How to Start a Cover Letter That Gets You Noticed
You’ve probably heard that your first cover letter matters and it’s true. If you’re wondering how to start a cover letter in a way that stands out, you’re not alone. Staring at a blank page and not knowing where to begin is one of the biggest hurdles for entry-level job seekers. In this post, we’ll break down how to start a cover letter that gets noticed, beginning with the very first sentence. You’ll learn practical ways to turn your experience into an opening that shows confidence and potential.
Why the First Sentence of Your Cover Letter Matters
Did you know that 94% of hiring managers use cover letters to decide which candidates to interview? Most of them skim letters quickly, which means your first sentence only has a few seconds to make an impression. A strong first sentence can:
- Make the reader want to continue reading
- Highlight your enthusiasm and motivation for the role
- Show that you understand the company and what it values
Even if this is your first professional role, the right opening can position you as a strong candidate. The key is to write a clear and engaging first sentence that draws the reader in and encourages them to read the rest of your letter.
Common Mistakes in Cover Letter Openings
Before diving into strong examples, it helps to understand what doesn’t work. Many cover letters start with something like, “I am writing to apply for [Job Title]…” It’s not wrong, but it’s definitely forgettable. Hiring managers read that same line over and over, so it doesn’t give them a reason to keep reading or remember you.
Another common mistake is opening with something overly focused on what you want rather than what you offer. For example, saying you want the job because it “looks fun” doesn’t show how you’d add value. The best way to write a cover letter opening is to make an impression fast by focusing on your impact and relevance to the position.
Proven Ways to Start a Cover Letter
Here are several ways to start your cover letter that set you apart from other applicants.
1. Lead with Enthusiasm for the Company or Role
Showing real excitement about the job immediately signals you’re invested. For example:
“I was thrilled to see that [Company Name] recently launched [Project/Product], and I’d love to bring my communication and teamwork skills to support your next initiative.”
This approach demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and are motivated by the work itself, not just the paycheck.
2. Feature your Skills
Every skill you’ve built can prove your value to a future employer. According to Forbes, nearly 40% of hiring managers now evaluate candidates based on their skills rather than job titles alone. That means clearly showing what you can do, even from part‑time jobs or volunteer work, directly strengthens your application. For example:
“At [Coffee Shop], I learned to juggle orders and keep customers happy during peak hours. I am ready to bring that same multitasking and service mindset to [Company Name].”
Presenting your experience like this proves your abilities matter, regardless of your job title.
3. Tell a Short Story or Anecdote
Sharing a quick example of responsibility, problem-solving, or leadership makes your opening more memorable. Research shows that people remember stories far better than isolated facts, meaning a short narrative can stick in a hiring manager’s mind. For example:
“When a last-minute schedule change left our team short-staffed, I reorganized tasks to make sure every customer was helped on time. That experience taught me how to stay organized and calm under pressure, skills I plan to bring to [Company Name].”
A story like this shows your skills in action, much more than a generic claim ever could.
4. Ask a Thoughtful Question
Asking a thoughtful question is a smart way to show that you’ve done research on the company and want to learn more about them. It also signals that you care about the role and want to understand how you can contribute effectively. For example:
“How can a team member with strong communication and problem-solving skills help [Company Name] expand its client services? I’m eager to find out as part of your [Job Title] team.”
Using this approach is one of the most effective ways to show you’re focused on the company’s needs, not just your own. Learning how to start a cover letter with a question can make your opening more memorable for hiring managers.
Cover Letter Worthy Skills
Part-time, volunteer, or internship work often builds highly transferable skills that employers value. The trick is to frame them so that they showcase their impact. Learn the wrong and right ways to showcase your experiences:
- “Managed daily customer inquiries”
- “Developed strong communication and problem-solving skills by assisting clients daily.”
- “Worked the cash register”
- “Maintained accuracy while managing high-volume transactions under pressure.”
Even everyday roles can become valuable proof of your professional abilities. Hardly’s guide on transferable skills explains how to identify the skills you’ve already built and present them so hiring managers can see the value you bring to any role.
A Handy Cover Letter Checklist
Use this checklist to make your cover letter the best it can be:
- Start strong — Open with a sentence that shows enthusiasm or relevant skills.
- Tailor it — Reference the company, role, or a specific project.
- Highlight your strengths — Focus on skills, achievements, or experiences that matter.
- Show impact — Explain how your skills have made a difference in past roles.
- Keep it concise — 3–4 short paragraphs are ideal.
- Avoid clichés — Demonstrate value with real examples instead of generic statements.
- Close confidently — End with a strong, action-oriented statement about next steps.
Following this checklist ensures your cover letter is professional, tailored, and memorable for hiring managers. Go get that job, knowing that your cover letter is ready to impress.
How Hardly Helps
At Hardly, we can guide you on how to start a cover letter, and that’s just the beginning. Here are the top three tools we recommend to get your application moving:
Cover Letter Generator: lets you tell your story without sounding unprofessional.
Resume Builder: helps translate life experience into clear, confident language.
Job Tracker: helps track real-time growth and learning moments for future updates.
Final Thoughts
Now go on and write your cover letter with confidence. You already have the skills and experience that matter. Focus on showing who you are, what you bring to the role, and how you can make a real impact.