Customizable Opening Paragraphs for Cover Letters for College Students and New Grads

When it comes to cover letters, have you got writer’s block? Do you feel that if you could just start the letter, you’d be OK?

Help is here in the form of a collection of customizable opening paragraphs for cover letters. Following each customizable opening paragraph, you’ll find a sample paragraph with the blanks filled in. This set of 34 customizable opening paragraphs is for cover letters for use by college students and new graduates.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #1: As a [type of student] at the [name of college, university] with a(n) [type of background] background and experience as a [name of position], I have much to contribute to [name of employer or program]. The experience I gained in [executing an action relevant to the targeted position], provided me with a combination of strong [type of skill] and [type of skill] skills while fueling my interest in [name of field] and [name of field]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As a graduate student at the Moore School of Business of the University of South Carolina with an entrepreneurial background and experience as a financial consultant, I have much to contribute to Quaker’s Supply Chain Senior Associate Rotational Program. The experience I gained in starting my own business while pursuing my undergraduate degree, provided me with a combination of strong communication and teamwork skills while fueling my interest in supply chain design and management.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #2: My training in [name of field] and experience in the [name of industry] industry parallels the requirements of [name of employer or program]. I have recently graduated from [name of college, university], and I am eager to put my education to work in [name of field]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My training in marketing and experience in the banking industry parallels the requirements of Bank of America’s Consumer Banker Associate Program. I have recently graduated from North Carolina State University, and I am eager to put my education to work in banking.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #3: My education, along with my experience as a [name of position(s)], will enable me to contribute significantly at [name of employer]. Please consider this letter as an initial application for a position as a [name of position]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My education, along with my experience as a research assistant and laboratory assistant, would enable me to contribute significantly at Chemerica Corp. Please consider this letter as an initial application for a position as a research chemist.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #4: As a graduating senior from [name of college, university], I am seeking a position in your [name of department] department where I can make a positive contribution to your firm. My strong professional and school-related [type of experience] experience has convinced me that this industry is the one in which I can add value when I graduate in [graduation month]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As a graduating senior from Franklin and Marshall College, I am seeking a position in your marketing communications department where I can make a positive contribution to your firm. My strong professional and school-related public-relations experience has convinced me that this industry is the one in which I can add value when I graduate in June.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #5: Having graduated from [name of college, university] this [graduation month] with a degree in [name of major] and worked in [description of job or internship experience], I am confident that I offer the preparation and skills required to meet your needs. Please accept this letter and my enclosed resume as application for the [name of position] position [how you earned of the vacancy]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Having graduated from Princeton University this May with a degree in psychology and worked in an internship at the Psychological Research Foundation, I am confident that I offer the preparation and skills required to meet your needs. Please accept this letter and my enclosed resume as application for the research analyst position that was posted on the Psychological Research Foundation’s job announcement board.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #6: I’m interested in bringing the fresh insights of a new [name of major] graduate to the advertised position of [name of position]. I recently graduated with a [name of degree] degree in [name of major] from [name of college, university]. My senior research thesis centered around [subject of thesis]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I’m interested in bringing the fresh insights of a new psychology graduate to the advertised position of assistant director of consumer affairs. I recently graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Northwestern University. My senior research thesis centered around consumer behavior in urban populations.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #7: I recently learned that [name of employer] seeks a(n) [characteristics of person sought] person, capable of [characteristics of person sought]. I am eager for a career in [name of field] and am interested in discussing with you how my skills would be of value to your organization. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I recently learned that Accenture seeks an energetic and dynamic person, capable of thinking creatively, who also possesses some powerful experience in business and finance. I am eager for a career in management consulting and am interested in discussing with you how my skills would be of value to your organization.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #8: I read with great interest of the [activity you learned of] and your need for [title of needed employees]. As a new college graduate with a [name of degree] degree in [name of major] and considerable [type of experience] experience, I would be an excellent [name of position]. It’s my drive and determination that especially make me stand out. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I read with great interest of the work you are doing in your lab and your need for project managers. As a new college graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and considerable lab experience, I would be an excellent project manager. It’s my drive and determination that especially make me stand out.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #9: I have long admired [name of employer]’s practice of [employer practice you admire]. In fact, it was with [name of employer] in mind that I became a [name of major] major. I will graduate [timeframe] and am prepared to bring my [type of skill], [type of skill], and [type of skill] skills to [name of employer]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I have long admired New World’s practice of hiring graduates with solid liberal-arts backgrounds for management trainee positions. In fact, it was with New World in mind that I became a philosophy major. I will graduate next month and am prepared to bring my critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communications skills to New World’s management-trainee program.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #10: I was very excited to learn that [company] seeks a [title]. With my education, experience, and enthusiasm for [subject matter], I am convinced that I would be a valuable asset to your [type of team] team. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I was very excited to learn that Pfizer seeks a research assistant. With my education, experience, and enthusiasm for research, I am convinced that I would be a valuable asset to your research team.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #11: My extensive qualifications in [type(s) of experience], coupled with my strong educational background, would enable me to make a valuable contribution in a [name of position] capacity with your firm. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My extensive qualifications in sales, customer service, and public relations, coupled with my strong educational background, would enable me to make a valuable contribution in a pharmaceutical sales representative capacity with your firm.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #12: Both my education and work experience qualify me for the opening at [name of employer] for a [name of position] that you are advertising on your web site. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Both my education and work experience qualify me for the opening at MPA for a materials control analyst that you are advertising on your web site.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #13: My practical experience in [type of experience], gained through [position through which experience was gained], makes me a genuine asset to [name of employer] in a [name of position] position. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My practical experience in international trading between China and other countries, gained through an internship with US Asia Commercial Development Corporation, makes me a genuine asset to Peregrine/Asia International Development Corporation in a trade analyst position.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #14: I am writing to express my interest in a [name of position] position with your firm. I am very impressed by the significant responsibilities your company offers and its ample opportunities to excel as an entrepreneurial, achievement-oriented type of person. More importantly to me, your firm’s philosophy is particularly well-suited to my background. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am writing to express my interest in an Equity Research Analyst position with your firm. I am very impressed by the significant responsibilities your company offers and its ample opportunities to excel as an entrepreneurial, achievement-oriented type of person. More importantly to me, your firm’s philosophy is particularly well-suited to my background.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #15: The combination of my education and relevant experience offer me the unique opportunity to make a positive contribution as a [name of position] at [name of employer]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

The combination of my education and relevant experience offer me the unique opportunity to make a positive contribution as a marketing assistant at Sherwin-Williams.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #16: My education and exceptional [type of skills] skills have provided me with the tools to help propel your [type of business] to even greater success. I am relocating to your area [timeframe] and would like to bring my strong [type of skills] skills in the [name of field] field to your fine organization in a [name of position] position. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My education and exceptional customer-service skills have provided me with the tools to help propel your hotel to even greater success. I am relocating to your area at the end of June and would like to bring my strong skills in the hospitality field to your fine organization in a front-desk position.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #17: There is nothing quite like [doing something unique that relates to the targeted position]. That’s the unique angle that I, as a recent [name of major] graduate, would bring to the [name of position] position you currently have open. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

There is nothing quite like bringing a historical perspective to solve New York’s contemporary urban challenges. That’s the unique angle that I, as a recent history graduate, would bring to the legislative analyst position you currently have open.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #18: I was so excited when I learned that [upcoming action by the employer] and plan to hire a [name of position]. What a wonderful idea! I am graduating from [name of college, university] in [timeframe] and would like to be considered for the [name of position] position. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I was so excited when I learned that you plan to install murals in all the public areas of the Eastwood Mall and plan to hire a full-time muralist for the project’s duration. What a wonderful idea! I am graduating from Florida Atlantic University in six weeks and would like to be considered for the muralist position.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #19: A comprehensive understanding of [subject matter] that comes from my coursework in [name of major and/or type of studies] at the [name of college, university] qualifies me well for the [name of position] position that was recently posted on the [name of employer] Website. Along with my resume, I’m sending you some recent work and [type of samples] samples. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

A comprehensive understanding of production for printed materials that comes from my coursework in graphic design and digital arts at the Rhode Island School of Design qualifies me well for the graphic designer position that was recently posted on the GraphiCom/RI Website. Along with my resume, I’m sending you some recent work and print samples.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #20: As a nearly degreed professional in the [name of field] field, I am eager to provide my skills and qualifications to the [name of employer] in the name of position] position you recently advertised. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As a nearly degreed professional in the athletic training field, I am eag r to provide my skill and quali ic tions to the Sun Kings professional volleyball team in the assistant athletic trainer position you recently advertised.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #21: My pending degree in [name of major], along with my [description of skill/talent] would enable me to add value to a position as a [name of position] with [name of employer]. My talent for [description of skill/talent] will be exceptionally useful in a [name of position] position. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My pending degree in English, along with my solid ability to express myself persuasively verbally and in writing would enable me to add value to a position as a seminar trainer with Pinnacle. My talent for adapting language for various audiences and presenting material freshly and effectively will be exceptionally useful in a trainer position.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #22: I am applying for the position of [name of position] advertised on [source of job posting]. This position seems tailor-made for my education, experience, and career interests, and I am ready to augment your organization’s team with my [characteristic], [characteristic], and [characteristic]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am applying for the position of assistant director of management information systems advertised on Careerbuilder. This position seems tailor-made for my education, experience, and career interests, and I am ready to augment your organization’s team with my enthusiasm, industry savvy, and work ethic.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #23: When I read your ad for a [name of position], I couldn’t help noticing how well the requirements align with my education, experience, and skills. I will graduate from [name of university, college] in [timeframe] with a major in [name of major] and a minor in [name of minor] — a perfect combination for selling [name of employer’s product] to the [employer’s clientele]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

When I read your ad for a sales representative, I couldn’t help noticing how well the requirements align with my education, experience, and skills. I will graduate from Virginia Tech in two months with a major in information technology and a minor in marketing ‘ a perfect combination for selling Datamatic software to the health-care industry.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #24: As a [name of major] major with practical experience and strong [type of skills] skills, I am confident that I will make a successful addition to your [type of team] team. Upon learning about [name of employer], I immediately concluded your firm would be an excellent venue in which to apply my [type of skills] and [type of skills] skills in the [name of field] field. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As a chemical engineering major with practical experience and strong technical skills, I am confident that I will make a successful addition to your engineering team. Upon learning about Bombardier, I immediately concluded your firm would be an excellent venue in which to apply my creative and problem-solving skills in the aerospace and transportation field.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #25: I would like to use my exceptional knowledge of [subject matter] to make a valuable contribution in the [entity within employer] at [employer]. I am a recent graduate of [name of college, university], where I earned a [name of degree] degree in [name of major] and [accomplishment while in college]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I would like to use my exceptional knowledge of polymers to make a valuable contribution in the polymer chemistry research lab at PolyChem. I am a recent graduate of California State Polytechnic University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and won a national undergraduate research prize for my paper, ‘Effectiveness and Physical/Chemical Compatibility of Plastics Additives.’

Customizable Opening Paragraph #26: I have a wealth of skills and talents to offer with regard to the [name of position] position you currently have open. I will graduate in [timeframe] with a [name of degree] degree in [name of major] from [name of college, university], and I am eager to put my attributes to work for you [name of employer]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I have a wealth of skills and talents to offer with regard to the editorial assistant position you currently have open. I will graduate in July with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Florida State University, and I am eager to put my attributes to work for you on DataView magazine.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #27: I am writing to apply for a [type of position] position at [name of employer]. I will graduate in [timeframe] with a [name of degree] degree in [name of major] from [name of college, university]. My coursework has emphasized [relevant subject matter area(s) of coursework]. However, I offer far more than the typical new graduate in that I have significant work experience in [type of experience]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am writing to apply for a research position at AmpleGro Seed Company. I will graduate in December with a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My coursework has emphasized crop protection, plant genetics, entomology, effective communication (written and spoken), statistical methods in agricultural research, plant pathology and physiology, and agricultural economics. However, I offer far more than the typical new graduate in that I have significant work experience in agricultural methods.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #28: As a [career-related characterization of yourself], I was [characterization of how you felt about what you learned about employer] to read about [name of employer]’s recent [employer’s accomplishment]. I am extremely excited that, as a soon-to-be graduate in [name of major] from the [name of college, university], I am about to make my mark in the world of [name of field]. I would most like to contribute to the [type of team] team at [name of employer]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As a life-long animal lover, I was touched and inspired to read about VetMed’s recent success with medications to alleviate arthritis in dogs. I am extremely excited that, as a soon-to-be graduate in biology from the University of Tennessee, I am about to make my mark in the world of veterinary pharmaceutical research. I would most like to contribute to the research and development team at VetMed.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #29: I am in search of a job that will put my education to the grindstone. Because I’m always [executing an action relevant to targeted job] in my field of [name of field], I seek an opportunity to enhance the success of a team that’s [executing actions that indicate a good fit with your interests]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am in search of a job that will put my education to the grindstone. Because I’m always coming up with creative ideas in my field of chemistry/biochemistry, I seek an opportunity to enhance the success of a team that’s working on new products, ideas, or challenging research.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #30: I am interested in speaking with you regarding a [name of position] position with your firm. Both my employment experience and my education in [subject-matter area(s)] have prepared me well to make a significant contribution to your organization. As a new graduate in [name of major(s)] from [name of college, university], I have gained a great deal of knowledge that will enhance your firm’s success. In addition to my [relevant type of courses] courses, I have acquired skills in [subject-matter area(s)]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am interested in speaking with you regarding an accounting position with your firm. Both my employment experience and my education in accounting and finance have prepared me well to make a significant contribution to your organization. As a new graduate in accounting and finance from the University of Massachusetts, I have gained a great deal of knowledge that will enhance your firm’s success. In addition to my accounting courses, I have acquired skills in balance sheets, income statements, most types of financial statements, and working capital management.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #31: A [type of position] position at your [type of workplace] has long been a goal of mine. Now that I’ve earned my [name of degree in name of major], I’m eager to apply for a position on your [type of team] team. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

A teaching position at your school has long been a goal of mine. Now that I’ve earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Teacher Education, I’m eager to apply for a position on your teaching team.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #32: Ever since I earned my [name of degree] in [name of major] from [name of college, university] [timeframe], I’ve wanted to work at [name of company]. Your sterling reputation in the [name of industry] community makes a position at your firm appealing to me as I start my [name of occupation] career. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Ever since I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from St. Louis University six months ago, I’ve wanted to work at Sun Microsystems. Your sterling reputation in the software community makes a position at your firm appealing to me as I start my software-development career.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #33: As an upcoming college graduate, I seek a position [description of position] in a [type of setting] setting in which I can use my exceptional [type of skill] skills and understanding of [subject matter] to have an impact on [clients or recipients of employer’s product/service]. As a [name of position], I will [execute an action relevant to the position]. Past employers can attest that I have particularly strong [type of skill] skills. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As an upcoming college graduate, I seek a position teaching history/social studies in a private-school setting in which I can use my exceptional communication skills and understanding of other cultures to have an impact on middle-school-level students. As a teacher, I will enthusiastically give as much to my students as I will learn from them. Past employers can attest that I have particularly strong interpersonal skills.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #34: Your employee, [name of referral person], suggested I contact you about a [type of position] position with [name of employer]. As a [year in school] student expecting a [name of degree] degree in [name of major] from [name of college, university], I am ready to make a meaningful contribution to the [name of employer] team. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Your employee, Jennifer Fiester, suggested I contact you about a programming position with Procter & Gamble. As a senior student expecting a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Syrcause University, I am ready to make a meaningful contribution to the P&G team.

Customizable Opening Paragraphs for Cover Letters for College Students and New Grads

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