How Important Are Introductory Paragraphs for Formal or Business Letters?

How important are Introductory Paragraphs for formal or business letters?
Today modern technology offers us so many different ways of communication that writing letters may seem something of the past, particularly as it is becoming faster and more concise, for example the every day use of emails and text messages.   This is why today the introductory paragraph of formal and business letters is much more important as it is the way to catch the readers attention and interest in order to entice them to continue reading the letter.
In English you will find that there are many rules and guidelines on how to write a formal or business letter, all linguist experts and professional companies, such as recruitment agencies, agreed that the first paragraph is they key point to attract the recipient"s interest,r.   The content of the first paragraph varies according to why and who you are writing to, for example to name a few:
•   Application/cover letter
•   Marketing letter
•   Fund Raising

A cover letter seems today to be the most in demand formal letter.   Writing a cover letter, for example to apply for a job, needs to be a factual summary of your skills, experience and achievements so it can tell the reader briefly about who you are and what you can offer to the company. The first paragraph is where the candidate shows off, stating clearly its experience and interest in the role the reason why he/she thinks is the best person suited for the role.   For example:

“I have over 10 years of experience in marketing and administration and have applied my sales and marketing skills successfully by meeting the sales target set up by my manager and generate sales in excess of £100 thousands.   Also possess excellent organizational skills and proven ability to establish successful marketing campaigns and promote business development.”  

Marketing letters, with this type of letter the customer has to be interested in what is in offer, so the first paragraph has to let her/him...