Best opening lines for a cover letter (with examples)

Short answer: The best cover letter opening names the job, then gives the one reason you're a strong fit, in one or two sentences. If someone referred you, say so in the first line. Skip "To whom it may concern" and "My name is...". The employer can see your name, and wants to know why you fit.

What the first paragraph needs to do

Alberta’s alis career site says your first paragraph should “explain your reason for writing”: name the job, say how you found it, and mention anyone who referred you (alis, Cover letter outline). The University of Calgary’s career services adds that your introduction “should demonstrate that you’ve done your research about the company and the role” (University of Calgary).

So a strong opening does three things, fast:

1. Says which job you’re applying for
2. Gives the main reason you fit
3. Shows you know something about the company or the role

8 opening line examples

All examples are fictional samples. Swap in your own job, company and details.

1. Lead with your strongest match

I’m applying for the Office Administrator role at Example Dental. I’ve spent four years running the front desk of a busy clinic, so the scheduling and billing work in your posting is work I already do every day.

2. Lead with a referral

Maria Lopez, who manages your Hamilton warehouse, suggested I apply for the Shipping Coordinator position. I’ve coordinated daily shipments for a distributor of a similar size for the past three years.

3. Lead with a result

In my last role, I cut customer wait times by a third by reorganizing our call queue. I’d like to bring that same focus to the Customer Service Team Lead role at Example Telecom.

4. Lead with what you know about the company

Example Foods’ move into plant-based products caught my eye, and the Marketing Coordinator role you posted is exactly where I want to grow. I’ve spent two years running social campaigns for food brands.

5. For a new grad

I’m a recent Business Administration graduate applying for your Junior Analyst role. In my co-op at Example Bank, I built the weekly sales reports that two regional managers used to set targets.

6. For a career change

After eight years as a teacher, I’m moving into corporate training, and your Learning Coordinator role fits the skills I’ve used every day: planning lessons, presenting to groups and helping people learn new tools.

7. For a newcomer to Canada

I’m applying for the Accounting Clerk position at Example Group. I bring six years of accounts payable experience in Manila, and I’m now completing the CPA Canada preparatory courses in Toronto.

8. Short and direct, for an email

Please find my resumé attached for the Warehouse Associate position (job #4521). I have three years of forklift experience and a current certification, and I can start right away.

Openers to avoid

• “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” alis says to “address a specific person, not Sir or Madam.” Use “Dear Hiring Manager” if you can’t find a name.
• “My name is…” Your name is already at the top of the letter.
• “I am writing to apply for…” It’s not wrong, but it wastes your first line. Get to your main point sooner.
• “I’m the perfect candidate.” Show why, don’t claim it.
• A quote or a joke. It rarely lands, and it pushes your real point further down.

After the opening

Once you’ve hooked them, use one or two paragraphs to back it up with examples that match the posting, then close by asking for an interview. Our guide on what to include in a cover letter has a fill-in outline.

Related guides

• What to include in a cover letter
• What not to put in a cover letter
• Cover letter examples and template

Sources

All accessed 2026-10-29.

1. Government of Alberta, alis. Cover letter outline. https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/cover-letters/cover-letter-outline/
2. University of Calgary, Career Services. Cover letters. https://ucalgary.ca/career-personal-development/advising/job-search-resources/cover-letters