’s commitment to [specific value or project] and my proven ability in [specific role or skill], I am excited about the prospect of joining your team as a [Job Title].” 41. “With my experience in [specific role or skill], I believe I could bring valuable insights and solutions to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 42. “With a proven track record in [specific skill], I am excited to apply my abilities in [specific role] at [Company Name].” 43. “Given my successful history of [specific accomplishment], I am confident in my ability to deliver similar results as [Job Title] at [Company Name].” 44. “I am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and help [specific objective] with my experience in [specific role].” 45. “My background in [specific role] and my ability to [specific skill] make me an ideal candidate for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 46. “I believe my experience with [specific task or accomplishment] will make me a valuable addition to [Company Name] as a [Job Title].” 47. “Having followed [Company Name] for years, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experiences to the [Job Title] position.” 48. “My commitment to [specific value] and extensive experience in [specific role] make me a perfect fit for [Company Name]’s mission and this [Job Title] role.” 49. “I am very interested in bringing my unique blend of [specific skills] to the dynamic team at [Company Name] as your new [Job Title].” 50. “With my background in [specific skill] and experience in [specific role], I am excited about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and the opportunity to contribute to your team.” 51. “I am eager to bring my expertise in [specific role] to the innovative environment at [Company Name] as a [Job Title].” 52. “With a background in [specific role], I am excited about the opportunity to provide [specific outcome or result] for [Company Name] as your new [Job Title].” 53. “Having excelled in [specific role], I am confident in my ability to bring valuable skills and experiences to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 54. “As an experienced [Job Title], I am excited about the prospect of leveraging my unique skills in [specific role] at [Company Name].” 55. “With [number] years of experience in [specific role], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively as your [Job Title].” 56. “Having achieved [specific accomplishment], I am excited about the opportunity to bring similar success to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 57. “As a seasoned professional with [number] years of experience in [specific role], I am eager to bring my insights and skills to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 58. “With my success in [specific role] and my dedication to [specific value], I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly as a [Job Title] at [Company Name].” 59. “I am eager to apply my unique blend of skills, experiences, and passion for [specific value] to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 60. “As an experienced [Job Title] with a history of [specific accomplishment], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills to [Company Name].” 61. “With a successful background in [specific role], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills and experiences to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 62. “As a dedicated [Job Title], I am confident that my unique experiences and skills would be beneficial to [Company Name].” 63. “I am eager to bring my unique blend of skills, experiences, and professionalism to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 64. “With [number] years of experience in [specific role], I am excited to bring my insights and expertise to [Company Name] as your new [Job Title].” 65. “I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my unique skills and experiences in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 66. “Given [Company Name]’s commitment to [specific value or project] and my proven track record in [specific role or skill], I am excited about the opportunity to join your team as a [Job Title].” 67. “With my extensive background in [specific role], I am confident in my ability to deliver [specific outcome or result] as a [Job Title] at [Company Name].” 68. “I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of [specific skills] to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 69. “Having excelled in [specific role], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills and experiences to [Company Name] as a [Job Title].” 70. “I am confident that my unique blend of experiences and skills will be a valuable asset to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 71. “Having achieved [specific accomplishment] in my current role, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experiences to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 72. “I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my [specific skill] and [specific skill] as your new [Job Title] at [Company Name].” 73. “As a dedicated [Job Title] with [number] years of experience in [specific role], I am confident in my ability to contribute to [Company Name].” 74. “I am eager to bring my unique blend of [specific skills] to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 75. “As a [Job Title] with a strong track record in [specific role], I am confident in my ability to significantly contribute to [Company Name].” 76. “I am confident in my ability to bring [specific result] to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] given my background in [specific skill or role].” 77. “Having excelled in [specific role], I am eager to apply my [specific skills] to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 78. “With a history of success in [specific role], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 79. “As a [Job Title] with [number] years of experience, I am confident in my ability to bring significant value to [Company Name].” 80. “With my unique blend of [specific skills], I am confident in my ability to significantly contribute to [Company Name] as a [Job Title].” 81. “As an experienced [Job Title] with a proven track record in [specific role], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experiences to [Company Name].” 82. “Having achieved [specific result] in my current role, I am excited to bring my unique blend of skills and experiences to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 83. “I am eager to leverage my [specific skill] and [specific skill] in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].” 84. “As a [Job Title] with a strong track record in [specific role], I am confident in my ability to bring significant value to [Company Name].” 85. “With my unique blend of [specific skills], I am confident in my ability to significantly contribute to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 86. “As a [Job Title] with [number] years of experience, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills and experiences to [Company Name].” 87. “With a proven track record in [specific role], I am eager to apply my unique skills to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 88. “Having excelled in [specific role], I am confident in my ability to bring valuable skills and experiences to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].” 89. “I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of skills and experiences to the dynamic team at [Company Name] as your new [Job Title].” 90. “As a [Job Title] with a strong track record in [specific role], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name].” 91. “I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my [specific skill] and [specific skill] in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].” 92. “Having achieved [specific result] in my current role, I am eager to apply my unique skills to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 93. “As a [Job Title] with [number] years of experience, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills and experiences to [Company Name].” 94. “I am eager to leverage my [specific skill] and [specific skill] in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].” 95. “As a [Job Title] with a strong track record in [specific role], I am confident in my ability to bring significant value to [Company Name].” 96. “Having excelled in [specific role], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills and experiences to [Company Name] as a [Job Title].” 97. “I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of skills and experiences to the dynamic team at [Company Name] as your new [Job Title].” 98. “As a [Job Title] with a proven track record in [specific role], I am eager to bring my unique skills to [Company Name].” 99. “Having achieved [specific result] in my current role, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 100. “I am eager to leverage my [specific skill] and [specific skill] in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name], and I am confident that my unique blend of experiences and skills will be a valuable asset to your team.”

Attention Grabbing Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples

1. “Imagine a [Job Title] who could not only meet your expectations but also introduce groundbreaking changes; that’s the potential I offer.” 2. “You’re looking for a [Job Title] who can drive results, and I’ve consistently done just that throughout my career.” 3. “I’ve been following [Company Name]’s journey for years and I’m thrilled at the chance to be a part of it as your new [Job Title].” 4. “Let’s cut to the chase—I’m the [Job Title] who can take [Company Name]’s success to the next level.” 5. “Being a fan of [Company Name]’s work, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to apply for the [Job Title] position.” 6. “If you’re looking for someone who can take your [specific department or project] to the next level, I might just be the [Job Title] you need.” 7. “In the pursuit of [specific result], I believe I can bring a fresh perspective as your new [Job Title].” 8. “If [Company Name] values [specific values or skills], we might just be a perfect match.” 9. “Picture a [Job Title] who is not only experienced but also innovative; that’s the potential I bring.” 10. “I guarantee, as your [Job Title], I would bring a level of energy, creativity, and dedication that you might not have seen before.”

Creative Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples

1. “I’m not your typical [Job Title]; with my passion for [specific role or skill], I believe I can bring a unique perspective to [Company Name].” 2. “If your team needs a [Job Title] with an eye for innovation, my track record proves I fit the bill.” 3. “Blending creativity with [specific role], I am eager to redefine the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name].” 4. “Who says [Job Title] has to be conventional? I believe in challenging norms and bringing fresh ideas to the table.” 5. “My love for [specific aspect related to job] transcends the traditional [Job Title] role, making me a uniquely fit candidate for [Company Name].” 6. “While experience is valuable, I believe it’s my creative approach that sets me apart as a [Job Title].” 7. “Call me a [Job Title] with a twist—I bring the necessary skills, but it’s my creative mindset that sets me apart.” 8. “In a world full of cookie-cutter candidates, I stand out with my unique approach to [specific role or task].” 9. “As an out-of-the-box thinker, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my creativity to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].” 10. “In the sea of traditional [Job Title]s, I am the splash of color and creativity that [Company Name] needs.”

Great Opening Sentences for Cover Letter

1. “As a [Job Title] who consistently exceeds goals, I am confident in my ability to drive results at [Company Name].” 2. “You’re seeking a [Job Title] who excels at [specific role], and that’s exactly where my expertise lies.” 3. “Looking for a proven [Job Title] who can deliver results? Look no further.” 4. “Experienced, skilled, and results-oriented: that’s the [Job Title] you’re seeking, and that’s precisely who I am.” 5. “I’ve built a career around driving results in [specific role], making me a strong fit for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].” 6. “With a track record of exceeding expectations, I am excited about the opportunity to do the same for [Company Name] as your [Job Title].” 7. “As a dedicated [Job Title], I have a knack for turning challenges into opportunities for growth.” 8. “I thrive in roles like [Job Title], where my passion for [specific role or task] can directly impact the bottom line.” 9. “Driven by results, I am eager to bring my [specific skills] to [Company Name] as your new [Job Title].” 10. “I’ve built my career on turning obstacles into stepping stones, making me a uniquely suited candidate for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].”

How to Write a Cover Letter Opening Sentence

Crafting the perfect opening sentence for a cover letter requires understanding the role, the company, and how your unique skills align with the job description. It’s a pivotal element that hooks the hiring manager, so it needs to be effective and impactful.

1. Tailor the Statement to the Job: Start by carefully reading the job posting. Understand the requirements, skills, and experiences the company seeks. Align your opening statement to reflect these.

2. Capture Attention: Your opening sentence should grab the reader’s attention right away. You can do this by stating a fascinating fact about your career, mentioning your most relevant achievement, or offering a creative statement that makes you stand out.

3. Connect with the Company: If possible, mention the company by name and relate your experiences or career objectives with the company’s goals or mission.

4. Stay Professional: Remember, the cover letter is a professional document, so while creativity is good, it’s important to maintain an overall professional tone.

Do’s and Don’ts in Cover Letter Opening Sentence

When writing your cover letter’s opening sentence, there are certain things to keep in mind:

1. Do Show Your Enthusiasm: Express your genuine interest in the position or the company. It shows the employer that you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re interested in this job.

2. Do Keep it Short and Sweet: Your opening line should be concise and to the point. You want to catch their attention, not lose it in a long-winded sentence.

3. Do Show Value: Clearly articulate how you can add value to the company in your opening line. This could be a unique skill you have or an impressive achievement.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Be Generic: Avoid common phrases like “I am applying for the position of…”. This information is usually already in the subject line or application form.

2. Don’t Be Overly Formal: While it’s essential to keep a professional tone, avoid being too stiff or formal. Show some personality.

3. Don’t Make it About You: The focus of your cover letter should be on what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you.

Tips for Cover Letter Opening Sentence

Here are some tips to help you craft an engaging opening sentence for your cover letter:

1. Mention a Mutual Connection: If someone referred you to the position, mention their name in the first sentence. It immediately establishes a personal connection.

2. Use Keywords: Include keywords from the job description. This shows the hiring manager that you’ve read the job description and understand what the job entails.

3. Be Unique: Set yourself apart from other applicants with an opening sentence that’s unique to your experiences or personality.

4. Relate Your Experience: Clearly state how your previous experiences make you an ideal candidate for the role.

Remember, the key to a successful cover letter opening sentence is to make it unique, engaging, and tailored to the job and company. It’s your chance to make a great first impression, so take the time to make it count.

creative cover letter opening sentence examples

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  • 10+ Most Powerful Ways to Start a Cover Letter (with examples)

“Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me.”

- Walt Whitman

So, you have decided it is time for a job change or, maybe, you have just graduated and want/need to work in a real-life scenario for the first time in your life. Thusly, you find yourself amidst a job search. That was a hard choice in and of itself but now you have before yourself an even greater number of options.

A-a-and because the rent is coming and is not going to pay itself, you constantly bother yourself with and obsess over all the things little possibilities. Which resume format should I use? What kind of company to apply to? When to send the application? How do I start my cover letter ?

cover_letter_introduction

All of these points are important and should be carefully considered when seriously deciding to enter the job hunting market. However, some of them are more important than others are, for example, the point about the cover letter openings.

Why? According to BeHiring, HRs do not waste their time and spend only 6-8 seconds on a resume; I am myself afraid to guess how much time they spend on a cover letter and how much of it they take in but that is another discussion. Therefore, in such an environment, the ability to impress the reading HR in a few seconds is extremely crucial to getting employed.

That is exactly why we are talking about how to start a cover letter and everything that goes with it in this article.

So... how to begin a cover letter, again?

Wait-wait-wait, are you seriously already thinking up a cover letter introduction? No-no-no, you are jumping the gun. You may start your cover letter with the most catching and engaging paragraph in the world but it will be useless.

“Why?” you may ask? Because there is no personal information and your cover letter is not addressed to anybody. ‘Ah, these are simple formalities, who need them anyway?’ you may proclaim. Yes, these are pure bureaucratic formalities. However, you cannot go without this long-standing tradition. I know, I know, in this age of online application, who really needs you to repeat your contact information three thousand times. Yet, we still have to uphold this absurd tradition. So let us review how to do it.

This is very easy. At the very top, in the right corner, you write your name, mailing address, contact number, e-mail, and the date of application; that is it. The information has to be in this order, for example:

15 Nowhere Str., New York, NY 10001

+ 1 365 228 14 48

[email protected]

The next question that pops is “To whom should I address it to?” This is a piece of cake; you have only two options. Either you search up your interviewer and write their surname, like in this example:

  • Dear Mr./Ms. Surname

Or you can use one of these eternal addresses:

  • Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager
  • To whom it may concern

I do have to mention, however, that some people find it too intrusive to have their name looked upon personal social profiles. So, I would recommend being careful with searching up people.

cover_letter_opening

How about starting a cover letter by tailoring to the company’s needs?

Now that we have discussed the genuinely boring part, let us actually start writing. Okay, there are many-many-many options when writing a cover letter, as it, of course, is a creative endeavor. You can get dazed by the possibilities. For example, should you tell about your overall successes, should you focus on impressive and unique duties that you executed, or should you start with your valuable experience?

So, to alleviate this task, I propose you focus on the company for a bit. Try to research the company you are applying for, find out about their needs, then try to connect their needs with your achievements during previous employment. The research part is fairly easy to do, as the company’s needs are designated in the job listing; the connecting, however, is hard and requires some mental work.

Cover letter intros may just contain info about the company

Cross-referencing your experiences and abilities with the company’s needs is a great way to get any recruited interested in you. If you, however, do not have appropriate experience, have no notable achievements, and/or your skills do not even partially correlate to the position you are applying for, you can opt for a bit of flattery.

Yes, again we are concentrating on the company again (though this time out of necessity). An application from someone that knows everything about their company and/or extremely passionate about their goals, ideas, and company culture shows that someone is prepared, able, and eager. Nevertheless, please avoid sounding insincere by showering the company with compliments. A simple mention of the company’s recent feats can show exactly what I was talking about.

Here are some cover letter starters that concentrate on company’s feats

  • Even though I am stably employed at [Company A], the job description for [Company X]’s financial manager has completely taken over me. [Company X]’s reputation and my own recent experience with their social responsibility program have impressed me greatly, as I am myself a great advocate for social causes.
  • In 2018 alone [Company X] has achieved a stupendous business growth of 236%, which is all thanks to the newly implemented customer communication initiative. A company that is ready to reorganize a couple of their department completely to just be more customer-friendly is a company that I want to work for.
  • [Company X]’s the recent achievement of being recognized as the best company on employee development is sure to make many job-seekers very trigger happy about applying for your company. However, not everybody knows that this was possible thanks to the hard work and innovations of the HR department.

Some great cover letters usually open with a connection between the applicant and the company

We have discussed the professional connection to the company, so, how about inserting your personal relationship and experience with the company into the cover letter opening. Especially effective is a touching story from your childhood. Such a strong psychological bond will surely make the recruiter consider you for quite some time.

You want such an intro but have no ideas? Here are some introduction paragraph examples:

  • My whole childhood was spent across the street from a branch office of [Company X]. Ever since I was little, I watched all the busy work inside the office. Back then, I wanted to experience what it meant to work at [Company X]. Now that I have the opportunity, I wish to fulfill my long-living dream and be involved neck-deep in your culture and work.
  • One time, I had the lucky opportunity to interact with the sales department at [Company X] and it was unforgettable. The stories they told made me very excited and eager to work at your company.
  • Ever since I completed my first internship at your company, I could not stand working for another company. I tried, I really tried, as you can see from my work background, but nothing came out of it. Your company culture has completely charmed me, which is why I am applying for a position.

cover_letter_starters

Focusing on your uniqueness and personality in the cover letter intro is smart too

This strategy works perfectly with future-oriented companies. We are currently in the fourth revolution of the workplace and now, the spotlight goes to your individuality. No, don’t say ‘Excuse me?’ You heard me right: a strong cover letter can be absolutely egocentric nowadays. Here, however, the opening sentence should grab recruiter’s attention aggressively enough for him to read on till the end. What? Do you need an introduction paragraph example? Okay.

These examples include an intriguing cover letter first sentence that we have just discussed:

  • Just how interesting developing software can be? No, really. I know, it is a strange question to come from someone who is applying for the data scientist position at your company but in reality: how interesting should it be that it is the only thing I want to think about
  • Finding my passion was hard but incredibly rewarding: I had to work on this task for more than 7 years. Nonetheless, now that I’ve found it within me, I can start working with sincere enthusiasm and eagerness.
  • Recently, I took a career assessment that told me that I should be an audio engineer, which, at first, surprised me. However, after thinking for a while, this was the only logical option for me, considering my passion for physics and sound.

Write an attention grabbing cover letter by using sass and humor

I am going to be completely honest here; this way of “attention-grabbing” is very risky. Many factors can go wrong here. A recruiter may not understand your humor, he may not like it, he may even hate the approach you are taking with your cover letter. However, if you are a risk-taker, then you might try to do this.

Here too, a hook sentence is very important:

  • I want you to apply for the GM position at your company. If that position is taken, then the customer service associate position will do too.
  • Do you need someone that you can rely on, trust, and give a hard task to complete in time? Well, that’s me (only if you employ me though).
  • My wife doesn’t want us to move, which is why when I say I am applying for long-term employment, I actually mean it.

I hope that after reading all of the recommendations, you’ll stop wondering how to start a cover letter, be able to decide upon one, and write something that resembles you.

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creative cover letter opening sentence examples

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  1. How to Start a Cover Letter: 7 Great Cover Letter Openings (+Examples

    creative cover letter opening sentence examples

  2. Creative Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples

    creative cover letter opening sentence examples

  3. How to Start a Cover Letter: 7 Great Cover Letter Openings (+Examples

    creative cover letter opening sentence examples

  4. 25+ Cover Letter Opening

    creative cover letter opening sentence examples

  5. How to Start a Cover Letter [+ Introduction & Opening Lines]

    creative cover letter opening sentence examples

  6. creative ways to start cover letter

    creative cover letter opening sentence examples

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  3. How to Write a Cover Letter

  4. Cursive Handwriting practice upper case letter I

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  6. White Letter Opening

COMMENTS

  1. 7 Powerful Ways To Start a Cover Letter (With Examples)

    4. Mention something newsworthy. Start your cover letter with evidence that you've done your research. If the company you're applying for was recently in the news, mention it in the opening line and explain why you admire the company. Mention a specific event, fact, notable statistic or award the company recently won.

  2. 30 Better Ways to Start a Cover Letter

    Communicate that you'll bring something to the company: You'll get more into the details after your opening, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, "This person can do something for us ," rather than, "This job would really help them .". Stick to the point: Your opener, while creative, should still be ...

  3. How To Start a Cover Letter With Examples and Tips

    Your cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself to the hiring manager, and to share why you're well qualified for the job. For example: I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss what I have to bring to the position at ABC company. Use keywords. If you can include any keywords from the job listing, do so.

  4. 30 Opening Sentences to start your Cover Letter

    A traditional first sentence is very acceptable when you are applying for a formal position or at a very formal company. A very appreciated way to start your cover letter is to express your excitement or enthusiasm for the job opening. If you want to create more personal connection between the company / the recruiter and yourself you can start ...

  5. How to Start a Cover Letter [+ Introduction Examples]

    Here's a simple-but-powerful cover letter introduction template to use as an example: Dear [First Name], I was excited to come across the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a [Current Job Title] with [# of Years] years of experience, I have become competent in [Relevant Skills & Job-Related Abilities].

  6. How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]

    Plus, you feel her personality in the line, and when an employer feels like a real person is behind the cover letter, she's going to want to keep reading. 9. Start with a lesson you've learned in your career. A great way to start a cover letter is with a lesson you've learned in your industry from your experience.

  7. 12 Ways to Start a Cover Letter: Examples & Tips

    Creative. As an online native who's obsessed (yes, obsessed) with the GoGourmet app, I was thrilled to see your listing for the Social Media Manager position at GoGourmet Studios. ... Here are 5 cover letter opening sentence examples to give you some ideas: How to write a cover letter opening line as a recent graduate. Dear Ms. Casey,

  8. 5 Creative Cover Letter Openings (& examples) • Christy Noel

    How to write a compelling opening for your cover letter (with examples) Everyone knows you only have one shot at a first impression, and your cover letter is no different. So, your cover letter opening sentences need to be strong, compelling, creative and informative. Whew, that's a lot to pack into the opening sentences of a cover letter.

  9. 5 Perfect Opening Lines for Your Cover Letter

    Here are five ways to write the opening lines of your next cover letter: 1. Job Title & Accomplishments. This is a very common and effective way to start out a cover letter. The idea is to get straight to the point and impress the employer with your background. Use your most impressive and most relevant accomplishment stories to explain your worth.

  10. 7 Ways to Start a Cover Letter, With Examples

    1 Relevant accomplishment. Highlighting a notable achievement directly related to the job demonstrates your capabilities and immediately grabs the reader's attention. Maybe you launched a new product, spearheaded a rebrand, opened a new location, developed a new process, or won an award.

  11. 8 Powerful Ways to Start a Cover Letter (With Examples)

    8 ways to start your cover letter. Here's how you can start a cover letter in eight different ways: Show your enthusiasm. Highlight a mutual connection. Lead with an impressive accomplishment. Explain what you like about the company. Express passion for what you do. Tell a creative story. Include a belief statement.

  12. Creative Cover Letters (With Examples)

    The first sentence is most important, and you can leave it at just a creative first sentence if you don't want to be too outside the norm. However, your first paragraph is where you can be enthusiastic and creative, all while tying it into the skills required for the job. ... 10 creative cover letter examples. As the definition of a creative ...

  13. 5 Opening Lines That Will Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

    Here are five ideas to get a hiring manager's attention from the first line of your cover letter . 1. Show Excitement. When I interview candidates, the people that stand out the most are the people that smile genuinely, have an engaging attitude, and seem excited to interview. This holds the same truth for cover letters.

  14. The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

    Why I Love It. I love this cover letter because it's adaptable to any role. Even if you don't work in a data-centric role, you can include any enumerable achievement. If I worked in a creative industry, for instance, I could include the number of creative assets you designed for your current company. 3.

  15. How to Start a Cover Letter [20+ Opening Line Examples]

    How to Start a Cover Letter with a Name. To start a cover letter with a name do some research. Check the job posting for a named email address. Do some research on LinkedIn. And if all else fails call the receptionist and ask who the hiring manager is. RIGHT. Dear Mr Fawlty.

  16. The 10 Best Cover Letter Examples of 2023

    The best cover letters always have examples and hard numbers that prove the applicant can produce results. 9. The creative cover letter. A colorful, creative letter like this is sure to stand out from the pile of traditional black and white cover letters that hiring managers see every day:

  17. 12+ Top Creative Cover Letter Examples & Templates

    There are many ways to address your cover letter properly, and using Dear Ms./Mr. + addressee's name is one of the best cover letter salutations you can use. Paragraph #1: an opening line + a great job-fitting achievement. Paragraph #2: your key skills + why you're the perfect fit for the job.

  18. 10 Opening Lines That Are Straight Up Killing Your Cover Letter

    10. "Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my application". Ok, you are polite - we get it. However, you will have your chance to thank the reader for their time reading your application at the end of the cover letter (once they have actually read it).

  19. Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples, How to Write, Tips

    Our guide, "Cover Letter Opening Sentence Examples, How to Write, Tips," provides you with numerous unique examples, easy-to-follow writing steps, and invaluable tips. This guide will enhance your skills in drafting impactful cover letters, increasing your chances of capturing the recruiter's attention and securing that desired job interview.

  20. 10+ Most Powerful Ways to Start a Cover Letter (with examples)

    Here, however, the opening sentence should grab recruiter's attention aggressively enough for him to read on till the end. What? Do you need an introduction paragraph example? Okay. These examples include an intriguing cover letter first sentence that we have just discussed: Just how interesting developing software can be? No, really.

  21. How to Create an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter: 7 Tips

    5. Demonstrate your confidence. Confidence in a cover letter is like salt and pepper in a dish; those simple flavors make most of the magic happen. Add the right balance of salt and pepper, and you have the perfect dish! You need an ideal balance of confident words and phrases in your cover letter.

  22. How To Write a Creative Cover Letter (With Template)

    Consider following these steps to write your cover letter: 1. Research the company. While writing a creative letter can distinguish you from other candidates, making sure your letter fits the corporate culture of the business you're applying to ensures that you remain a valid candidate. Some companies welcome cover letters with graphics, humor ...

  23. Looking for a creative cover letter? Discover our examples and

    Telling a funny story about yourself is a great opening for a creative cover letter. Use Humor: If it fits your personality, using humor to introduce yourself can help capture the attention of a hiring manager and make you stand out in a memorable way. Just remember to use humor that is appropriate for the workplace.

  24. Cover Letter Samples and Templates

    Cover Letter Samples. When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position.A cover letter should include the following ...