Strong cover letter opening
Open a cover letter with a specific result and a real reason you want this job, not a template line.
When to use it
Use for the first two lines of a cover letter, the part that decides whether the rest gets read.
The template
Dear [Hiring manager], Last year I [specific, measurable result]. I want to bring that same focus to [Company] as your next [role], because [genuine, specific reason you want this job].
Pick a tone
Dear [Hiring manager], I am writing to express my interest in the [role] at [Company]. In my current role I [specific, measurable result], and I am drawn to [Company] because [genuine, specific reason].
Dear [Hiring manager], [specific, measurable result], and I would love to do more of that at [Company]. The [role] caught my eye because [genuine, specific reason].
Dear [Hiring manager], I [specific, measurable result] and want to bring that to [Company] as your [role], because [genuine, specific reason].
Common mistakes to avoid
- Opening with "I am writing to apply for...", which the reader already knows.
- Listing adjectives about yourself instead of a concrete result.
- A generic reason for wanting the job that could apply to any company.
Make it yours in seconds
Paste your details and let iTextwise tailor this message to your reader, then check the tone and meaning before you send.