How to start a cover letter: opening lines that get read past.
The first two sentences decide whether the rest gets read. A good opening names the job and gives the reader one specific reason to keep going.
Start a cover letter by naming the exact job you are applying for and giving your strongest reason you fit, in one or two sentences. Lead with a relevant result, a referral from someone they know, or a specific connection to the company's work. Avoid opening with your name, 'I am writing to apply for', or general enthusiasm without evidence.
Illustrative examples to adapt
Illustrative: every name, employer, school, date and number in these samples is fictional or a bracketed placeholder. Replace each bracket with your own true details; never copy a result you did not achieve.
Result-first opening
When to use: Experienced candidates.
In [number] years as a [job title], I [strongest relevant result]. I'd like to bring that experience to the [Job title] role at [Company].
Referral opening
When to use: When someone at the company suggested you apply.
[Referrer's name], who [works on your team / worked with me at Previous employer], suggested I apply for the [Job title] role, knowing my work on [relevant project].
Career-change opening
When to use: Moving into a new field.
After [number] years in [current field], where I [transferable result], I'm moving into [target field] and applying for your [Job title] role.
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every sample on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Openings by situation
| Situation | Lead with |
|---|---|
| Experienced, same field | Your most relevant result |
| Referral | The referrer's name and connection |
| Career change | A transferable result and the move you are making |
| Student or first job | Your training and the job you want |
| Returning after a break | Recent training or work and the role you want |
The same line, rewritten
Illustrative example with placeholders.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | My name is Jordan and I am writing to apply for the position I saw on your website. |
| Strong | Over the last [number] years I've [strongest relevant result], and I'd like to do the same as your [Job title]. |
Why it matters: The weak opening spends the most-read sentence on information already in the email and header. The strong one gives a reason to keep reading.
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting with your name.
- Opening with 'I am writing to apply for...'.
- Using a quote or a joke.
- Praising the company in general terms without anything specific.
- Naming the wrong company or job title after reusing a letter.
Build yours
Questions people ask
What is a good first sentence for a cover letter?
Should I mention the job title in the first paragraph?
Should I mention how I found the job?
Can I start with a question?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. Advice is labelled as advice. Every sample uses a fictional person marked '(illustrative)' or a 'Your name' placeholder, and every employer, school, date and result is a bracketed placeholder for your own true details.
- What a specific employer screens for: always read the posting.
- Your results: we never invent numbers, and you should never copy a result you did not achieve.
- Outcomes: no resume, letter or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.