The introductory sentence is the first sentence of your application. Since it is read first, it determines the first impression and is therefore of particular importance. An original and smart introductory sentence will help you stand out and be remembered by other applicants. Therefore, a lot of sensitivity is required in the introduction to formulate a crisp and convincing introduction.
A good first sentence in your cover letter shows character. It encourages you to read on with your application and radiates determination, self-confidence and passion. You should avoid standard phrases in the introduction. Instead, a personal, individual introduction is important. Finally, it is important to convince employers who often look through hundreds of applications and know these standard phrases well.
What belongs in a good introductory sentence?
The term "introductory sentence" is misleading, because it is not just one sentence. Instead the introduction of the cover letter is about 3 to 4 sentences and maximum 5 lines lang. Formulate this introductory sentence briefly and crisply instead of long and drearily. It must make you want more!
In the introduction you can Be confident And show who you are. After all, you are not asking the employer for a handout, but offering your labor. So name your strongest arguments, to immediately convince of you as a future employee. Form the focus z. B. the following contents:
- Your personality and special aptitude
- Motivation
- Relation to the company
- Special achievements
- Beneficial to the employer
The introductory sentence should primarily individual and appealing its. Think about your profile and your strengths Summarize briefly and meaningfully can. You can elaborate on details in the body of the cover letter or at the interview.
What does not belong in the introductory sentence?
The introductory sentence should catch the reader’s attention and directly whet the reader’s appetite for the rest of the application. But at the same time the introductory sentence must be also offer added value.
Self-evident and obvious things are therefore out of place in the introduction. So here’s what you don’t need to say:
- that you apply
- That you are interested in the job
- That you have read the job advertisement on a job board, on the employer’s website, etc. have found
Also use No trite phrases like z. B. "I hereby apply for the…", "I am very motivated…" or "With much pleasure…".
Passive or negative phrases have no place in the introduction. This also applies to nested sentences. Instead of long sentences with many commas, write several short Main sentences. This comes across as direct, active, confident and helps you to get to the point.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are an absolute no-go in a cover letter. Read your cover letter several times and ask someone to look over it so that no language mistakes creep in.
The introductory sentence must include the Approach employers individually. This way the employer will immediately recognize that it is not a mass application.
It is especially important that Greeting. Instead of "Dear Sir or Madam," start the introductory sentence by addressing your contact person directly, i.e. z. B. "Dear Ms. Sample,".
In terms of content, the introductory sentence should also refer to the company and not too general his. Make a connection to the company so that the employer feels personally addressed.
Tips for individual introductory sentences
Also write the introductory sentence always in active style and use strong verbs. Also use Positive adjectives and adverbs, such as:
- Inspire
- Burn
- Love
- Ideal
- Optimal
- Perfect
- Convincing
- Passionate
- Enthusiastic
- Successful
- Fascinating
The introductory sentence, as well as the rest of the application, should fit in with the corporate culture of the employer. If the tone is generally relaxed, your introduction can be more cheeky.
But even with a casual tone of voice you may however never too casual or colloquial will. Be polite and respectful.
Also the Style should be to the employer fit. Unusual introductory sentences are better received by modern companies. For conservative industries, on the other hand, they are often a no-go.
Writing a good introduction is not so easy. For ideas on clever introductory sentences, see the sections below.
Make a personal connection
A personal connection belies familiarity and appeals to the employer on an emotional level. For example, a successful personal example looks like this:
"For years I have been following with great interest the progress of the automotive industry and the development of electric cars of your company. My fellow students have spoken with great enthusiasm about internships at your company…"
Have you already before the written application personal contact with the employer for example, in a speculative application, you can use it address in the introduction.
Knowing someone in the company personally indicates strong communication skills and creates an direct connection to the employer. Refer you can z. B. on:
- a meeting at a trade fair
- a telephone call
- a personal interview
- an employee of the department
- an internal recommendation
Emphasize your suitability
If your profile exactly meets the requirements, you can jump right in with your experience and qualifications. This is how you immediately show that you are the suitable candidate. For example:
"With excellent English and Spanish skills acquired during my studies and three years of professional experience in tourism with a focus on Latin America, I am the perfect senior travel agent for your agency…"
"Three reasons why I am the perfect candidate. First:… Second:… Third:…"
Emphasize your passion
If you don’t have a lot of experience, but are motivated and passionate, you can approach the score points with emotion and character. For example, like this:
"Since my childhood I have been burning for the hotel industry. After numerous internships in hotels and restaurants, my passion and love for this industry has only grown…"
"Being a fitness trainer has always been my dream. Not only am I a passionate athlete, I’m also on fire about health and nutrition…"
Show your compass of values
Many employers are interested in the attitudes and values of applicants. If your Compass of values to fit the company, you can use it as a hook. For example:
"I have been enthusiastically involved in environmental protection since my school days. The well-being of our planet, people and animals is close to my heart. As an environmental engineer, I would now like to contribute to sustainability…"
Self-confidence always comes in handy
With your application, you offer the employer your skills and a desire to achieve. Be aware of your value and do not play it down. For example, a confident start goes like this:
"They have a need for a reliable and experienced hairdresser who is not only competent, but also able to work under pressure and creatively? This is me! And I’ll bring a lot more to the table…"
"Looking for an experienced, organized, and resilient tax associate, we really need to get to know each other…"
Refer to current events
If you refer to current events that directly affect the company, the employer will immediately feel addressed. In addition, you show that you fit the industry and the company be up to date. For example:
"The Corona crisis has brought multiple challenges for the cultural sector. As an experienced project manager in the cultural sector, I have the necessary expertise to get the model museum through the crisis…"
"I read in a recent newspaper report that you are expanding to France. With my excellent knowledge of French and my experience in marketing, I will be happy to support you in this endeavor…"
Use storytelling
storytelling is an unusual hook that much character shows. But it must also offer real added value. Example:
"Your practice is right across the street from my apartment. This means: if other employees are still on the road, I can be there first thing in the morning and can also step in quickly in an emergency!"
Be provocative
A Shock factor in the introductory sentence Piques interest and encourages further reading. To do this, first create a negative statement and then resolve it positively. Used effectively we z. B. this way:
"I’m not interested in your job ad – I’m burning for it!"
Change the meta-level
A meta-level shift means you’re looking at the application and application process from a other perspective. This method looks creative, unusual and immediately attracts attention. It is important that you continue the rest of the cover letter convincingly.
"This is not an ordinary application. As you can see, it doesn’t start with ‘I hereby apply’. You probably see this sentence dozens of times a day. You know, I’m a fundamentally creative person…"
- Introduction to maximum three sentences and limited to a few lines
- contact person directly addressed
- Content Reference to the company Presented
- No standard phrases, used individual formulations instead
- Active language (adjectives and adverbs) and strong verbs involved
- Short main sentences formulated and avoided long nested sentences
- With an individual introduction Attract attention and curious
- As Hanger the personal profile, the motivation, the experience used
The introduction is only a few sentences long, but must be Be as perfect as possible. Expect this part of the cover letter to take up a lot of time. So you can make the work a little easier:
- Formulate a few different versions, to find the best.
- ask friends or relatives according to their opinion. They may also have good ideas.
- Let the text "rest overnight and look over it with a fresh view the next day. This way you can assess the introduction more objectively or maybe have better ideas.
Examples by applicant group
Introductory sentences for professionals
"Due to my many years of experience and above-average performance as an engineer, I am able to implement construction projects under high performance pressure and optimize processes profitably. With my expertise, I am the optimal addition to your team to contribute to the success of your company and develop it further."
"With my 10 years of experience in after-sales telecommunications customer service, my organizational skills and my passion for customer management, I am ideally suited for the advertised position of Team Leader Sales."
Introductory sentences for students and young professionals
"I have now spent five years at university acquiring numerous skills in the field of business administration. Now I would like to prove myself in practice and support you as an intern in the sales department with words and deeds."
"In three months I will finish my training as a gardener and I can’t wait to start my profession. Why you are the company of my choice? I believe that our concern for the environment and sustainability, as well as our love for nature, unites us."
Introductory sentences for interns
"As a child of migrants, the topic of asylum is very close to my heart. I take every opportunity to advocate for asylum seekers, which is why your projects immediately caught my attention. My practical disposition, my experience as a volunteer in various institutions and my sincere interest make me a perfect fit for your internship program."
"I see my professional future in the health sector, because I am very socially inclined, want to work close to people and am very enthusiastic about nursing and health issues. Currently I am in the 4. In the first semester of my studies in nursing management. An internship at your facility is particularly appealing to me because of the extensive care you offer for the severely disabled."
Introductory sentences for trainees
" You are looking for a dedicated apprentice in wholesale and foreign trade, who works independently and reliably, and is eager to learn and smart? That’s me! I would like to join your team and already have experience through initial internships and part-time jobs in retail."
"Travel and foreign cultures have always been my great passions. I would now like to enter the tourism industry and help travelers make their dream trips come true, and to do this I would like to train as a tourism clerk. My organizational skills, my own international experience, and my communication skills will undoubtedly benefit your company in the process."
Introductory sentences for students
"I am very attracted to the tasks as a junior summer camp leader, as I would like to gain my first work experience and take responsibility for a team. I have shown team spirit and organizational skills in numerous AGs at my school, which is why I am up to the challenge."
"Since I have three younger siblings, I have a lot of experience with small children. Getting along with a kindergarten group will therefore be a piece of cake for me. I am looking forward to supporting the teachers in their daily work, to teach the children a lot and to learn a lot during a student internship in your kindergarten."
Examples by situation
Unsolicited application introduction
"Due to my many years of professional experience as a manager in the publishing industry, your company has long been known to me as a renowned company. I am looking for a new challenge and am therefore submitting an unsolicited application in the field of marketing and sales."
"For years now, I have been following how your company is moving to the top of the industry. I am convinced that you have the potential to take the deserved place as market leader – and offer you my competences and skills as an experienced project manager with focus on product development for this purpose."
Introductory sentences after phone call
"Thank you for the open and friendly phone call last Tuesday. Our conversation has only strengthened my desire to be a part of your team as a janitor, which is why I am now sending you my documents."
"For the pleasant and informative conversation on 24.1.2021 thank you very much. Not only were my questions clarified, it also became apparent that my skills and experience as an office administrator could be applied in your company. Therefore I send you now, as discussed, my documents."
Introductory sentences after personal interview or recommendation
"Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me personally. This has reinforced my desire to be a part of your team. I hope that I have been able to arouse your interest in me as an employee. To emphasize my willingness once again, you will now receive my application documents."
"Ben Beispiel, a current employee in the security department of your company and my friend of many years, has told me enthusiastically about the vision, organization and originality of your company. I would like to follow his recommendation and apply for the open position as Key Account Manager. I am convinced that my knowledge and soft skills make me an ideal employee in this area."
Introductory sentences after email contact
"Thank you very much for your informative reply to my e-mail. You have only strengthened my interest in your company, which is why I am now sending you my application documents so that you can also convince yourself of me."
If you send your application by e-mail, you must be Introduction for your cover letter and e-mail write to the contact person. Make sure that do not duplicate the content. The employer does not want to read the same thing twice.
An introduction with Reference to the personal contact fits better in the e-mail text. Instead, start your cover letter in an original way with a powerful argument.
Introductory sentences after getting to know each other at the fair
"Our first meeting was only a few weeks ago – your staff at the career fair Hamburg in 2021 convinced me not only with their competence, but also their open-mindedness that I am perfectly suited for a career as a police officer."
"I first noticed you at the job fair in Bonn 2021 because of your presentation on the development of the SAP software. After an interview with your staff, it has only been confirmed that my skills and qualifications are an ideal match for your requirements."
Introductory sentences after you have completed your internship
"The past three months of my internship at your facility have flown by. After this time full of interesting projects, valuable experiences and exciting challenges, I would now like to be a permanent part of your team as an educator."
"The internship in your company was an experience that enriched me in many ways. As a permanent member of your team, I would now like to apply the skills, knowledge and expertise I have gained and shape the future together with you."
Introductory sentences for internal applications, lateral hires and job changes
"After 5 years of working as a media assistant, I would like to take the opportunity to apply for the internally advertised position as a media designer. Not only do I bring the required knowledge, but I am already familiar with the processes of this company and am eager for new challenges."
"After 15 years of professional work as a secretary, I would now like to follow my passion and complement your team as a social media manager. My skills as a secretary form the basis for my organizational talent, but I also bring some initial experience to the table."
"From the media I could see that you are expanding to Italy to distribute your products there. Thanks to my many years of experience as an Italian teacher, I not only have language skills at a high level, but also extensive cultural knowledge, so that I can optimally support your new marketing team."
Sample and template cover letter and application
Sample cover letter with examples
You just can’t get ahead when writing your cover letter? Then our sample application letters for various professions and applicant groups are right for you.