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What do I include in my introduction?
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The introduction of your cover letter should begin with a greeting to a specific person ("Dear Ms. Kincaid"), followed by a statement of who you are and why you are writing (why you are a good candidate).
How to catch the attention of the reader.
As the purpose of your introduction is to catch the reader's attention and make you stand out, you need to be as specific as possible in this section. Here are some tips on how to start your introduction:
- State the university you attend, your major, and what position you are applying for (if you are a student).
- Mention where you heard about the job.
- Mention the name of a professor or other contact who has a positive connection with the company.
- Bring up any previous conversations you have had with your reader (i.e., at a job fair).
Some examples:
How to make a strong claim for yourself.
After gaining the initial attention of the reader, you must make a strong claim about your candidacy and that you match the needs of the job and the company. Clearly state two-three qualifications you have that match the company/position. These qualifications will then be the focus of your body paragraphs and arguments. Some examples:
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Dec 2, 2024 · The headline on the image says, "Cover letter format" A woman sits at a table writing on a piece of paper. There's a simple cover letter represented by lines. On one side of the cover letter, there are labels for the sections of the cover letter. The labels are: 1. Date and contact information 2. Salutation/greeting 3. First, introduce yourself 4.
Aug 1, 2024 · Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.
The introduction of your cover letter should begin with a greeting to a specific person ("Dear Ms. Kincaid"), followed by a statement of who you are and why you are writing (why you are a good candidate).
May 31, 2024 · Here are guidelines to keep in mind when writing a cover letter: Customize your header based on your application format If you're writing your cover letter directly within an online job application, there's no need to include your address or other contact information. You've probably already typed that into other areas of the application form.
Feb 6, 2024 · Understanding the main parts of a cover letter is crucial, and the introduction is one of the most important components. Your cover letter introduction should include the following information in the first couple of sentences: The position you’re applying for; The company you’re applying to; How you learned about the job opening
Dec 9, 2024 · 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