What Should a Cover Letter Include (With Examples)
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A professional cover letter introduction is persuasive, brief and engaging. Sounds like a mighty job for a few sentences. No need to stare at your monitor waiting for inspiration.
With this guide, we’ll help you understand the steps to creating a cover letter introduction that works for you, with tips, examples and common mistakes to avoid.
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What is a Cover Letter Introduction?
A cover letter introduction is the greeting and first paragraph of your cover letter. This short paragraph quickly answers the question, “Why am I choosing this employer?”
First impressions are important. If there are two or more candidates with similar qualifications, you need to stand out. A good cover letter introduction can give you the push to stand out.
A strong introduction in a cover letter entices the reader to continue learning more about the candidate. It can also help set the tone for your letter, whether you used the one-page limit or a short cover letter.
How to Start a Cover Letter Strongly
To make the most of your cover letter introduction, follow these steps. Don’t worry; with practice, time and AI cover letter assistance, it’ll become easier.
Research the employer
Research will always be your first step before writing a cover letter. It’ll help you focus your writing on what the employer is about, their values and how your qualifications can add value to the company. Use their official website and social media as well as news articles.
Personalize the greeting
If the job description provides a name, use it to address your cover letter. If not, research the company’s “About Us” section or their networking profile. It makes a difference and shows you took the time.
Can’t find a name? Address the department to which you are applying. Use this as a last resort. Never start your cover letter introduction with “To Whom It May Concern.”
Highlight your qualifications
Let the employer know from the beginning an accomplishment that makes a great candidate. Include a great accomplishment, mention a strong skill or mix both to keep them reading.
Writing the cover letter for your first job? Use your skills and education to entice the employer. You can include extracurricular activities or coursework if you’re still in school.
Volunteer work is also experience, so don’t shy away from adding their accomplishments and skills. The second paragraph will detail more of what you bring to the table.
Show interest and company knowledge
There is a reason why you’re choosing this employer over others. Spell it out in your cover letter introduction.
You can mention a referral who has raved about working with them, a particular accomplishment that caught your attention or a human connection, like an anecdote from when you were starting your career, using their products and services or how their community outreach positively impacted your life.
Key Elements of an Effective Cover Letter Introduction
These are the must-haves for your cover letter introduction:
- A greeting addressing the right person — or as close as possible.
- Strong opening statement to engage the reader.
- Introduce what makes you a unique candidate with a quantifiable accomplishment.
- Highlight why you’re interested in the position or the company.
- Name and role of your referral, if you have one.
Use our comprehensive guide on How To Write a Cover Letter to create a persuasive and professional letter.
Examples of Strong Cover Letter Introductions
"I was elated to be chosen for the Society for Scient’s High School Research Teachers Conference. The event not only taught new and improved methods to manage student research projects, it connected me with your AP Physics Jane Smith. She mentioned an upcoming position in AP Biology, my field, at your nationally recognized institution. Consider this my official submission."
Learn more with our teaching cover letter examples.
"As an operations manager with eight years of experience, I was intrigued to see the Director of Operations opening at Famous Treats in Job Postings website. I grew up near the original factory and worked as a packer during my college summers. As a previous employee and fan of your products with expertise in strategic thinking, budgeting and data analysis, I’d love to throw in my name as a candidate."
Read all our business operations cover letter examples.
"I am a passionate software engineer with a strong background in developing scalable applications and a keen interest in solving complex problems. With expertise in Java, Python, and cloud technologies, I am thrilled to apply for the Software Engineer position at Tech Company, where I can contribute to cutting-edge projects and collaborate with a talented team dedicated to innovation."
Check out more software cover letter examples.
"I’ve grown accounts from 250 to 10K followers —and counting— in under six months. My posts consistently reach over 100K views. Now, I want to help your company outreach and marketing as a social media manager using SEO and data analysis while maximizing your budget."
See our marketing executive cover letter examples for additional guidance.
"As a results-driven Digital Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in crafting successful multi-channel campaigns, I am excited to apply for the position at Media Consortium. My proven track record of increasing brand awareness and driving lead generation through innovative digital strategies aligns perfectly with your goal of enhancing market presence and customer engagement."
See more marketing cover letter examples and find one for the position you want.
Get inspired by these cover letter introduction examples to start writing your own. Use our Cover Letter Generator for guidance and our editable content suggestions to make it your own.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter Opening
- Addressing “To Whom It May Concern”: If you were not given a name and cannot find one online, simply use Dear [Department You’re Applying] or Dear Hiring Manager.
- Using dull or cliché phrases: Make it original and your own. No “I am writing to express my interest in the position of..." or “I am a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic.” — “This position caught my attention because…” etc.
- Waiting to name drop: Include the name of your referral in the first paragraph. Don’t wait until your closing statement to add it. It’ll look like an afterthought.
- Vague introduction for a specific role: A trite introduction that could be applied to any role will not impress employers.
Tips for Your Cover Letter Opening
- Personalize your greeting: If the job description doesn’t include a name, look for hiring managers on their website’s About Section or through networking websites.
- Use a conversational and professional tone: Approach your cover letter introduction as if you are meeting the reader in person and introducing yourself.
- Keep it brief but mighty: The cover letter introduction must make the reader want to know more about you as a potential candidate.
- Show your personality: A quick anecdote or your passion for the industry goes a long way.
- Highlight what you can bring to the table: A quick sentence with a quantifiable accomplishment and skill will give the employer an idea of
- Opt for a simple introduction: Don’t stress yourself looking for ways to impress. The best bet is to share your why: why you and why this company.
Key Takeaways
- A cover letter introduction sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter.
- Write a persuasive introduction by using your unique value proposition.
- A concise cover letter introduction states your purpose without overwhelming the reader.
- Convey your enthusiasm for the role through a quick anecdote and by showing your interest in the company
- If you have a reference, include their name and position in the cover letter introduction.
- Use a conversational and professional tone as if you were meeting in person.
FAQ
What is the difference between a cover letter and an introduction statement?
An introduction statement is brief yet comprehensive and more casual than a cover letter. It can be verbal, like an elevator pitch, or written introduction.
Meanwhile, a cover letter is a formal business letter often required to complete a job application.
A cover letter complements a resume, while an introduction statement can be used as part of a professional networking profile, like LinkedIn or Bold.pro.
What information should you include as part of an introduction paragraph in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should include:
- A greeting addressing the hiring manager.
- The name of the role you’re applying for.
- How you heard about the role.
- Why you’re interested in the company.
- If you have a referral, their name and role.
- A brief introduction to set the tone for the cover letter.
You don’t need to follow this exact order other than the greeting. But do make sure that your cover letter introduction is clear and focused on the role you want.
How do you write a cover letter introduction?
To write a cover letter introduction:
- Research the company to learn more about their needs and work
- Find the hiring manager by name and address them in your opening— or use the name provided on the job description.
- Write an engaging introduction to show you know about the employer.
- Express what position you’re applying for.
- Mention how you learned about the role.
The cover letter introduction sets the tone for the rest of the letter.
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How to Write a Cover Letter Introduction
Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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