Writing your cover letter
Your cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a prospective employer, and explain why you think you are the best candidate for the job. Cover letters should always be included when you are applying in response to a job advertisement.
Your cover letter is also a good place to include skills that are hard to categorize under any single job position. For example, if good communication skills, organization, or multi-tasking are important qualifications for the job you are applying for, use your cover letter to explain how you demonstrate these in the workplace.
Do Your Research
The first step to writing a good cover letter is to do your research. Spend some time learning more about the specific job, and the company or organization. This is an important step to show employers that you understand the position you are applying for, and that you are interested in and knowledgeable about the company itself.
To learn more about the job, think about the tasks you would be required to carry out. Look at similar job postings to find typical duties. You might want to look at the
National Occupational Classification website to view lists of typical duties to get a better idea of what the position might involve.
You may also consider arranging an informational interview with the company’s Human Resources department, to learn more about the position. Take a look at the
Networking for Employment guide for more information on how to arrange an informational interview.
To learn more about the company, look at their website for information. Mission and vision statements are good ways to learn about a company’s values and objectives, while marketing material and annual reports can provide information about key executives, recent projects, and new directions.
It is also important to write a new cover letter for each position you apply for. Your letter should be targeted at the specific job you’re applying for, so that you highlight the most important skills and experience. The more customized your letter is, the more easily the employer can imagine you in their company.
Header
Cover letters should include the following information at the top of the document:
- Date
- Your full name and address
TIP: if you’ve placed this information in a header on your resume, use the same header for your cover letter - Employer’s full address
Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person. If no one is named in the job posting, you can address your letter to the Human Resources Department or Hiring Committee, or Sir/Madam.
Body
The body of the cover letter is where you explain why you are interested in the position, what skills you would bring to the position, and what experience you have that makes you a suitable candidate.
In the opening paragraph, explain what position you are applying for; include the position or application number if there is one in the advertisement. Explain why you are interested in this position and company, and include a brief statement of what you would bring the job.
Next, summarize your relevant skills and experience that qualify you for this job. Focus on your strengths, and provide specific examples of work you’ve completed. Don’t just repeat your resume. Instead, use your cover letter to expand on your resume, and provide details about how your skills will be a valuable addition to the company. Try to link your skills with the position’s requirements. Be sure to use keywords from the job posting to match your skills to the ones they’re looking for.
Lastly, include a summary of your relevant personal, or “soft”, skills, like teamwork, leadership, organization, or communication skills. These are often hard to include in your resume, but are important to employers, who are looking for candidates with both the right qualifications and the right personal “fit”.
Closing
Finish your letter by explaining that you’ve attached your resume, and that you are interested in an interview to learn more about the position. Assume that the employer will have a positive response to your resume, and thank them for their time reviewing your application.
Finally, sign off using “Sincerely” followed by your full name. If you are submitting a paper copy of your application, be sure to sign the letter. Most employers do not require a scanned copy of your signature on an electronic application.
Cover Letter Tips
When writing your cover letter, keep these tips in mind:
- Using the same header for your cover letter and resume looks professional and consistent
- If you are submitting your cover letter in hard copy, print your letter on good-quality 8.5″ × 11″ paper
- Keep a copy of what letters you send for your reference; they’re also a good starting point for your next application