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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 is boring for the reader. 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 especially 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
action verbs to show your previous responsibilities and
achievements.
Make it visually pleasing
Like a résumé, the cover letter needs to be visually pleasing.
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 section below outlines what to include in the
cover letter.
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 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:
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 you. 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
achievements in your previous positions. Do not rewrite
everything that is on your résumé.
Example Sentences:
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. In a cover letter you ask for an
interview:
Do not use timelines that put perceived pressure on the reader:
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 the following:
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 finding a new job.
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 is boring for the reader. 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 especially 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
action verbs to show your previous responsibilities and
achievements.
Make it visually pleasing
Like a résumé, the cover letter needs to be visually pleasing.
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 section below outlines what to include in the
cover letter.
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 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 you. 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
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. In a cover letter you ask for an
interview:
- I have attached my résumé , and I would like a chance to
speak with you about the position. - I would like the opportunity to discuss this position further
in an interview.
Do not use timelines that put perceived pressure on the reader:
- “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 the following:
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 finding a new job.
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Cover Letters
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