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What do I include in my introduction?

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"Writing Your Cover Letter" is a series of short documents that walks you through the creation of a cover letter. Here you can see the information in the "Quick Tips for Cover Letters" and "Preparing to Write a Cover Letter" pages put to use. This page guides you through adapting your experiences to the content in your cover letter and its different sections.

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:

6 Cover Letter Introductions to Make a Great First Impression

The intro of your cover letter may be the hardest part. Here's are some ways to start off on the right foot.

By Katie Duncan Posted on January 5, 2022

Oftentimes, the hardest part of writing is simply getting started. This is especially true for crafting cover letters. With the pressure to impress, prove yourself as a worthy candidate, and set yourself apart from other applicants, it can feel like a lot is hanging on your cover letter introduction.

In this article, we’ll break down:

What is the purpose of a cover letter, what should you include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter introduction, tips for crafting a strong cover letter.

A cover letter is a one-page document that employers often request alongside a resume. Cover letters recap your professional experience and background. It’s also your opportunity to tell employers about your passions, motivation, and enthusiasm for the position that you’re applying for.

The main goal of a cover letter is to grab the hiring manager’s attention. Chances are, they have a pile of resumes to sort through, so it’s important to take time to make your cover letter stand out.  A 2021 survey from ResumeLab showed that 83% of hiring decision-makers say that a great cover letter could convince them to schedule an interview with an applicant— even if the applicant’s resume doesn’t stand out alone.

In general, a cover letter should include the following:

• Contact information: Include relevant contact information at the top of your cover letter, including your name, phone number, and email address.
• Greeting : Begin with a brief greeting to the hiring manager. If you know their name or can find it online, address them by name. If not, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To whom it may concern”.
• Introduction : We’ll talk more about the introduction below, but know that this section is where you’ll make your first impression! 
• Your qualifications and experience : In the body of your cover letter, you’ll want to talk about your qualifications and experience. Be sure to cater this to the role you’re applying for. You want to really highlight qualifications that match what they are looking for in the job description.
• Your goals, passion, or motivation : It’s also important to briefly mention your goals, passions, or motivations for your line of work. This shows employers that you are enthusiastic about the work that you do and are excited to bring that gusto to their position.
• Conclusion : Wrap up your cover letter with a hopeful sentence thanking the employer for taking the time to consider your application. 
• Closing and signature : End your cover letter with a professional closing such as “Sincerely,” and your name. If submitting a hard copy, leave room for your signature.

RELATED : Resumes 101: What to Put on Your Resume

Fortunately, there’s no one right way to approach a cover letter introduction. While you should be sure to include the information that we mentioned above, they are an opportunity to let your personality shine. 

Hiring managers and recruiters can spot a pre-written cover letter a mile away, so stay away from templates where you simply fill in the blank. Instead, take time to craft a custom letter for the position that you are applying for. 

1. Share your passion.

Do you have a burning passion for the work that you do? Showcase that right off the bat in your introduction. This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of job experience , as it gives you an opportunity to show enthusiasm for what you can accomplish rather than what you’ve already done.

“ As a child, well-meaning adults would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer changed every time, but I soon found a common denominator in my answers— I  wanted to help people. As a nurse, this passion to help people fuels me every day. It has driven me to create a student health clinic at my university, volunteer weekly at my local children’s hospital, and pursue two extra-curricular research projects as an undergrad.” 

2. Showcase your humor or creativity.

This option may not be for all careers or positions, but if the role you’re applying for calls for creativity or a good sense of humor (such as a content writer or social media marketing manager), showcase your skills in your cover letter introduction. Tell a story or share an anecdote that demonstrates your creative flare.

“ Organizational skills? Check. My spreadsheets have spreadsheets. An eye for detail? Check. I once noticed a missing Oxford comma on a museum display while a T-rex was ominously standing over me. Humor and creativity? Check. In fourth grade, I wrote and directed a Christmas play that made Great Uncle Calvin laugh— and he doesn’t laugh. Ever.”

3. Highlight a major accomplishment.

While you’ll cover the basics in your resume, you may not have room to hit on all of your major accomplishments. If you have some quantifiable achievements to share, you can use them to hook the recruiter in your cover letter.

“ As a content creator, I strive to put the questions of our audience first. This belief has led me to grow our audience 250% over the past two years and produce three viral videos that resulted in $105k in sales. I believe that I can do this— and more— as the Associate Content Creator for Company ABC.”

4. Make a personal connection with a mutual contact.

If a former colleague or friend that works at the company referred you to this job, mentioning them in the cover letter can be a great way to make an instant connection. 

“ I’m thrilled to apply to be the Marketing Manager at Company ABC. My former colleague, James Smith, recommended the position to me and felt that I could be a great addition to your marketing team.”

5. Share your guiding principles and beliefs. 

Do you have a personal code that guides you in your career? A belief statement can give employers insight into what drives you day-to-day. Be sure that these principles are your own and not a rip-off of their own mission statement or core values.

“ In my ten years in retail manager roles, I have used the following guiding principle in my day-to-day life: make customers happy by putting employees first. When my employees are at their best, we are able to serve customers with positivity and enthusiasm. I believe that Company ABC could benefit from my managerial style.”

6. Show you’ve done your research and why you love the company.

Recruiters and hiring managers love when job candidates have done their research on the company. It shows that you’ve taken initiative, are eager to be a part of their team, and care about what the company does.

“I was thrilled to learn about this open position at Company ABC, as I’ve been following (and using) the MyHelper app since 2013. I am especially excited about the upcoming launch of your newest product— both as a user and because I believe that I could be a valuable addition to your team as you prepare to take it to market.” 

RELATED: Prep for the Job You Want: What to Bring to an Interview

Keep the following points in mind when writing your cover letter.

1. Write (or at least edit) your cover letter for each job that you apply to.

If you’re applying for multiple jobs, don’t submit the exact cover letter for each job. Generic cover letters are easy to spot. Take the time to customize each letter. This will show recruiters that you’ve done your research, are passionate about their company, and really want this job— not just any job. 

2. Don’t restate what’s on your resume. 

There’s no sense in filling up valuable space in your cover letter with what’s already on your resume. Instead, use the space to connect dots, emphasize your value, and convey enthusiasm for the position. 

3. Don’t apologize for skills that you don’t have. 

Don’t draw attention to skills that you are lacking. Use any shortcomings as an opportunity to convey positive attributes. For example, don’t say you aren’t familiar with the software that the company uses. Instead, you can describe how you are a quick learner that is excited to learn their processes.

Finding the right job

Writing a cover letter introduction can be hard, but applying to a job you’re passionate about can make the task a little easier.

Here at JobSage, we’re setting out to build an employer review site around things that matter most to jobseekers— inclusion, growth, purpose, feedback, flexibility, and compensation. We want to help you find the right employer by getting answers to the questions you care about. Join JobSage for guidance in your job search or to leave a review for your current employer to create a more open, transparent conversation in and around the workplace.

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• Cover Letter Intro

How to Write an Effective Cover Letter Intro

Your cover letter intro is your first opportunity to grab the reader's attention and generate serious interest in your job application.

We show you how to start a cover letter by introducing yourself with conviction while shining a spotlight on the qualifications that make you an excellent fit for the job opportunity.

There are a number of ways to do this, we walk you through the process of developing a great introduction to your cover letter and provide effective examples of how to begin your cover letter.

5 key steps to write a good cover letter intro

1. Address the letter to someone by name

Get your cover letter off to the right start by ensuring your letter is addressed to an individual. Contact the company to get the full name, correct spelling and title of the person responsible for reviewing your resume.

Addressing your cover letter to "The Hiring Manager" or "To Whom it May Concern" immediately creates a disconnect between you and the reader.

2. Specify the job you are applying for

The hiring manager may be screening candidates for a number of different job openings so it is important to be explicit about the job you are applying for in your cover letter introduction.

3. Convey enthusiasm for the job

Show commitment from the word go by briefly articulating why you are excited about the job opportunity.

4. Highlight your suitability

Find out as much as you can about the job and company before writing your cover letter. You can then concisely introduce yourself as a well qualified candidate before going on to specify your relevant skills and experience in the body of your cover letter.

5. Tailor your cover letter intro for each job

Your introduction should be targeted to the specific job opportunity and company.

Good examples of how to introduce yourself in a cover letter

Specify the job opportunity and show your enthusiasm

Your online job posting regarding the ..... position immediately caught my eye and your company name caught my attention

Your recent job posting for the .....  position has captured my serious interest

I read  your job description for the .... position with great enthusiasm

I was excited to read your ..... job posting

I was very pleased to learn of your need for a .....

Introduce yourself with conviction

I believe that I am particularly well qualified for this position, please allow me to highlight my skills as they relate to your requirements...

I believe that my qualifications and experience, as presented below, combine to create an excellent match for the position...

I am convinced that I have the  skills and expertise to successfully fulfill your job needs...

The enclosed resume details my proven track record in a similar position, some key points you may find relevant include:

My previous work experience has equipped me with the skills and knowledge you are looking for,  in particular ....

This position will utilize my extensive experience in ....

I am confident that I will make an immediate and valuable contribution to your company, my credentials for this job include:

As a results-driven professional I believe I am well suited to this job, highlights of my achievements include the following :

5 cover letter intro examples that get the results you want

Here are 5 effective ways to start your cover letter when you are submitting a job application..

1. Introduce yourself in a professional manner

Let the employer know you are a serious and well qualified candidate for the job by introducing yourself in a direct and straightforward way.

2. Introduce yourself with enthusiasm and conviction

Emphasize  your genuine interest in the position and the company and state your confidence that you are an excellent candidate for the job.

3. Focus on your suitability for the job opportunity

Why are you a good match for the job? Let the company know what you can offer them in this position.

4. Articulate your passion for the job

Employers seek individuals who show genuine passion for the work they are doing. Combined with the right skills, passion is a top driver of success in a job.

5. What makes you the best candidate for the job? 

Use your cover letter intro to differentiate yourself from the competition. Start with a relevant and impressive accomplishment or skill that puts you ahead of the pack.

Once you have grabbed the reader's attention with a powerful cover letter intro, the next step is to maintain interest and create the desire to learn more about you.

This is achieved in the body of your cover letter which brings attention to the skills, knowledge, expertise, achievements, qualifications and experience that make you a successful candidate for this specific position. It is a concise and compelling summary of what makes you the right job candidate.

You can use the structure of this cover letter template to help you with this next step.

In addition we have over 50 sample cover letters for different jobs that you can easily adapt for your own use.

Closing your cover letter

How you close your cover letter is as important as how you start it.

It is essential to end with the right message and ensure the reader takes action and continues on to read your resume with serious interest.

Find out how to close a cover letter strongly with good examples.

Everything you need to write a powerful cover letter

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Gain a good understanding of the job requirements

In order to write an effective cover letter intro it is essential that you have a clear understanding of the job opportunity. Use these complete job descriptions to help you with this.

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Letter of Introduction Examples and Writing Tips

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

Types of Introduction Letters

Tips for writing a letter of introduction, letter of introduction examples, letter introducing two people, letter introducing yourself, more introduction letter examples, related types of letters.

Sam Edwards / Getty Images

Do you need to write a letter introducing yourself to a prospective employer, a networking contact, or a potential new client? A well-written letter of introduction can result in a valuable relationship, and help you find a new job or acquire a new client. Learn why and how to send a letter, email, or LinkedIn message introducing yourself, so that you can make the best possible impression on the reader.

Surveys report that 70% to 80% (some even as high as 85%) of job seekers say that networking has helped them find a new job. However, this doesn’t mean that every networking success story involves a direct connection. Sometimes, it’s less about who you know, and more about who your friends know. A letter of introduction is one way to forge a new connection.

There are two types of letters of introduction.

• In the first type, you introduce a connection to someone else you know . That someone might be a potential candidate for employment, or someone looking for career assistance.
• In the other type of letter of introduction, you write to someone you haven’t met . You introduce yourself to ask them for a  job referral  or  request assistance with a job search .

A letter of introduction can be a useful way to network and gain job search advice, or even possibly a job opportunity.

The most important tip to remember when writing a letter of introduction is to keep it short and to the point. The person you are contacting is a busy professional, and you want to get his or her attention right away.

Use a Professional Tone

When writing your letter, make sure the tone matches your relationship. If you are close friends, you can write in a slightly less formal style. However, if you are introducing yourself for the first time, make sure your letter is extremely professional.

Mention Who You're Introducing

First, include a quick introduction that explains who you are, or a short synopsis of the person you are introducing.

Explain Why You're Writing

Then, briefly describe what you would like to accomplish by sending your letter. Does the other person wish to apply for a job opening? Are you hoping to set up an  informational interview  for yourself? Be as clear as possible.

Share Your Contact Information

Conclude with a description of how the recipient of the letter can either get in touch with you or the third party. Make it as easy as possible for the recipient to respond.

Proofread and Edit

Whether or not you are already acquainted, be sure to thoroughly edit and proofread your letter before sending it.

In many cases, the letter can be sent via email, because that's the quickest and easiest way to connect.

This is a letter of introduction example for introducing two people. Download the letter of introduction template (compatible with Google Docs and Word) or see below for more examples.

The Balance

This letter is written as an introduction to connect two people, and is typically sent to someone you know well.

Letter of Introduction Example: Introducing Two People

Barbara Nygaard 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-212-1234 barbara.nygaard@email.com

April 11, 2022

Bob Smith Talent Evaluation Acme Recruiting 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

I'm writing to introduce you to Janice Dolan, who I have the pleasure of being acquainted with through the Brandon Theater Group. I am the Technical Director for the group, as you know, and I have worked with Janice on several local theater projects. She is a terrific stage manager with over ten years of experience.

Janice is interested in relocating to the San Francisco area in the near future and would appreciate any recommendations you could offer her for conducting a job search for a theater position and any help you can provide with the logistics of relocating to California.

I've attached her resume for your review, and you can contact her at janicedolan@email.com or 555-555-5555. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Barbara Nygaard

This letter is an example of a letter written to introduce yourself.

Letter of Introduction Example Introducing Yourself

Subject: Introduction From Katherine Sussman

Dear Mr. Randall,

My name is Katherine Sussman, and I am currently a recruitment associate for XYZ Recruiting. I have been working as a recruiter for the past three years.

I am interested in moving from recruitment work in a large corporation to internal recruitment for a nonprofit. I used to work in development for ABC Nonprofit and would love to bring my current skills to a similar nonprofit. I know you do this kind of work for Sunshine Nonprofit, and I would appreciate hearing a bit about your experience in this field. I would love to arrange a time to meet with you for an informational interview.

I have attached my resume for your review. If you have time for a brief conversation, please let me know. You can contact me via email (ksussman@email.com) or phone (555-555-5555). I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much.

Katherine Sussman

Here's more information on introducing yourself, including how to introduce yourself in an email, and tips for saying thank you for an introduction.

• How to Introduce Yourself in an Email
• Sample Thank-You Letter for an Introduction
• Tips for Writing a Letter Requesting Career Advice

People often confuse a letter of introduction with other types of job search letters:

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume and other job application materials. Your cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume. Sometimes, you’ll mention a referral from a mutual acquaintance who told you about the job or passed on the hiring manager’s name. The letter explains why you are qualified for the specific job for which you are applying.

A referral letter is a letter you write to someone you don’t know following a lead by a mutual acquaintance. In the letter, you would begin by mentioning your common contact, and then make your request—perhaps you are applying to a job they have available, or you are looking to conduct an informational interview or learn about career opportunities.

A letter of recommendation is a letter written by someone who is familiar with your academic work or your job skills and can endorse your candidacy for a position. The letter would be addressed to the admission officer, department head, or hiring manager, and would include specific skills and experiences that highlight your suitability for the position you’re applying to.

Key Takeaways

• A letter of introduction can forge a new connection. Use these letters to introduce yourself to a potential new client or employer, or to do the same for one of your contacts.
• Keep your letter concise and to the point. The reader is a busy professional. State your purpose early on.
• Consider sending your introduction via email. If time is of the essence, emailing your note can help make an introduction quickly.
• Edit and proofread before sending. Even if you know the recipient well, make sure your letter is perfect before you mail or send it.

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How to Introduce Yourself in a Cover Letter

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Example of a Letter of Recommendation for a Junior Employee

How to email a letter of interest for a job, writing a cover letter for a general manager position.

• How to Send a Letter After Not Getting a Job
• The Best Hooks in Cover Letters

The cover letter introduces your resume document when you apply for a job. You want to start with a strong introduction that effectively makes the letter interesting enough for screening and selecting officials at companies to continue reading. Employers may get dozens of responses from job seekers about a single advertised job, making the hiring process very competitive between applicants. Properly and professionally introducing yourself in the cover letter can help you stand out in a sometimes crowded labor market.

Attention-Grabber Sentence

Start your cover letter by introducing yourself with an opening sentence about your qualifications. Hiring managers sometimes write job advertisements that state the minimum number of years of verifiable work experience before giving applicants further consideration.

For example, a staff-accountant job opening might require one to three years of experience. A job seeker might use the following grabber sentence: "I bring to the table ten years of accounting and auditing experience as a Certified Public Accountant." Try to honestly introduce yourself as more than the ideal or typical candidate, but don't just repeat the information on your resume, says CareerOneStop .

Reason for Contact

You don't want to make managers guess why you are contacting the company. Include the name of the advertised job opening as well as any requisition or other identifying numbers in the first sentence, like the following: "I was excited to come across your company's advertised job opening for medical assistants, Requisition#: A1B2C3."

Demonstrate your enthusiasm and serious interest in the job, along with these precise details. Also, consider that your cover letter and resume may not go directly to the hiring manager. Instead, your documents might get screened by HR specialists, who may not be as familiar with the opportunity.

Source of Job Lead

Employers often want to know how you heard about job opportunities with their companies. Job leads don't all come from advertisements. Referrals, word-of-mouth and networking are useful job-search tools, as well. Use name-dropping as you introduce yourself in the cover letter: "John Deerfield is a project manager at ABC Company, and he referred me to a potential job opening at your company. I was his project coordinator for years and we worked well together." If the hiring manager knows your reference, this technique could help your resume rise to the top of the pile.

Value to the Company

Companies want to know what benefits and value they can bring to the organization. Hiring managers aren't selfish – they have business goals they have to meet, and they need employees that can help in this endeavor. In the first paragraph of the cover letter, truthfully introduce yourself as an expert in your field, with many accomplishments and awards: "I am known as the Microsoft Excel guru. I have published many tutorials about how companies can use this spreadsheet application to automate business office functions and drive down costs."

Use the paragraphs that follow to provide evidence and talk about one or two key skills that support your claims, says Glassdoor . There are many cover letter about yourself examples, cover letter formats and cover letter templates available online to help you get started.

• Career One Stop: Cover Letter Template
• Glass Door: How to Write a Cover Letter
• The Ladders: Getting Your Cover Letter Noticed

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A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself

• Andrea Wojnicki

Think: present, past, future.

Many of us dread the self-introduction, be it in an online meeting or at the boardroom table. Here is a practical framework you can leverage to introduce yourself with confidence in any context, online or in-person: Present, past, and future. You can customize this framework both for yourself as an individual and for the specific context. Perhaps most importantly, when you use this framework, you will be able to focus on others’ introductions, instead of stewing about what you should say about yourself.

You know the scenario. It could be in an online meeting, or perhaps you are seated around a boardroom table. The meeting leader asks everyone to briefly introduce themselves. Suddenly, your brain goes into hyperdrive. What should I say about myself?

You start ruminating about previous self-introductions when you got tongue-tied, when you forgot to mention something important, or worse, when you rambled on for too long. Then, you realize you’re not listening to what the others are sharing. If there was a quiz on everyone’s name, you would fail.

The stress associated with introducing yourself is common and not without warrant. Everyone’s eyes and ears are on you. It’s easy to mess up. On the other hand, self-introductions are the most direct way to reinforce your desired personal brand. And they can be easy to do.

The secret is using a simple framework: Present, past, and future.

Start with a present-tense statement to introduce yourself:

Hi, I’m Ashley and I’m a software engineer. My current focus is optimizing customer experience.

Nice to meet you all. My name is Michael and I’m the creative director. I work in the Brooklyn office.

Of course, what you share will depend on the situation and on the audience. If you are not sure what to share, your name and job title is a great place to start. If there’s an opportunity to elaborate, you can also share other details such as a current project, your expertise, or your geographical location.

The second part of your introduction is past tense. This is where you can add two or three points that will provide people with relevant details about your background. It is also your opportunity to establish credibility. Consider your education and other credentials, past projects, employers, and accomplishments.

My background is in computer science. Before joining this team, I worked with big data to identify insights for our clients in the health care industry.

I’ve been at the firm for eight years. Most recently, I worked on the Alpha Financial account, where last year’s campaign won us a Webby award.

The third and last part in this framework is future-oriented. This is your opportunity to demonstrate enthusiasm for what’s ahead. If you’re in a job interview, you could share your eagerness about opportunities at the firm. If you’re in a meeting, you could express interest in the meeting topic. If you’re kicking off a project with a new team, you could talk about how excited you are, or share your goals for the project.

I’m honored to be here. This project is a significant opportunity for all of us.

I’m excited to work with you all to solve our clients’ biggest challenges!

That’s it for the self-introduction framework. Present, past, future. Eloquent and effective. By using this approach, you’ll not only introduce yourself better, but it also frees you from ruminating on what you’ll say when it’s your turn to introduce yourself and allows you to listen when others introduce themselves. You will also make it easy for the person who introduces themselves after you, since you’ll conclude your self-introduction with positive enthusiasm.

The next time you’re in a meeting and someone says, “Let’s go around the table and introduce ourselves,” you know what to do. Take a slow, deep breath, and think, “Present, past, future.” Then smile and listen to everyone else until it’s your turn. You got this!

• Andrea Wojnicki , MBA, DBA, is an executive communication coach and founder of Talk About Talk, a multi-media learning resource to help executives improve their communication skills.

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