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How to start a cover letter.
Explore various ways to start a cover letter professionally.
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Cover letters are an important part of many application processes. They give a job or program candidate the opportunity to introduce themselves in the best light possible, underscoring specific skills and achievements while demonstrating professionalism.
Getting started may seem overwhelming at first, but putting together a strong cover letter can be straightforward once you know what to include and how to approach the project.
Remember that you’ll also want to keep the entire letter under one page in length and close it with a call to action asking for the next steps in the process.
We’ve put together some best practices and tips for how to start a cover letter to get you headed in the right direction. Check out these original examples of cover letter openings you can use to get started with your own.
1. Include contact information and a greeting.
The first thing to include in your cover letter is your contact information. Place this at the top of the letter and include your full name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.
Then, address the specific reader and use a formal salutation such as “Dear” followed by the recipient’s name. If you don’t know a specific name, you can write “Dear hiring manager.”
2. Focus on the company.
More than mentioning the company by name, you can start by relating to the organization’s mission, values, or track record in the industry as key motivators for your application.
Example: “ I was excited to see Company ABC post a job for a sales representative, as I am eager to promote brands that share my vision for a sustainable future.”
3. Start with a story.
Including a brief personal narrative can show your personality while also engaging the reader beyond the standard, often dry, cover letter introductions.
Example: “Ever since I was in grade school, I have had a passion for helping others. I naturally pursued a social justice career, which has since given me eight years of experience advocating for underrepresented communities. By joining Company ABC, I look forward to continuing to serve while contributing to a team noted in the industry for its dedication to civil rights.”
4. Highlight quantifiable successes.
Your resume will detail specific accomplishments and key figures from your work experience. However, highlighting one or two measurable successes from the start can capture the reader’s attention and encourage them to review your resume as a next step.
Example: “As a top-performing real estate agent in the New York metropolitan market, I have built a successful business network, resulting in a 4.25% conversion rate. By joining the team at Company ABC, I bring a strong book of business and a proven track record of converting leads into revenue generation streams.”
5. Mention a reference.
Name-dropping can be a helpful tactic when done professionally and without the expectation of special treatment. If you were referred to the company by a current or past employee with a positive reputation, consider mentioning them as a reference that can catch a reviewer’s attention.
Example: “When Jane Doe mentioned that Company ABC had an opening for a marketing writer, I knew the opportunity would be a great fit to apply my creative skills in an organization with many positive reviews.”
6. Include critical keywords.
In some instances, your application (both resume and cover letter) will be processed by an applicant tracking system or similar technology before a human reviewer. You should optimize your letter, specifically your opening sentences, to include keywords relevant to the opportunity and your qualifications.
Example: “With over ten years of experience in graphic design and animation using the Adobe Creative Suite, I look forward to the opportunity to join Company ABC as a senior graphic designer and team leader.”
Why you should start your cover letter out strong.
Cover letters are often the first piece of communication a hiring manager or review committee reads as part of an application process. Typically paired with a resume that outlines specific employment or educational history and achievements, cover letters provide an opportunity to showcase your personality, professionalism, and qualifications for the job or program you are applying to.
A standard cover letter should be no longer than one full page, from your contact information to the closing signature. With a smaller amount of space to work with, choosing the right words to frame your application is incredibly important.
Here are three core reasons why you should start your cover letter out strong.
1. Capture attention.
Your application may be one of hundreds submitted for a reviewer to sift through and narrow down the field of candidates. You’ll want to capture the reader’s attention from the start to motivate them to keep reading and learn more about your qualifications in the rest of the letter. If your introduction is not compelling, they may move on to the next application on their list.
2. Demonstrate fit.
As a best practice, each cover letter should be customized to the job or program you are applying to. This is your opportunity to show the reader exactly why you are qualified for the position or program at hand. A strong start to a cover letter can highlight how you meet the requirements and simplify the review process for the reader.
3. Convey interest.
You’re likely applying among a candidate pool containing others who are also fit for the opportunity. To stand out, you’ll also want to explain how interested and motivated you are to be selected. The best way to start a cover letter is to include text that also communicates your passion for the job, company, or industry.
Take your cover letter further with Adobe Acrobat.
Now that you have mastered how to start a cover letter, you’ll want to finish the rest of the letter and prepare to submit it. You’ll most likely use a word processing program like Microsoft Word to create your initial draft. Unless the recipient outlines otherwise, you’ll want to convert your cover letter into a PDF to preserve your formatting and ensure that the reader receives the communication exactly how you intended it. With Adobe Acrobat, you can convert from Word to PDF with just a few clicks and make any additional changes with an online PDF editor.
Using Acrobat, you can also stay on top of your studies while applying for jobs or programs by using dedicated AI education tools. With tools like the AI flashcard maker, you can memorize key concepts and pursue your educational goals while looking ahead to the future.
Frequently asked questions.
What is a good opening line for a cover letter?
How to start a cover letter greeting?
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