How to Start a Cover Letter: 8 Expert Tips for Lasting Impact

In today's competitive job market, you need a cover letter alongside your CV to succeed in the application and hiring process. It’s a powerful tool to showcase your motivation, relevant experience and skills while showing how you can contribute to the company. Like a good CV, a well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and open the doors for many job opportunities. This article explores the ways to kickstart your cover letter in the UK and provides valuable insight to help you strike the right balance between brevity and substance.

Whether you're a school leaver, a university student seeking to secure a first job, or a senior professional looking to take the next step in your career, this article explains everything you need to know to help you get started with writing a compelling cover letter.

In this step-by-step guide, we cover:

• Why you need a cover letter in the first place

• Tips on how to start a cover letter with no experience

• How to personalise your cover letter

• Common cover letter mistakes to avoid

• Best introduction cover letter examples.

Explore our diverse collection of cover letter templates to ensure your application succeeds in the next round of interviews.

What is a cover letter?

A good cover letter is a one-page introduction that showcases your interest in a specific job. It complements your CV and helps you to market yourself more efficiently, explaining why you’re the best fit for the job. Furthermore, it allows you to elaborate on two or three main career accomplishments only briefly mentioned on a CV. Customising your cover letter for each role is crucial to demonstrating your understanding of the organisation's mission and values.

To learn more about each section of a cover letter, refer to our related blog article on the best cover letter structure.

Refer to our student CV and student cover letter for more examples and tips.

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8 tips on how to start your cover letter

1. Greet your hiring manager

The greeting is your first opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your hiring manager. If you know the hiring manager's name, go with ‘Dear Mr/Ms (Last Name)’. Keep in mind you’re more likely to receive a reaction if you send your cover letter to the right person and address them correctly. If you're unsure of how to start a cover letter addressed to an unknown recipient or without a name, we recommend beginning with a standard 'Dear Hiring Manager' instead.

You could also opt for “Dear​ Sir or Madam”, which is an acceptable greeting but should be used with caution. For some employers, it is considered old-fashioned and impersonal.

2. Show your motivation

Demonstrating a passion for the job can significantly increase your chances of succeeding in the interview and eventually landing your dream job. An extensive study by the University of Oxford has shown that employees who truly enjoy their work are 13% more productive at any workplace. Engaged and committed employees outperform their peers, making it crucial to demonstrate this passion in your cover letter. Doing so can set you apart from others and leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.

3. Create an eye-catching hook

An impactful opening statement captures your hiring manager's attention, keeps them engaged, and encourages them to want to find out more about you. With hundreds of applications being received daily, you need to convince any future employer that you are their potential new hire in just a few sentences. Strive to create a personal connection that showcases your unique qualities and career aspirations.

Cover letter opening statement example:

In addition to learning how to start a cover letter for an internship, discover our related academic and internship CV examples.

4. Highlight a mutual contact

Referrals can be your ticket to landing a job interview. While it’s generally recommended not to add references to a CV, you can leverage this opportunity for a cover letter and inform your recruiter. The best way to do it is to mention it at the beginning of the opening paragraph.

When somebody refers you to a specific company and internal position, you can gain credibility and an advantage over other candidates immediately. Adding a mutual contact gives your cover letter more attention because recruiters or hiring managers would prefer to see somebody they know or can trust. See our tips below for more details:

• Express gratitude and excitement.

• Keep it brief and concise.

• Mention your professional relationship with a referrer.

• Avoid exaggerations such as ‘best’ or ‘perfect’.

• Additionally, attach a recommendation letter or brief description of your key achievements from previous roles.

See the references and video interview tips for more inspiration and guidance.

For more information, see our related step-by-step guide, including how to start a teaching cover letter and an accounting cover letter.

5. Show your research about the company

Before writing your cover letter, conducting thorough research on your job target is crucial. To increase your chances of success, read the tips below:

• Identify the name and internal position of the person reviewing your cover letter and CV.

• Familiarise yourself with the company's culture and values.

• Understand the industry in which the company operates.

• Take note of the business goals for the next five years.

• Stay informed about the latest updates or public news regarding the company.

• Assess the company's market position relative to its competitors.

6. Add a noteworthy achievement

Mention a noteworthy achievement or experience directly relevant to the role you're applying for. Whether it's a substantial project you led, an award you obtained, or a unique skill you gained, showcasing something noteworthy can grasp the recruiter's attention and leave a lasting impression on your hiring manager.

In the first example, the achievement is specific, measurable, and tailored to the job. It displays the candidate's ability to achieve remarkable results. In contrast, the second example is unprofessionally written failing to show how this accomplishment related to the job or industry.

7. Think creatively

Add a creative touch to your cover letter while staying professional. Think outside the box to make your application shine amongst the competition. Use storytelling, multimedia, and unique projects that could demonstrate your outstanding qualities. Being creative means you can think innovatively and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Consult our graphic design CV and designer cover letter examples to help you streamline your application

In the first example, the candidate showcases their creativity by highlighting relevant skills gained from previous graphic design projects, tailored to the job they're applying for. This demonstrates their ability to think creatively. However, the second example lacks relevance and fails to effectively communicate the job seeker's creativity in a professional context.

8. Celebrate recent projects or company milestones

Don't just say you find the company's goals impressive. Instead, show you did your homework by mentioning a specific project or recent update in the company. This shows you're not just applying for 10 jobs with the same CV and it took time and effort to investigate the company's role in the market. Additionally, show your eagerness to join the company by mentioning how you'd like to contribute to similar initiatives. This demonstrates your forward-thinking approach and genuine interest in building meaningful connections.

Check out our sustainability CV example for more examples and tips.

The first example shows genuine interest in the company's achievements and aligns them with their own values. It shows enthusiasm and a desire to contribute to the company's success. On the other hand, the second example lacks sincerity and fails to acknowledge the significance of the company's accomplishments.

How to start a cover letter with no experience

Landing a job without experience can be challenging, but it is your chance to showcase your transferrable skills, passion for the field, and eagerness to learn. Remember it's key to be crystal clear about your career goals and ensure you tailor your cover letter to each job description.

• Show enthusiasm: Mention what excites you about the company or role.

• Highlight transferable skills: Emphasise skills from academics or activities.

• Include achievements: Reference relevant volunteer or extracurricular successes.

• Show willingness to learn: Mention relevant courses or workshops.

• Tailor to the company: Cite specific company projects or values.

For more expert tips, refer to our related blog article on how to write a cover letter with no experience.

Check out our graduate CV and graduate cover letter examples for more inspiration.

Key takeaways

In this article, we have covered what a cover letter is, how to start it, and why investing the right time and effort into a job-specific cover letter can set you up for success. Following our best practices ensures your CV and cover letter work together seamlessly and present a comprehensive overview of your qualifications. By now, you should be fully equipped to elevate your job search in the UK and ultimately secure your dream job. See our summary of tips below and apply for jobs with confidence!

• Demonstrate your passion for the role and clearly explain your reasons for applying

• Address the hiring manager by name if known.

• Write a compelling and engaging hook.

• Mention mutual contacts by highlighting any referrals or connections.

• Tailor your introduction to the company’s culture, recent projects or achievements

Next steps?

Browse our vast collection of professional cover letter examples. Each template comes with a corresponding CV template you can easily customise to fit your experience and career goals. Need help ironing out your cover letter? Reach out to our experts at CV Writing Services, who can proofread and tailor it to a specific job. Additionally, explore our blog article on good interview questions to ask during a job interview for more valuable tips.

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FAQ

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should ideally be 250 to 400 words long, spanning from half a page to one full page. It consists of three to four short paragraphs that can easily be read and scanned for keywords. A concise cover letter effectively summarises your interests outlining why you’re the best fit for the role.

To find out more, read the article on cover letter length.

How to pick the right template for your cover letter?

To format a letter effectively, we recommend writing the cover letter first and then proceeding with formatting. Once you have included all the necessary content, such as contact information, motivation for applying, main body, and closing statement, you can easily adjust the margins, font, and alignment. Below are the guidelines for including your contact details:

• [First and last name]

• [Mailing address]

• [Phone number]

• [Email address]

• [Date of submission]

• [Hiring manager’s name]

• [Hiring manager’s job title]

• [Company’s name]

• [Company’s street address]

• [City, state, and postcode]

For more examples and tips, check out our related blog article on the best font for a cover letter.

What to include in a cover letter?

Your cover letter should include the full name, email address, date, and phone number. Additionally, you can mention your address, LinkedIn profile, brand statement, and company details. See below what to write in each part of your cover letter:

• Opening paragraph: it's a short statement where you introduce yourself and explain why you’re writing this letter. Start by showing interest in the internal position you’re applying for and stating where you found this job opening.

• Second paragraph: demonstrate how your background and skills match the specific requirements of the job. Focus on the most recent and relevant experience and highlight measurable achievements.

• Third paragraph: demonstrate your knowledge and findings about the company and explain what value you can bring to the organization. This paragraph should outline what motivates you to work in this role and cover how this opportunity can help you grow professionally.

• Closing paragraph: close off your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the role and desire for a follow-up call or in-person interview. Additionally, add your availability, date, and a line thanking the recruiter for taking the time to consider your candidacy.

For more tips, see the article on how to structure your cover letter.

What is a cover letter for a job?

A cover letter is a short written introduction you submit alongside your CV for a job application. A standard business letter includes your personal and employer’s contact details and addresses your hiring manager. Ensure it complements your CV but not duplicates; the shorter your cover letter, the merrier. A cover letter should not be confused with a personal statement focusing more on you than a specific job.

How to end your cover letter?

To close off your cover letter, we suggest reiterating your interest in the role you’re applying for and encouraging a hiring manager to contact you to discuss your application further. The key is to strike a balance between enthusiasm and professionalism. See the examples of powerful lines below and adapt them to your specific circumstances:

1. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. My experience in [project names or type of work] would make me a valuable asset to your organisation. 

2. I would like to learn more about this opportunity and demonstrate how I can help [organisation’s name] reach its business goals.

3. I look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to contact me at (email or phone number) if you have any further questions. 

4. I would like to discuss how my background and skills can contribute to the growth of your organisation. I’m available at (email or phone number) should you need more information.

5. I'm thrilled about the work being done by [company name] in [specific area], and I'm eager to contribute to its growth and success.

Check out our article on how to end a cover letter for more tips and examples.

How to sign off a cover letter?

Similar to the greeting, the choice of sign-off depends on whether you know the hiring manager’s name. Opt for ‘Sincerely’ when addressing a specific person (e.g., ‘Dear Mr Smith’) and ‘Faithfully’ when addressing a generic person (e.g., ‘Dear Hiring Manager’). Other acceptable options include:

• Kind regards

• Best regards

• Sincerely

• Thank you

• Respectfully.

How to improve your cover letter?

1. Greet your hiring manager with the correct name and job title to leave a positive first impression.

2. Create an attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the hiring manager's interest.

3. Highlight any mutual contacts or referrals to increase credibility and trust.

4. Conduct thorough research on the company to tailor your cover letter accordingly.

5. Express your passion and commitment to the job to show you’re the best fit for the role.

For more tips, check out our related blog article on how to improve your CV.

How to start a cover letter if you don't know the name?

We recommend using a classic 'Dear Hiring Manager' phrase if the name of the recipient is unknown. This makes you look more professional and formal. Avoid using 'Sir/Madam' because you don't know the hiring manager's pronouns. Additionally, stay away from saying 'Dear Hiring Manager Team or Department' as in most cases the cover letters are addressed to a specific person or hiring manager based on circumstances