Cover Letters
Why Write a Cover Letter?
Cover Letter Pointers and Ideas
Spelling, grammar and punctuation must be absolutely perfect!
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Cover Letter Format Guidelines:
Your Name
Your Street Address
City, Province Postal Code
Phone #
Date
Employer’s Name
Employer’s Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, Province Postal Code
Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms.:)
RE: Position of… (bold this line)
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4
Complimentary Closing (Sincerely, / Yours truly,)
Signature (blue/black ink)
(leave 4-5 blank lines)
Your Name (typed)
Enc.
Why Write a Cover Letter?
- attach it to your resume to explain why you are sending your resume and for which job you are applying
- to tell the employer why you are the right person for the job
- to describe your interest in the company
- to request an interview
Cover Letter Pointers and Ideas
- Write a different letter for each application.
- Present something unique about yourself.
- Address someone in authority. Use the correct spelling of that person’s name and use his or her job title.
- Point out things from your resume in your cover letter, so your reader will be encouraged to look at your qualifications.
- Focus on the employer’s needs, and talk about how you can make a contribution to their team.
- Indicate your knowledge of the career field by using related terminology. Be sure you use the words properly!
- Use energetic, powerful words to convey your self-confidence.
- Make your cover letter look neat and tidy. Don’t use a font that is difficult to read, or looks too flashy.
- Don’t criticize yourself or point out weaknesses in your letter!
- Your cover letter should be only one page long!
Spelling, grammar and punctuation must be absolutely perfect!
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Cover Letter Format Guidelines:
Your Name
Your Street Address
City, Province Postal Code
Phone #
Date
Employer’s Name
Employer’s Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, Province Postal Code
Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms.:)
RE: Position of… (bold this line)
Paragraph 1
- tell why you are writing
- name the position for which you are applying and tell how you learned of the opening
- tell the reader you have enclosed a resume
Paragraph 2
- connect your skills and experience to the needs of the job/employer
- demonstrate how you are qualified for the job
Paragraph 3
- organizational/company research
- willingness/interest in meeting with them
- invite further contact or ask for an interview
Paragraph 4
- closure
- thank them for their time and consideration
Complimentary Closing (Sincerely, / Yours truly,)
Signature (blue/black ink)
(leave 4-5 blank lines)
Your Name (typed)
Enc.