How do you start a cover letter?

by Alice
(England)

What needs to go into the first paragraph of a cover letter? What does the employer want to see in the first paragraph?

ANSWER: You'll find quite a bit of info along those lines on my step-by-step cover letter page, but in general, the first paragraph is where you introduce yourself, your interest in the job and the company and show a bit of your personality. It will draw the reader into the rest of your letter if you do it right.