04. Write the Introduction

What should you include in your introduction?

Let's explore the dos and don'ts.

Below are two cover letter introduction examples. Both are addressing a job posting for a Front-End Web Developer position at Udacity.

One is an example of an introduction that is good, the other could be improved.

Before you read our answer, try to identify the better introduction. Why is it better?

Example 1:

Example 2:

Were you able to tell which one was better? The example of a good introduction is actually #2!

The second example, which is taken from the previous lesson's Artsy Udacian cover letter, is good for the following reasons:

• Artsy clearly identifies the position he is applying for. Artsy explicitly states the job title (Front-End Web Developer) and company (Udacity) that he is submitting his cover letter to, whereas the first example leaves this vague.
• Artsy explains why he is interested in this specific job or company/organization. He does so by connecting his own passion—"creating attractive website design"—to the company mission and how he can contribute: by "creating an online experience that can inspire a wider audience" to "contribute to the mission of democratizing education." While the first example does use the language "I am interested in your web developer job posting," it doesn't actually explain why they're interested.

If you're having trouble formulating your own "why" for applying for the job, try to keep the following in mind:

• How is the company different, special, and unique?
• Do you explain why your experiences relate to the company and the role?

It's less daunting than you might initially think. Give it a try!