)
Think of the start of your cover letter as the trailer to the film of your career. It doesn’t tell the whole story, but it must make the audience want more. In just a few lines, you have the chance to showcase your star moments and capture the recruiter’s attention for the full feature: the interview.
With the right mix of motivation, relevant experience, and a clear value proposition, you’re not just applying for a job; you’re directing a standout premiere. And the best part? You don’t need to be an award-winning director or to have a Hollywood budget to do it. Just the right words, well placed.
So whether you're looking for an entry-level job, changing careers, or are a senior professional aiming for the next step, this article can help you write a compelling cover letter introduction.
In this step-by-step guide, we cover:
The importance of the first cover letter lines
All you need to know about the structure
Examples of cover letter opening paragraphs
Do’s and don’ts when starting your cover letter
Best industry-based cover letter openings.
Explore our collection of cover letter templates for a more polished and professional finish to ensure your application succeeds.
Why a strong cover letter introduction matters
First impressions are everything: Recruiters often have limited time to review applications, so a well-crafted paragraph can mean the difference between being noticed or getting lost in the pile.
It sets the tone for the rest of the letter: Your preview needs to be engaging enough to make the recruiter want to see the full picture.
It demonstrates your value: Having a good CV is essential, but the cover letter is where you can highlight your best qualities, motivation, or specific skills relevant to the role.
It creates curiosity: You want to offer just enough to intrigue but not give everything away. Even if you don’t have direct experience, you can still stand out by showing initiative, originality, and a bit of personality. That’s why adding an unexpected fact, a bold statement, or even a fun quote (as long as it fits the company’s vibe) can create hype and make the reader pause and think, “I want to know more about this person”.
5 effective cover letter opening lines
This is where the fun begins. If you learn how to start a cover letter and master those first few sentences, you can quickly build the skill to communicate why you’re the ideal candidate for any role you apply for. This is what sets you apart from other applicants who may have similar qualifications on paper, so use these cover letter opening lines as inspiration to tailor your own based on your unique experience.
1. Lead with a personal connection
Example
"As someone who’s always believed in the power of stories to bring people together, I was immediately drawn to Spotify’s opening for a Content Strategist. My background in leading cross-platform campaigns at Vice Media, combined with a deep passion for digital storytelling, aligns with your mission to connect people through music, culture, and creativity."
Why it works: It demonstrates that you have researched the company and draws a clear line between your interests, your background, and the company’s purpose.
2. Start with a strong achievement
Example
"In my previous role as a Sales Analyst at Salesforce, I increased lead conversion rates by 32% through implementing a new CRM tracking strategy. I’m happy to bring this results-driven approach to HubSpot as your next Growth Marketing Manager."
Why it works: Starting with a quantifiable goal grabs attention and positions you as someone who delivers measurable results. If you don’t have this data, don’t worry: you can just write your most remarkable accomplishments.
3. Show shared values
Example
"Patagonia’s commitment to environmental sustainability resonates deeply with my professional values. I’m thrilled to apply for the Product Development Specialist position, where I believe my background in eco-friendly materials and ethical sourcing at Everlane can drive meaningful results."
Why it works: This type of opening shows that you’re not just applying for any job, but you’re also motivated by a genuine alignment with the company’s core principles.
4. Express genuine enthusiasm
Example
"I've always been impressed by the cutting-edge UX work from Google’s Design Studio, so I was really happy to see the UX Designer opening on your team. With my background in interaction design and accessibility at Adobe, I’m confident I can contribute to creating inclusive digital experiences for every user."
Why it works: Enthusiasm is contagious. This opener shows excitement about the possibility of joining the company. And it subtly conveys that you’ve followed their work for a while, strengthening your candidacy through demonstrated interest.
5. Picture your future contribution
Example
“I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my organisational skills to the National Trust, especially as you roll out new conservation initiatives across the UK. While coordinating volunteer-led projects at my local council, I streamlined scheduling processes and improved team communication, insights I’d love to bring to your upcoming campaigns.”
Why it works: This positions you as someone already imagining how to add value from day one. And it is especially powerful in dynamic industries like tech, design, or startups, where innovation and initiative are the answer.
Explore more UK cover letter examples and writing guides:
Cover letter opening structure
The truth is that a well-crafted cover letter opening paragraph should be more than just an eye-catching sentence, so structure can be really important to achieve the best result. For that, and to ensure your cover letter introduction stands out, it’s helpful to break down its components.
The hook: It can be a bold statement, an impressive goal, or a relevant question. The idea is to make the recruiter want to read further.
Brief professional context: It provides a snapshot of your background, so try to mention your current role, key skills, or achievements that support your candidacy.
Your connection to the company and role: If you want to know how to start a cover letter in the UK and do it right, forget about the one-size-fits-all approach. Prove that you have taken the time to understand the company’s culture, mission, and challenges and set a personalised touch.
Your value proposition: This could be an innovative idea or a unique skill set directly related to the job requirements. For example, if you’re in marketing, mention a successful campaign; if you’re in finance, highlight a project where you improved efficiency or reduced costs.
For more tips, see the article on how to structure your cover letter.
How to start a cover letter with no experience
If you’re new to the job market, don’t get demotivated. Lacking professional experience doesn’t mean your cover letter has to sound empty. In fact, it’s a powerful opportunity to highlight your enthusiasm, transferable skills, and potential. The key is to shift the spotlight onto what you bring to the table, like your internships, side projects, and, most importantly, your keenness to learn.
1. Motivation
Why this role? Why this company? Show them you’ve done your homework.
2. Transferable skills
Skills from school, volunteer work, side hustles, part-time jobs, and clubs. It all counts!
3. Academic achievements
Relevant coursework, strong grades, research, or awards.
4. Internships or extracurriculars
Even if it’s unpaid, it's an experience. So here’s an opportunity to show how it prepared you for this role.
5. Career goals
Be honest about where you’re headed and how this role fits into your journey.
"Although I’m just beginning my career journey, I’m deeply interested in human resources as a way to help build positive, supportive workplaces. Through school projects, volunteer activities, and personal experiences, I’ve developed strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills that I’m excited to apply professionally. Your focus on employee development and inclusion really stood out to me, and I’d be thrilled to grow and contribute as part of your HR team."
For more expert tips, check how to write a cover letter without experience.
How to start a cover letter if you don't know the name of the Hiring Manager
Do some light snooping: Recheck the job posting or look up the company’s LinkedIn page and use filters like “People” to find the HR, Recruiter or Department Manager’s name.
Try not to overthink it: Remember that hiring teams understand that sometimes you simply don’t have access to a specific name. What matters more is how you present yourself, not whether you got the name right.
Use a specific yet professional greeting: Go for a tailored approach that shows you’ve thought about who will read your letter. Try with “Dear Hiring Manager”, “Dear [Department] Team”, “Dear [Job Title] Search Committee”, “Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team”, etc.
Cover letter opening examples
A practical way to improve your cover letter opening is by taking inspiration from examples tailored to different industries and career stages.
How to start a cover letter for an internship
"As a third-year Psychology student at the University of Leeds with a strong interest in human behaviour and mental health, I was thrilled to see your opening for a Research Intern. My recent coursework in cognitive psychology and my volunteering experience at Mind Mental Health Charity have deepened my passion for supporting community-based interventions, and I’m excited to contribute to your ongoing projects in this field."
For more info, read the internship cover letter tips.
Cover letter opening paragraph for an entry-level applicant
As a recent Business Management graduate with internship experience at Kantar in market research and data analysis, I’m excited to apply for the Graduate Business Analyst role at Unilever UK & Ireland. At Kantar, I supported a competitive benchmarking project for a major FMCG client, contributing insights that shaped their pricing strategy. That experience motivated me to transform data into business decisions, and I want to bring my analytical mindset, collaborative approach, and enthusiasm for learning to support Unilever’s strategic goals.
Check out our graduate cover letter examples for more inspiration.
Cover letter opening paragraph for a medical professional
As a registered nurse with over six years of experience in emergency and intensive care units, I am excited about the opportunity to join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Your hospital’s focus on holistic, compassionate care aligns with my clinical philosophy, and I’m confident my ability to remain calm under pressure and lead crisis response teams will make me a strong addition to your ICU staff.
Here you have an example of a good nursing cover letter.
How to start a cover letter for hospitality roles
Your commitment to creating memorable guest experiences at The Savoy is what drew me to apply for the Front Desk Supervisor role. With over four years of experience in luxury hospitality and a proven track record of boosting customer satisfaction scores, I’m confident in my ability to bring both warmth and efficiency to your front-of-house team.
Find out more about this cover letter template for the hospitality sector.
Cover letter opening paragraph for a marketing professional
Having managed the rollout of a nationwide brand refresh at Pret A Manger, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful consistent messaging and customer insight can be in shaping public perception. The opportunity to bring this strategic perspective to the Brand Manager role at John Lewis & Partners really excites me. Your legacy of blending tradition with innovation perfectly aligns with my approach to marketing, grounded in data but led by storytelling.
Here’s an example of a cover letter for a marketing position.
5 mistakes to avoid when starting a cover letter
Even with the best intentions, some common pitfalls can weaken your impact. So, before starting a cover letter, consider these do’s and don’ts.
1. Not researching the company
"I was impressed by Catalyst’s recent commitment to circular fashion with its garment recycling initiative. As a sustainability-focused designer, I’d be thrilled to contribute to your efforts to reduce industry waste."
"I saw your company listed in a blog post. It seems cool and creative, so I wanted to apply."
Pro Tip
Dig deeper than the About Us page. Look at recent posts, press releases, social media updates, or LinkedIn content. The goal is to ensure the company knows you actually get their work.
2. Skipping or misusing the greeting
"Dear Head of Department, I’m writing to..."
"To whom it may concern" (cold and outdated), “Hi!” or “Hey there” (too casual)
Pro Tip
If unsure, go with “Dear Team” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” It's formal but still friendly. And if you're applying to a creative or small team, even “Dear [First Name]” might work. Just be sure the culture fits.
3. Being too generic
"I am writing to express my strong interest in the Retail Store Manager position at H&M. With five years of experience in retail management, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team."
"I’m applying for a position at your esteemed company."
Pro Tip
Generic openings sound like they were written for any job, anywhere. Remember: specificity shows purpose, and that’s the idea behind all this.
4. Overloading with information or repeating ideas
"In my previous role as a Store Manager, I led a team of 20 associates and improved overall sales by 15%. By implementing new training protocols, I helped increase customer satisfaction ratings and I’m confident these skills and experiences will help me achieve similar results at your store."
"I’ve worked in retail for over five years, managing teams, increasing sales, driving results, handling customer complaints, and improving store efficiency. I’ve also trained employees, worked on product displays, and led customer service initiatives."
Pro Tip
Stick to the “one standout thing” rule and ask yourself: what’s the one achievement or skill I want them to know upfront? And what’s one result I’m proud of that fits this specific job?
5. Using an overly casual tone
"Dear Hiring Team, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Influencer Marketing Manager position at Shiseido. With experience in PR and social media strategy, I am confident I can help drive Shiseido’s brand awareness and engagement."
"Hi guys, I’m Cleo, and I’m literally obsessed with your company. It’s super cool, and it’s always been a dream of mine to work here."
Pro Tip
You want to sound like you but also like a professional version of you. Too much slang or informality can make your letter seem immature or unserious.
Key takeaways
Make it count from the first sentence. Hook the reader and set the tone for the rest of your letter.
Show you're a fit. Mention relevant experience, achievements, or values that align with the company and role.
Tailor every time. Personalise your intro by researching the company and addressing your letter to the right person when possible.
Be concise and clear. Go for sentences that reflect your motivation and what you bring to the table.
Avoid common mistakes. Don’t be too generic, overly casual, or info-heavy. Skip clichés and focus on value.
Next steps?
If you want to make sure everything is just right, refine your CV using our user-friendly builder, packed with stylish and professional templates. Prefer expert help? Our CV Writing Service has you covered. And don’t skip the cover letter examples. They’re like the trailer to your career story and the perfect setup for the best happy ending: landing the job! Once you’ve nailed your documents, explore our blog article on good interview questions to ask to make a strong impression during your interview.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to start a cover letter for a career change?
You need to connect the dots between your past experience and your future goals. Acknowledge the shift early on, highlight a transferable skill or achievement, and explain what’s drawing you to the new industry or role. This shows self-awareness and makes it easy for the employer to see how you’ll bring value, even if your background isn’t a direct match.
Example: "After several years working in project coordination within the construction industry, I’m excited to pivot into interior design, where I can bring together my spatial awareness and love for creating environments that feel both functional and inspiring. I recently completed a Diploma in Interior Design from the British Academy of Interior Design, and led a home renovation project that blended modern aesthetics with sustainable materials. I’m excited to bring this hands-on experience and fresh perspective to the design team at Made."
2. Should I mention a referral in my cover letter opening paragraph?
If you have a referral, include it in your opening lines because it adds credibility. That can be a great way to start a cover letter in the UK and catch the recruiter’s attention.
Example: “After speaking with Emma Hughes, a Marketing Manager at Brightwave Digital, about the exciting work happening in your content team, I felt inspired to apply for the Content Strategist role. Her insights gave me a clear picture of your culture and values, which strongly align with my own approach to storytelling and strategy.”
3. Can I start a cover letter with a quote?
Yes, but use it wisely. Opening your cover letter with a relevant quote can be a compelling hook, as long as it supports your narrative rather than stealing the spotlight. The focus should remain on how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for the job. The key is to connect the quote to your values, motivations or the company’s mission, and then smoothly transition into how your background aligns.
Example: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.’ – Simon Sinek. That quote sums up why I’ve built my career around purpose-led marketing. It’s not just about brand awareness; it's about making a real connection. That’s why I’m excited about the Brand Manager role at GreenRoot, whose values align closely with mine.”
4. How long should my cover letter opening be?
Ideally, your opening paragraph should consist of 4 to 6 sentences. It should be long enough to include all the essential elements and keywords without overwhelming the reader.
To find out more, read the article on cover letter length.
