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Writing a Cover Letter

So you worked and worked, and finally came up with a pretty good resume.

Now an employer is asking for a WHAT?!

Yes it's true, on top of a resume many job postings do require you to submit a letter, called a Cover Letter, that explains your skills and experience in a little more detail.

Now, don't worry if you find writing difficult. Cover Letters don't have to be long or highly formal and fancy. Think of this letter as a way for you to express who you are, and what you have to offer the position, in more everyday language than the resume. This is your chance to be creative, and to convince the employer that they need to meet you for an interview!

Here are some tips and tools to get you started:

Target your Letter

Often people send out the same cover letter to apply for different jobs, for the sake of saving time and energy. In fact, it is sometimes more time consuming and frustrating trying to "fit" one letter to different job postings. And, the letter will be so general that it will sound boring or insincere to the person reading it.

A more effective way to create cover letters is to carefully read the job posting (or job description if one is available), and answer each need expressed by the employer with a statement on how you meet and/or exceed that need.

e.g. In your posting you expressed a need for someone who can effectively work under pressure. Having worked for 2 years in a fast paced law office as a Legal Secretary, I certainly understand what it takes to thrive in a pressured and time-sensitive work environment.

Target your Introduction

As important as targeting the letter is targeting who you address the letter to. NEVER address your letter "To Whom it May Concern". Readers completely glaze over when they read this, or they may even feel offended. Sometimes postings will say who to send your application to. When a posting doesn't indicate who will be reading the letter, start investigating. Use whatever contact information is given to start your investigation. If there is a phone number, call it and simply state that you are interested in applying for the position, and would like to know who to address the letter to. If you've exhausted absolutely ALL options, and still cannot find the name of the person who will be reading the letter, then address the letter to the "Hiring Personnel", but only as a last resort.

Make a Good First Impression

Everyone knows that you have to make a great first impression on an employer when you go to a job interview. But the interview is not the first time the employer is getting to know you. The truly first impression you make is with your cover letter, and not including one, is like not showing up for the interview!

If the employer gets a good impression from your cover letter, he or she will go on to browse your resume. And, if they suspect you might be able to do the job, they call you for an interview. So, make a good first impression with your cover letter.

Think of the Reader

When writing, think about your "audience". Put yourself in the shoes of the employer, who may read tons of cover letters a day, to get a sense of what will make them want to invite you in for an interview.

What are they looking for in an employee - and how do you match it?

What work/other experience of yours is relevant to the position and company?

What uniquely separates you from other candidates?

Be a Fan of YOU

So many people find it difficult to express all the great things they have to offer. Many people feel that stating that you are good at something is like "bragging". But, in a cover letter, resume, and interview it is absolutely necessary to clearly communicate your strengths! If you aren't a fan of you, and don't think you are the right person for the job, the person hiring won't be either.

Don't Repeat your Resume

The purpose of the cover letter is to enhance your resume, not repeat it. Highlight the most impressive parts of your resume in the cover letter, and the parts that most relate to the specific job that you are applying for.

K I S S - Keep it Short &Simple

Good news! You don't want to spend hours and hours writing countless long cover letters, and employers don't want to spend days on end reading them. Most employers spend less than 30 seconds reading both the cover letter and the resume! This means that the letter must be error-free, and that you should make your points clearly and consisely. Make each word count. And, keep the letter to one page in length.

Edit - Edit - Edit

As mentioned above, employers spend less than 30 seconds reading both the cover letter and the resume. This means, that when going through your application package, employers are looking for ANY reason to dismiss your application. Spelling their name wrong, or the name of the company, or even making a minor gramatical error may annoy the reader enough to quickly place you in the "no" pile. Give them a chance to really get to know YOU by editing out mistakes. And, have at least 2 other people read both your resume and cover letter before you send them to potential employers.

Be Creative

There are many conventional opening and closing statements that you will see time and again on cover letters.

e.g. I am writing in response to the posting...

e.g. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Imagine reading these and other cover letter "catch phrases" over and over, as you go through a list of applicants. This is exactly what employers do. This gets boring, and it doesn't allow the real person applying for the job to stand out from the page. Avoid this common mistake by adding your own creativity to the writing process.

There are limits to this however. A cover letter is still a professional letter, and so it is important not to offend your reader by being foolish or inappropriate. Know your industry (business, tech, artistic, etc.) to get a sense of how far you can go with your creativity.

Cover Letter Sections

Contact Information

Make sure it's correct, or you might not get the call or email you are waiting for
If you do include an email address on your cover letter or resume, make sure you check that account everyday
And, if your email address is goofy, funny, or ahem...racy, think about setting up a more appropriate account that is just for professional communication

Opening Paragraph - Introduction

Tell the reader why you are writing. (e.g. I am writing to express my interest in being considered for the position of...)
Identify the position you are applying for, including the Job or Competition #, if there is one
Draw the reader in, so that they read on further

Middle Paragraph(s) - Body

This is where you tell the reader, clearly and with punch, what YOU can contribute to THEM
Identify your
strongest skills and attributes, and show them how these attributes directly match what they are looking for in a successful candidate
Provide specific evidence, such as past experiences or accomplishments, to illustrate your points
Do some research on the company, and showcase your findings in the body

Final Paragraph - Closing

This is your summary
Finish strong, entice the reader to move on to looking at your resume, or to give you a call for an interview
Repeat your strong interest in being interviewed for the position, and how you are a good match for the job
Thank them for their time and attention
Suggest a plan for further contact (e.g. I will follow up with a phone call early next week, and hopefully we will be able to set up a time to meet that is convenient for you)

Signing Off

You can be a little creative here in your salutation, but keep it professional as well
Respectfully & Sincerely are two very appropriate salutations to sign off your letter

Cover Letters - Step by Step

Researching

The cover letter allows you to go beyond just talking about yourself. Show potential employers your interest in working for them by doing some research of your own

Research the position and organization
Read the job description through carefully, highlighting points you feel are important
Make notes on how your experiences make you qualified to do the job
Find out exactly who you are writing the letter to, so you can address the letter appropriately (and get the correct spelling!)

Grouping

Take your notes, and put them in the appropriate "section" of the cover letter (see above Cover Letter Sections for more information)
Group your points together by themes (e.g. customer service experience, multitasking, organizational skills, etc.)

Draft Writing

Once you have done your research, made notes on how you meet what the job posting is asking for, you are ready to create your first draft
Expand on the notes you have created, providing evidence to the points you make
Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate your points further (e.g. As the supervisor of a highly effective team of 20 staff...)

Cleaning Up

Have someone look over your draft (the more people the better)
Clean up spelling or gramatical errors
When you make changes, have someone else edit again (editing cannot be stressed enought!)
Print on good quality paper if you are giving your letter out in person

More Cover Letter Resources

About.com

JobStar Central

youth.gc.ca

Cover Letter Builder

Print off this worksheet to get started on writing your next cover letter.

Cover Letter Worksheet

Sample Cover Letters

Living	Looking	Working	Learning	Resources	Login
Passport to Independence	Passport to Work	Career Passport	Passport to Literacy and Essential Skills

	Target your Letter
	Often people send out the same cover letter to apply for different jobs, for the sake of saving time and energy. In fact, it is sometimes more time consuming and frustrating trying to "fit" one letter to different job postings. And, the letter will be so general that it will sound boring or insincere to the person reading it. A more effective way to create cover letters is to carefully read the job posting (or job description if one is available), and answer each need expressed by the employer with a statement on how you meet and/or exceed that need. e.g. In your posting you expressed a need for someone who can effectively work under pressure. Having worked for 2 years in a fast paced law office as a Legal Secretary, I certainly understand what it takes to thrive in a pressured and time-sensitive work environment.
	Target your Introduction
	As important as targeting the letter is targeting who you address the letter to. NEVER address your letter "To Whom it May Concern". Readers completely glaze over when they read this, or they may even feel offended. Sometimes postings will say who to send your application to. When a posting doesn't indicate who will be reading the letter, start investigating. Use whatever contact information is given to start your investigation. If there is a phone number, call it and simply state that you are interested in applying for the position, and would like to know who to address the letter to. If you've exhausted absolutely ALL options, and still cannot find the name of the person who will be reading the letter, then address the letter to the "Hiring Personnel", but only as a last resort.
	Make a Good First Impression
	Everyone knows that you have to make a great first impression on an employer when you go to a job interview. But the interview is not the first time the employer is getting to know you. The truly first impression you make is with your cover letter, and not including one, is like not showing up for the interview! If the employer gets a good impression from your cover letter, he or she will go on to browse your resume. And, if they suspect you might be able to do the job, they call you for an interview. So, make a good first impression with your cover letter.
	Think of the Reader
	When writing, think about your "audience". Put yourself in the shoes of the employer, who may read tons of cover letters a day, to get a sense of what will make them want to invite you in for an interview. What are they looking for in an employee - and how do you match it? What work/other experience of yours is relevant to the position and company? What uniquely separates you from other candidates?
	Be a Fan of YOU
	So many people find it difficult to express all the great things they have to offer. Many people feel that stating that you are good at something is like "bragging". But, in a cover letter, resume, and interview it is absolutely necessary to clearly communicate your strengths! If you aren't a fan of you, and don't think you are the right person for the job, the person hiring won't be either.
	Don't Repeat your Resume
	The purpose of the cover letter is to enhance your resume, not repeat it. Highlight the most impressive parts of your resume in the cover letter, and the parts that most relate to the specific job that you are applying for.
	K I S S - Keep it Short &Simple
	Good news! You don't want to spend hours and hours writing countless long cover letters, and employers don't want to spend days on end reading them. Most employers spend less than 30 seconds reading both the cover letter and the resume! This means that the letter must be error-free, and that you should make your points clearly and consisely. Make each word count. And, keep the letter to one page in length.
	Edit - Edit - Edit
	As mentioned above, employers spend less than 30 seconds reading both the cover letter and the resume. This means, that when going through your application package, employers are looking for ANY reason to dismiss your application. Spelling their name wrong, or the name of the company, or even making a minor gramatical error may annoy the reader enough to quickly place you in the "no" pile. Give them a chance to really get to know YOU by editing out mistakes. And, have at least 2 other people read both your resume and cover letter before you send them to potential employers.
	Be Creative
	There are many conventional opening and closing statements that you will see time and again on cover letters. e.g. I am writing in response to the posting... e.g. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you soon. Imagine reading these and other cover letter "catch phrases" over and over, as you go through a list of applicants. This is exactly what employers do. This gets boring, and it doesn't allow the real person applying for the job to stand out from the page. Avoid this common mistake by adding your own creativity to the writing process. There are limits to this however. A cover letter is still a professional letter, and so it is important not to offend your reader by being foolish or inappropriate. Know your industry (business, tech, artistic, etc.) to get a sense of how far you can go with your creativity.