- How you start a cover letter dictates whether the hiring manager reads your second paragraph or moves on to the next candidate.
- Your header only needs four things: name, phone, email, and city. Skip the full mailing address — it’s outdated. Add a LinkedIn URL and a portfolio link only if they’re relevant to the specific role.
- Most applicants don’t look up the hiring manager’s name. Spend five minutes on LinkedIn or the company website to find it—”Dear Ms. Ellis” beats “Dear Hiring Manager” every time. When you truly can’t find a name, “Dear [Department] Hiring Team” is your best fallback.
- Recruiters spend about seven seconds deciding whether to keep reading. Your opening sentence needs to earn that second look — lead with a quantified achievement, a mutual connection, or a bold result. Never lead with “I am writing to apply for…”
The hardest part of any job application is staring at the blinking cursor on a blank page. But make no mistake: how you start a cover letter dictates whether the hiring manager reads your second paragraph or moves on to the next candidate. If your current strategy involves typing ‘To Whom It May Concern’ followed by ‘I am writing to apply for…’, you are already losing their attention.
Assuming you have already determined that you need a cover letter for this application, the first step is capturing attention.
In this tactical guide, we will show you exactly how to bypass the clichés. You’ll learn how to format a modern header, track down the exact name of the hiring manager, and write an opening hook that demands to be read. For the full structure beyond the opening, see how to lay out a proper cover letter format.
The anatomy of a modern cover letter header
Your header is the first thing a recruiter sees, and it does two jobs: it establishes your professionalism and makes it effortless to contact you. Keep it clean, scannable, and free of anything that adds length without adding value.
What contact information is actually necessary?
You need four things in your cover letter header:
- Your full name (and professional title)
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- City and state
Skip your full street address. It’s outdated, takes up space, and isn’t useful to a recruiter at the screening stage. For remote roles, even city-level location is optional—though it can be worth including if you want to signal that you’re in a convenient time zone or don’t require relocation.
Your name should be the largest element on the page. Everything else can be the same size as your body text, separated by a pipe ( | ) or line break.
Below is an example of a cover letter including personal information in the header with the date and company information below. This example was created with our cover letter generator.
You can also follow our full guide on how to write a cover letter.
Linking your LinkedIn and portfolio
After your core contact details, include links to:
- Your LinkedIn profile URL — customize it first (linkedin.com/in/yourname) so it looks intentional, not auto-generated.
- A portfolio, personal site, or relevant profile (GitHub, Behance, a writing archive, etc.) if it’s directly relevant to the role.
One or two links is the right amount. Don’t list every platform you exist on—only include links that strengthen your candidacy for this specific role. A graphic designer applying for a senior creative position should include their portfolio link. A project manager applying for an ops role probably doesn’t need to.
Advanced sleuthing: how to find the hiring manager’s name
Addressing your cover letter to a real person is one of the easiest ways to stand out—because most applicants don’t bother. The personalization signal is small, but the effort signal is not.
LinkedIn filtering tactics
LinkedIn is your best tool here. Try these approaches:
Search the company page directly. Go to the company’s LinkedIn page and click the “People” tab. From there, you can filter by keyword—try “recruiter,” “talent acquisition,” “hiring,” or the name of the department you’re applying to. If you’re applying for a marketing role, filtering for “marketing director” or “VP marketing” often surfaces the person who would approve your hire.
Use the search bar with filters. Type the company name alongside a title keyword (e.g., “PCL Construction recruiter”) and filter results by “People.” Narrow further by location if the role is based in a specific city. Below is an example of what you’ll find as a results of that search.
Check the job posting itself. Sometimes the posting includes the recruiter’s name or links to their LinkedIn profile. Scroll to the bottom before assuming it’s anonymous. This is especially true on LinkedIn job postings. Usually, the hiring manager or recruiter profile is attached.
Try the company website. For smaller organizations, an “About Us” or “Team” page will often list the hiring manager directly. This is especially reliable for companies with under 50 employees.
When to use “Dear Hiring Manager” on your cover letter (and what to avoid)
If you’ve done the research and still can’t find a name, a general salutation is perfectly acceptable—as long as you use the right one.
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department] Hiring Team, (e.g., Dear Marketing Hiring Team,)
- Dear [Department] Team,
- “To Whom It May Concern” – formal to the point of being cold; signals a form letter.
- “Dear Sir or Madam” – outdated and assumes gender.
- “Hello!” or “Hi there!” – too casual for a professional application.
One note on first names: if you’ve found the hiring manager’s name but aren’t certain of their gender, use their full name—”Dear Jordan Ellis,”—rather than guessing at a title. It’s accurate, professional, and inclusive.
Crafting the perfect cover letter opening sentence (the hook)
Recruiters spend an average of seven seconds scanning an application before deciding whether to keep reading. Your first sentence is doing the heaviest lifting in the entire document.
The goal isn’t to announce that you’re applying for the job—they already know that. The goal is to give the recruiter a reason to read the next sentence.
Creative hooks vs. traditional hooks
Traditional hooks open with enthusiasm for the role or company. They’re not wrong, but they’re common:
“I am excited to apply for the Research Analyst position at YouGov, where my experience leading market research projects that boosted client engagement by 25% has prepared me to deliver actionable insights from day one.”
This works because it pairs the enthusiasm with a specific, quantified accomplishment. The mistake most applicants make is stopping at the enthusiasm—”I am thrilled to apply for…”—without the evidence to back it up.
Creative hooks skip the role announcement entirely and open in the middle of a story, a provocation, or a bold claim:
“Three years ago, I inherited a content programme that was generating 200 visits a month. Last quarter, it brought in 84,000.”
This approach has a higher ceiling and a higher floor. Done well, it’s memorable. Done poorly, it reads as gimmicky. Use it when the company culture signals that they value voice and originality—creative agencies, startups, and roles that explicitly mention “strong communicator” or “storytelling” in the job description.
When in doubt, a sharp traditional hook with a strong accomplishment is the safer and still highly effective choice.
Name-dropping a mutual connection
If you were referred to the role—or if you proactively networked your way in—lead with that connection. A warm referral is one of the highest-converting cover letter openers available to you. A connection can help boost your chances of getting an interview, especially if that person can act as a reference.
“My interest in the Health Systems Analyst role deepened significantly after speaking with Jane Doe, an eHealth Policy Analyst on your team. Jane highlighted your IT department’s work on EHR integration—which maps directly to the seven years I’ve spent in healthcare IT, with a focus on data security and system migration.”
- Tell your connection first. If they weren’t the one who referred you, give them a heads-up before you submit. If the hiring manager asks informally, you want your contact to be prepared to speak well of you.
- Never fabricate or exaggerate the relationship. A flimsy name-drop is worse than no name-drop. If you met someone briefly at a conference and they don’t remember you, don’t list them as a connection.
Leading with a massive achievement
If you don’t have a mutual connection, your best hook is a result so specific and impressive that it demands a second read.
“In my last role as Operations Manager at Apex Management Co., I led a cost-reduction initiative that saved $500,000 annually by renegotiating vendor contracts and streamlining supply chain operations—directly the kind of work your job posting describes.”
The structure here is: result + method + relevance to this role.
All three parts matter. A blank statistic (“I saved $500,000”) raises questions. A result connected to both a method and the specific role being applied to closes the loop for the reader.
For complete letters you can model, browse our cover letter examples.
- Quantified – numbers make claims verifiable and memorable.
- Recent – ideally from your last one to two roles.
- Directly relevant – tied explicitly to the skills or outcomes named in the job posting.
Next steps: writing the rest of your letter
You’ve covered the header, found the name, written the greeting, and nailed your opening sentence. That’s the foundation. From here, your cover letter moves into the body—where you build the case for why you’re the right person for this specific role, at this specific company.
Our State of the Jobscan report found that including a cover letter increased interview rates by 3.4 times, so it’s worthwhile to get it right.
Once you have nailed the opening, make sure you also know how to end a cover letter with a strong close.
For a complete walkthrough of every section of the cover letter, read our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter to finish your application.
Let AI write your cover letter for you
Jobscan’s cover letter generator harnesses the power of AI to write a customized cover letter based on your tailored resume and the job description. With one click, you’ll generate a cover letter that follows best practices.
You can use it as a framework to defeat blank page syndrome and include anecdotes, details about your mutual connections, and bits of information from your research to impress the hiring team. You can make any alterations in your AI Optimize and download the PDF when it’s finished and ready to be attached to your tailored resume.
FAQs
When including your contact information on a cover letter or resume, make sure to provide the following details:
• Full Name: Your first and last name.
• Phone Number: A number where you can be easily reached. Make sure your voicemail is professional.
• Email Address: Use a professional email address, preferably one that includes your name.
• City of Residence: Include your current city and state/province.
• LinkedIn Profile: Include the URL to your up-to-date and professional LinkedIn profile.
• Professional Website or Portfolio: If applicable, include a link to your personal website or online portfolio showcasing your work.
This ensures potential employers have multiple ways to reach you and can view your professional online presence.
A good opening sentence for a cover letter can grab the reader’s attention and introduce your purpose for writing. Here are a few examples:
• For a job application: “I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With my background in [your field or relevant experience], I am eager to bring my skills and passion to your team.”
• For a career change: “With a strong foundation in [current field], I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] to leverage my skills in [new field].”
• For a specific achievement: “Having recently led a successful [project or achievement], I am enthusiastic about applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] to bring my expertise in [specific skill or area] to your innovative team.”
• For expressing enthusiasm: “I have long admired [Company Name]’s commitment to [specific value or mission], and I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position to contribute to your impactful work with my experience in [relevant experience or field].”
• For a networking referral: “After speaking with [Referrer’s Name], I am inspired to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] where I can utilize my skills in [specific skill or area] to further your goals.”
These starters aim to make a strong first impression by highlighting your enthusiasm, relevant skills, and connection to the company.
Your cover letter opening should contain the following key elements:
• Your Enthusiasm for the Position: Show genuine excitement and interest in the role you are applying for. This sets a positive tone and captures the reader’s attention.
• Specific Mention of the Job Title and Company Name: Clearly state the position you are applying for and the name of the company. This ensures the reader knows exactly what role you are interested in.
• Brief Introduction of Yourself: Include a concise introduction that highlights who you are and what you bring to the table. This can include your current role, relevant experience, or a key achievement.
• Connection to the Company: Mention something specific about the company that resonates with you, such as their mission, values, recent achievements, or reputation in the industry. This demonstrates that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in working there.
• A Hook or Key Strength: Highlight a key skill or accomplishment that makes you a strong candidate for the position. This can be a significant achievement, a unique skill set, or relevant experience that sets you apart from other applicants.
Here is an example that incorporates all these elements:
“I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company, where I can combine my passion for innovative marketing strategies with my skills in digital advertising. With over five years of experience in driving successful campaigns that increased brand awareness and sales, I am eager to bring my expertise to your dynamic team. I have long admired XYZ Company’s commitment to sustainability and innovative product development, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to your impactful work. My recent achievement in boosting social media engagement by 40% through targeted campaigns is a testament to my ability to drive results and my dedication to excellence.”
To start a cover letter greeting effectively, follow these guidelines:
• Address the Hiring Manager by Name: Whenever possible, find out the name of the hiring manager or the person responsible for hiring. Addressing the letter to a specific person shows that you have done your research and adds a personal touch.
• Use a Professional Salutation: Use a formal greeting such as “Dear” followed by the person’s title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) and last name. Avoid using first names or informal greetings.
• When You Don’t Know the Name: If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, use a general but professional greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department] Team.”
• Avoid Outdated Phrases: Refrain from using outdated or overly formal phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.” A modern, professional greeting is more effective.
Examples:
When you know the hiring manager’s name: “Dear Ms. Smith,”
When you know the hiring manager’s title and department: “Dear Marketing Team Lead,”
When you don’t know the hiring manager’s name: “Dear Hiring Manager,”
When applying to a specific department: “Dear Marketing Team,”
Starting your cover letter with a proper greeting sets a professional tone and demonstrates your attention to detail.
