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Learn English Online
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| Verb Tenses |
| Grammar |
The cover letter is the first thing a potential employer sees before
considering you for a job. It is your opportunity to begin selling
yourself. The goal of the cover letter is to get your résumé read, which
will get you an interview, which will get you a job. A poor cover letter
can leave a great résumé unread and you without a job.
Good Writing
The cover letter must be clear and concise. Do not make it too wordy,
which for the reader translates as boring. Remember that hiring
managers are busy people who do not have time to read an essay on
why you are a great person.
• Check for grammar and spelling
Great experience or education can be wasted by a cover
letter full of grammar and spelling mistakes. Check your
cover letter multiple times. Don’t rely on spell-check only.
Correct writing is extremely important when the position you
are applying for includes writing responsibilities.
• Use action verbs to show what you have done in your previous
jobs.
This means writing in active voice (not passive) and using
effective verbs to show your previous responsibilities and
achievements.
Visual
Like a résumé, the cover letter needs to be visually pleasing. Make
sure you use short paragraphs with plenty of white space. This will
make it easier to read. This is especially true when sending the cover
letter electronically.
Don’t rewrite your résumé in the format of a letter. A clear, concise
cover letter will prompt the reader to look at the résumé, where he/she
can see all of your valuable experience. Simply highlight your important
and relevant experience in a short sentence.
Always limit the cover letter to one page. Likewise, the cover letter
should contain three short paragraphs with a greeting and a salutation.
The content section below outlines what to include in the cover letter.
Content
Greeting
The greeting should be formal, yet warm. If you know the name of the
hiring manager, always write it in the greeting. If you do not know the
name, try to find it. This can be done by checking the website, or even
phoning the company.
“To Whom It May Concern:” is appropriate in some letters, but not in a
cover letter. It is too official and cold for a cover letter.
The best greeting is “Dear _______________:”
1st Paragraph
The first paragraph gives the purpose of the letter in a very clear way.
The beginning is the place to tell the reader why you are writing.
Include where you found the job posting.
Example Sentences:
I am writing to inquire about the receptionist position posted on the
Canada Job Bank.
I am writing to apply for the accountant position listed at Monster.ca.
If someone recommended the job to you, put his/her name in the
opening sentence.
Example Sentence:
I am writing to apply for the sales position, which was recommended to
me by Jane Smith.
2nd Paragraph
The 2nd paragraph is a chance to talk about yourself. In a few short
sentences, discuss your most relevant experience, and why you are a
good candidate for the position. You may also list some relevant
achievements in your previous positions. Do not rewrite everything that
is on your résumé.
Example Sentences:
I have experience as a waiter in casual and fine dining.
I have worked in sales for 6 years, and was recently awarded top
salesperson at my company.
If you have little experience, the 2nd paragraph can contain adjectives
that describe your character and work habits. Words like punctual,
responsible, and honest are all appropriate.
3rd Paragraph
Like in any letter, the final paragraph should be the call to action. This
is the time to tell the reader what you will do, and what you want
him/her to do. With a cover letter, this means you typically ask for an
interview.
Example Sentences:
I have attached my résumé , and I look forward to hearing from you.
I would like the opportunity to discuss this position further in an
interview.
Do not use timelines that put perceived pressure on the reader. This
includes sentences like:
“I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
“Please contact me as soon as possible.”
These statements rush the reader to take an action, which can appear
rude.
Salutation
The salutation is not the place for creativity. There is nothing wrong
with using the same salutation in every cover letter. The best option is:
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Your Name
Use the tips listed in this article to improve your cover letters. By
following this structure and paying attention to detail, your cover letters
will improve. With a good cover letter, you have made the first step in
receiving a new job.
considering you for a job. It is your opportunity to begin selling
yourself. The goal of the cover letter is to get your résumé read, which
will get you an interview, which will get you a job. A poor cover letter
can leave a great résumé unread and you without a job.
Good Writing
The cover letter must be clear and concise. Do not make it too wordy,
which for the reader translates as boring. Remember that hiring
managers are busy people who do not have time to read an essay on
why you are a great person.
• Check for grammar and spelling
Great experience or education can be wasted by a cover
letter full of grammar and spelling mistakes. Check your
cover letter multiple times. Don’t rely on spell-check only.
Correct writing is extremely important when the position you
are applying for includes writing responsibilities.
• Use action verbs to show what you have done in your previous
jobs.
This means writing in active voice (not passive) and using
effective verbs to show your previous responsibilities and
achievements.
Visual
Like a résumé, the cover letter needs to be visually pleasing. Make
sure you use short paragraphs with plenty of white space. This will
make it easier to read. This is especially true when sending the cover
letter electronically.
Don’t rewrite your résumé in the format of a letter. A clear, concise
cover letter will prompt the reader to look at the résumé, where he/she
can see all of your valuable experience. Simply highlight your important
and relevant experience in a short sentence.
Always limit the cover letter to one page. Likewise, the cover letter
should contain three short paragraphs with a greeting and a salutation.
The content section below outlines what to include in the cover letter.
Content
Greeting
The greeting should be formal, yet warm. If you know the name of the
hiring manager, always write it in the greeting. If you do not know the
name, try to find it. This can be done by checking the website, or even
phoning the company.
“To Whom It May Concern:” is appropriate in some letters, but not in a
cover letter. It is too official and cold for a cover letter.
The best greeting is “Dear _______________:”
1st Paragraph
The first paragraph gives the purpose of the letter in a very clear way.
The beginning is the place to tell the reader why you are writing.
Include where you found the job posting.
Example Sentences:
I am writing to inquire about the receptionist position posted on the
Canada Job Bank.
I am writing to apply for the accountant position listed at Monster.ca.
If someone recommended the job to you, put his/her name in the
opening sentence.
Example Sentence:
I am writing to apply for the sales position, which was recommended to
me by Jane Smith.
2nd Paragraph
The 2nd paragraph is a chance to talk about yourself. In a few short
sentences, discuss your most relevant experience, and why you are a
good candidate for the position. You may also list some relevant
achievements in your previous positions. Do not rewrite everything that
is on your résumé.
Example Sentences:
I have experience as a waiter in casual and fine dining.
I have worked in sales for 6 years, and was recently awarded top
salesperson at my company.
If you have little experience, the 2nd paragraph can contain adjectives
that describe your character and work habits. Words like punctual,
responsible, and honest are all appropriate.
3rd Paragraph
Like in any letter, the final paragraph should be the call to action. This
is the time to tell the reader what you will do, and what you want
him/her to do. With a cover letter, this means you typically ask for an
interview.
Example Sentences:
I have attached my résumé , and I look forward to hearing from you.
I would like the opportunity to discuss this position further in an
interview.
Do not use timelines that put perceived pressure on the reader. This
includes sentences like:
“I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
“Please contact me as soon as possible.”
These statements rush the reader to take an action, which can appear
rude.
Salutation
The salutation is not the place for creativity. There is nothing wrong
with using the same salutation in every cover letter. The best option is:
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Your Name
Use the tips listed in this article to improve your cover letters. By
following this structure and paying attention to detail, your cover letters
will improve. With a good cover letter, you have made the first step in
receiving a new job.
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| Simple Present Lessons |
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| Verb Tenses |
| Grammar |
| Cover Letters |
| All rights reserved |
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