Customizable Opening Paragraphs for Cover Letters: Invited Letters

When it comes to how to write a cover letter, have you got writer’s block? Do you feel that if you just knew how to start the letter, you’d be OK? If so, help is here.

To help you learn how to write a cover letter, we’ve created a collection of customizable opening paragraphs to help you get started. Following each customizable opening paragraph, you’ll find a sample paragraph with the blanks filled in to show you how it’s done.

As you learn how to write a cover letter, you’ll learn how to speak to the requirements in the job ad. You can offer the employer relevant information about your background by studying the job ad. All of the requirements are all spelled out in the ad. Don’t forget that learning how to write a cover letter is only half the battle. To get the job you want, you’ll also have to learn how to write a resume that will wow recruiters.

To get started on your cover letter, review the opening paragraph samples below:

Customizable Opening Paragraph #1:
I am applying for the position of [name of position], in which my combination of [field of training] training and [type of experience] experience will add value to your operations. You will gain from my strong [type of experience] background, which includes a [name of degree] degree in [name of major], coupled with experience in [executing an action relevant to the targeted position]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am applying for the position of Marketing Assistant, in which my combination of marketing training and management experience will add value to your operations. You will gain from my strong retail background, which includes a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing, coupled with experience in sales support.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #2:
When I read your ad for a(n) [name of position] for your [name of entity within employer’s organization], I couldn’t help noticing how well your requirements align with my experience, education, skills, and background. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

When I read your ad for a Business Partner Representative for your Strategic Planning and Business Development group, I couldn’t help noticing how well your requirements align with my experience, education, skills, and background.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #3:
I am responding to an opening advertised for a(n) [name of position] in your [name of department]. My professional approach and training will provide your department with a proficient [name of position]. I am extremely interested in contributing as a part of the team at [name of employer]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am responding to an opening advertised for an Accounting Clerk in your Finance Department. My professional approach and training will provide your department with a proficient clerk. I am extremely interested in contributing as a part of the team at Saxon University.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #4:
I am interested in speaking with you regarding a(n) [name of position] with your firm. My [type(s) of experience] experience, as well as my [name of certification] certification, have prepared me well to make a significant contribution to your organization. I have specialized in [name of specialty] in my previous employment and am well equipped to bring my expertise to your firm. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am interested in speaking with you regarding an accounting position with your firm. My accounting and academic experience, as well as my CPA certification, have prepared me well to make a significant contribution to your organization. I have specialized in taxation in my previous employment and am well equipped to bring my expertise to your firm.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #5:
My solid experience in serving the [type of needs] needs of [type of people you’ve served] would enable me to make a significant contribution to the [name of position] position you are currently advertising. My background in the [name of industry] industry further bolsters my qualifications, I am extremely adept, for example, at [executing an important responsibility of the targeted position]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My solid experience in serving the administrative needs of high-level executives in a fast-paced environment would enable me to make a significant contribution to the administrative assistant position you are currently advertising. My background in the travel industry further bolsters my qualifications in that I am extremely adept at making optimal travel arrangements for executives.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #6:
I’m excited by the possibility of joining the [name of employer] as your [name of position]. I hope this brief account of my experience intrigues you as well. Here’s how I can contribute. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I’m excited by the possibility of joining the Montgomery Technology Outreach Program as your Customer Service Representative. I hope this brief account of my experience intrigues you as well. Here’s how I can contribute:

Customizable Opening Paragraph #7:
I am convinced that I am one of the [quote from the job posting you’re responding to that describes type of candidate employer seeks] that you seek. As a [name of position] with [type of experience] experience and strong [type of skills] skills, I am confident that I would make a successful addition to the [name of employer] team as a [name of position]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am convinced that I am one of the “highly motivated, pioneering individuals interested making an impact in sciences internationally” that you seek. As a researcher with academic experience and strong problem-solving skills, I am confident that I would make a successful addition to the Genome Institute of Sausalito research team as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Comparative Genomics.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #8:
You would have to look far and wide to find someone who could bring as much enthusiasm, energy, and creativity as I could to the position of [name of position] at [name of employer]. I have exemplified my commitment to [execute an action described as a requirement in the targeted job posting] by having [example of how you have met the described requirement]. [sentence that demonstrates your understanding of the employer’s mission]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

You would have to look far and wide to find someone who could bring as much enthusiasm, energy, and creativity as I could to the position of Dance Teacher at the Miami School of Arts. I have exemplified my commitment to invest in building the Miami School of Arts as an institution by having worked in communities as an arts educator, where I have witnessed firsthand that creative learning environments in which the arts are at the core bring people together, stimulate feelings and emotions, and generate dialogue. I have seen the arts encourage, empower, heal, and restore neighborhoods, communities, and schools, rejuvenating them and bringing them to life.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #9:
My [number of years] years of [type of experience] experience with [type of projects] projects, make me exactly the kind of value-added employee you need in the [name of position] position you are advertising. My fresh and innovative [type of skills] skills, along with total proficiency in [types of software], will enable me to contribute significantly to your team. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My four years of design experience with Web-related design projects, make me exactly the kind of value-added employee you need in the graphic-artist position you are advertising. My fresh and innovative design skills, along with total proficiency in all the major design-related software applications, will enable me to contribute significantly to your team.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #10:
My knack for [executing an action expected of someone in the targeted position], coupled with more than [number of years] years of [kind of experience] experience, make me an ideal candidate for the [name of position] position you advertised [place where position is advertised]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My knack for interacting with people, coupled with more than five years of nursing experience, make me an ideal candidate for the director of nursing position you advertised on the MiracleWorkers.com Web site.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #11:
Having contributed my skills in [type of organizations] organizations, I know how valuable good employees are. All organizations, after all, have access to the same information, the same suppliers, and the same consumers. The organization that differentiates itself through [executing actions that contribute to a company’s success] is the best equipped to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. My desire to contribute to [name of employer]’s competitive edge has motivated me to apply my outgoing personality, enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience to the [name of position] position you are currently advertising. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Having contributed my skills in service-based organizations, I know how valuable good employees are. All organizations, after all, have access to the same information, the same suppliers, and the same consumers. The organization that differentiates itself through effective recruiting, retention, training, and managing its people is the best equipped to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. My desire to contribute to BrightHouse Network’s competitive edge has motivated me to apply my outgoing personality, enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience to the Human Resources Director position you are currently advertising.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #12:
I was excited to learn that [name of company] is seeking a [name of position]. With my strong and diverse [type of experience] background, I am convinced that I would be a valuable asset to your [think tank, research and development, or other type of team] team. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I was excited to learn that Amazon is seeking an R&D Director. With my strong and diverse [type of experience] background, I am convinced that I would be a valuable asset to your research and development team.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #13:
The parallels between the [name of position] position you are currently advertising and the one I hold as [name of current position] for [name of current employer] are striking and qualify me well to bring my talents to your firm. Having excelled as the indispensable “right arm” of the [title of supervisor] in my current position, I am ready to bring my skills to your firm. You’ll find that I am extremely adept at [executing action(s) relevant to the targeted job]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

The parallels between the administrative assistant position you are currently advertising and the one I hold as regional coordinator for Comcast are striking and qualify me well to bring my talents to your firm. Having excelled as the indispensable “right arm” of the Branch Manager in an environment requiring confidentiality and discretion, I am ready to bring my skills to your firm. You’ll find that I am extremely adept at keeping all the balls in the air while juggling multiple projects and retaining my sense of humor.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #14:
The details of your [ad or job posting] suggest to me that the [name of position] position will involve many of the same functions that I perform in my current position with [name of current employer]. Although I have enjoyed considerable success and consistent promotions in this position, [reason for seeking a new job]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

The details of your job posting suggest to me that the office manager position will involve many of the same functions that I perform in my current position with Blackwell Professional & Technical Services. Although I have enjoyed considerable success and consistent promotions in this position, the firm is moving out of state, and I am unable to relocate.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #15:
I would like to be considered for the [name of position] position you are advertising at [name of employer]. Your [ad or job posting] particularly details the core requirements of my position at [name of employer], a [type of job function] role in which I have enjoyed great success. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I would like to be considered for the General Manager position you are advertising at Seagate Systems. Your job posting particularly details the core requirements of my position at Herman, Hayes, and Frankman, a management role in which I have enjoyed great success.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #16:
Because I am so impressed by the significant prospects your company offers and its ample opportunities for a visionary, strategy-oriented professional to excel, I am convinced your firm could provide a fit that is productive for both of us in the [name of position] position you are currently advertising. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Because I am so impressed by the significant prospects your company offers and its ample opportunities for a visionary, strategy-oriented professional to excel, I am convinced your firm could provide a fit that is productive for both of us in the Director of Social Media position you are currently advertising.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #17:
I would like to bring my strong [relevant characteristic] and other solid skills in the [name of field] field to your fine [type of workplace] in the [name of position] position you are currently advertising. Though my enclosed resume provides a good overview of my strengths and achievements, I have also listed some of your specific requirements for the position and my applicable skills. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I would like to br ng my stro g ustomer-focused orientation and other solid skills in the hospitality field to your fine establishment in the hotel general manager position you are currently advertising. Though my enclosed resume provides a good overview of my strengths and achievements, I have also listed some of your specific requirements for the position and my applicable skills.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #18:
I am one of the most seasoned producers in the [name of field] field, having served some of the [characteristic of former employers] companies. That’s why I am extremely enthusiastic about the [name of position] position you are currently advertising and how well my experience aligns with it. My qualifications are based on a combination of my [relevant characteristic], [relevant characteristic], [relevant characteristic], and [relevant characteristic]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am one of the most seasoned producers in the pharmaceutical sales field, having served some of the world’s largest pharma companies. That’s why I am extremely enthusiastic about the sales manager position you are currently advertising and how well my experience aligns with it. My qualifications are based on a combination of my sales success, industry knowledge, team-leading abilities, and analytical skills.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #19:
As I read your [ad or job posting] for the vacancy in your [part of company], I knew immediately that I could offer my solid [type of experience] background and interest in [type of subject matter] to the position. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As I read your ad for the vacancy in your Antitrust Division, I knew immediately that I could offer my solid law background and interest in antitrust law to the position.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #20:
The combination of my strong [type of experience] background, relevant experience, and interest in [type of subject matter] offers 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 strong legal background, relevant experience, and interest in human rights offers me the unique opportunity to make a positive contribution as a Legal Officer P-3 at the United Nations.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #21:
As you and your team prepare to [execute an upcoming action], you will be seeking people with good [type of skill] and [type of skill] skills. I am one of those people. In response to your [ad or job posting] on the [name of job board], I am interested in augmenting the team’s operation in a [type of position] capacity. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As you and your team prepare to bring the international 2010 Women’s Softball Jubilee to the Disney Sports Complex, you will be seeking people with good organization and networking skills. I am one of those people. In response to your ad on the Disney Careers Web site, I am interested in augmenting the team’s operation in a management capacity.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #22:
My solid [type of experience] background, along with experience that is identical to what you seek make me an ideal candidate for the [type of position] position you have open. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

My solid photography background, along with experience that is identical to what you seek make me an ideal candidate for the photography position you have open.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #23:
As a highly qualified professional with [type of experience] experience and strong motivation to contribute my talents in [name of field], I am applying for the [name of position] position you are currently advertising. My [type of skill], [type of skill], and [type of skill] skills make me a great candidate. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As a highly qualified professional with international experience and strong motivation to contribute my talents in human resources, I am applying for the Human Resources Manager position you are currently advertising. My communications, language, and interpersonal skills make me a great candidate.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #24:
Your [ad or job posting] for a [name of position] leads me to believe you seek a person with my ability to [execute an action relevant to the targeted position] and [execute an action relevant to the targeted position]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Your ad for a restaurant manager leads me to believe you seek a person with my ability to supervise people and handle multiple tasks while meeting high quality standards and controlling costs.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #25:
At the very instant I read your [ad or job posting] for a [name of position], everything clicked. The description of the job became one with my passion, and I knew the match between me and this job was perfect. I’m ready to make my contribution in an environment where excellence is a given. I accept your challenge; I know I have what it takes, can prove it, and am poised to take my mark and go. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

At the very instant I read your ad for a Merchandising Specialist, everything clicked. The description of the job became one with my passion, and I knew the match between me and this job was perfect. I’m ready to make my contribution in an environment where excellence is a given. I accept your challenge; I know I have what it takes, can prove it, and am poised to take my mark and go.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #26:
I am looking forward to meeting with you to share my enthusiasm for filling your [name of position] vacancy. I am convinced that I am the perfect candidate for this position. My [number of years] of [type of experience] experience has shown me that I have a passion for this kind of work, while my [number of years in adjective form] previous [type of experience] background as a [name of position], provides a solid foundation for contributing my knowledge and skills. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I am looking forward to meeting with you to share my enthusiasm for filling your Pediatric Emergency Room vacancy. I am convinced that I am the perfect candidate for this position. My year of PICU experience has shown me that I have a passion for this kind of work, while my 11-year previous nursing background as a licensed RN, primarily in the OR, provides a solid foundation for contributing my knowledge and skills.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #27:
As a well-rounded, established, experienced [name of position] with [type of skills] skills, as well as with [type of experience] and [type of experience] experience, I am confident in my ability to make a contribution in the position you are advertising for a [name of position] at your [type of workplace]. I am impressed with the [positive characteristic] of the [name of employer], to which I would like to add my world-class background. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As a well-rounded, established, experienced pediatric cardiologist with invasive and non-invasive skills, as well as with research and teaching experience, I am confident in my ability to make a contribution in the position you are advertising for a pediatric cardiologist at your facility. I am impressed with the international reputation of the Department of Pediatrics of Shands Hospital, to which I would like to add my world-class background.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #28:
I offer a wealth of skills and talents to offer with regard to the career-track positions you currently have open. I am eager to put my attributes to work for you at [name of employer]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

I offer a wealth of skills and talents to offer with regard to the career-track positions you currently have open. I am eager to put my attributes to work for you at John Wiley & Sons.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #29:
Words can go only so far in conveying my enthusiasm for the position of [name of position], as advertised on the [name of employer] Web site. What type of person would be successful at this position? I offer you the qualities outlined in the job description, as well as a few more: Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Words can go only so far in conveying my enthusiasm for the position of Site Technician, as advertised on the CCHREI website. What type of person would be successful at this position? I offer you the qualities outlined in the job description, as well as a few more:

Customizable Opening Paragraph #30:
The congruity of your requirements with my [type(s) of background and experience] experience, will assure my success in the position of [name of position] that you are currently advertising. In particular, the following characteristics and abilities should be of interest to you: Sample customized paragraph based on above:

The congruity of your requirements with my specialty field, research, publication, and teaching experience, will assure my success in the position of historian of Islamic art that you are currently advertising. In particular, the following characteristics and abilities should be of interest to you:

Customizable Opening Paragraph #31:
Would you like your [name of position] to be someone who has [executed an action relevant to the targeted position]? Someone who has [type of experience]? Someone with the experience and [characteristic] needed to [execute an action relevant to the targeted position]? Someone with [type of skill]? I have the experience and vision that would enable me to make a real difference to [name of entity within employer’s organization]. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

Would you like your Engineering Center Manager to be someone who has conducted extensive research on the major obstacles to successful careers in engineering? Someone who has a solid applied background as an award-winning, mechanical engineer? Someone with the experience and pedagogical ideas needed to teach engineering skills effectively? Someone with advanced proficiency with computers and CAD? I have the experience and vision that would enable me to make a real difference to the Engineering Center.

Customizable Opening Paragraph #32:
As a degreed professional in [name of degree field/major], I am eager to provide my skills and qualifications to [name of employer] in the [name of position] position you recently advertised. Sample customized paragraph based on above:

As a degreed professional in student personnel services, I am eager to provide my skills and qualifications to Boston College’s School of Communication in the Academic Counselor position you recently advertised.