Why do I need a cover letter?
Surprisingly enough, this is a
relatively common question. Most employers will expect a cover letter as part of the
"resume" package that you should send to them when applying for a position.
Your cover letter introduces you to a
potential employer. It tells them what specific position you are applying for, and
indicates where (if applicable) the lead came from (advertisement, referral etc.)
Your cover letter also serves
several additional purposes:
- To include additional information not already covered
in your resume, perhaps additional soft skills
- Provides an opportunity to briefly outline your
education and employment background.
For example:
"I have 5 years of relevant experience in this area as well as two years of
related post secondary education." This overview will catch the employer's eye
and encourage them to read your resume for the specific details
- Tells the employer if you plan to follow up and
invites them to contact you
Tips
Should be consistent with the rest of your
"resume package," use the same fonts, paper, etc.
Must be error free
Short, concise and to the point
No longer than one page
Send to a specific contact person whenever possible
Make sure the date on your cover letter is current
Ensure your cover letter is consistent in its format,
left justify addresses, salutations and closings
Types of Cover Letters
 The cold contact letter
Response
letter to an advertised position
The Referral letter
The
cold contact letter
This may be the hardest type of cover letter you will
have to write as you may not know what types of positions (if any) are available within
the company. The key to writing a successful cold contact cover letter is to research the
company ahead of time to find a match between the type of work that they do and the type
of work that you want. Then…write your letter to highlight your transferable skills
and accomplishments, demonstrating to the employer how you would contribute to their
company.
Avoid a mass mailing of resumes. This is really one
of the least effective things you can do for yourself when you are job searching.
Employers are not interested in resumes that do not meet the needs of their company, they
view them as a waste of time…not the first impression we want to make!! **Do your
preliminary research first.**
What should you find out about a company before you
send your cold contact letter?
- The type of business, what are their products and
services?
- Who is the contact person you should send your resume
to?
- What is the complete address of the company?
- What types of positions might they have available?
Once you have done your preliminary research, it will
be easier to identify a match between the company’s needs and what you have to offer
(see example).
Response letter to an advertised position
This is probably the easiest of the three types of
cover letters. Utilize information from the advertisement to demonstrate that you are
exactly what the company is looking for…and more. Address each of the needs or
requirements that they have identified in their advertisement (see example).
The
referral letter
Keeping in mind that employers always prefer to hire
people that they know (or were referred to them by people they know), you can utilize your
cover letter to build familiarity with an employer.
If you have been referred by someone to apply for a
position, make mention of the person’s name in the first paragraph of your cover
letter (check with your referral first to make sure that it’s ok to use their name).
Perhaps include a positive comment about the company from your referral.
Referral letters may also be self-referrals after a
telephone conversation or networking meeting. Again, remind the employer when the
conversation took place and perhaps some highlights of your discussion. This will help the
employer to remember who you are. Take advantage of any opportunities to maximize any
familiarity you already have with the employer (see example).
Cover Letter Formula
Your complete return address
Current date
Name, title, position, company name
and complete address of employer
Salutation (Dear , if a contact
person is not available, use a general non-gender specific salutation)
Paragraph 1:
- Why are you writing this letter?
- What position are you applying for?
- Where did the lead come from?
- Are you enclosing a resume?
Paragraph 2:
- How can you meet the company’s needs?
- What skills and qualifications do you have to offer?
- (In a response to an advertisement letter address
items mentioned in the ad)
Paragraph 3:
- What else?
- What soft skills do you possess? (see list of personal
qualities in the resume section)
Paragraph 4:
- Thank the employer for reviewing your resume
- Will you be following up?
- How can they contact you?
Closing (Sincerely, Yours truly, etc.)
Your signature goes in this
space
Your typed name
Enclosure
Cover Letter Examples
Response letter to an advertised
position
| Audrea Gagnon |
| 155 Maple Avenue |
| Pickering, Ontario |
| L1T 5D9 |
| (905) 567-1677 |
May 31st, 1999
| Ms. Latsmer |
| Staffing and Recruitment Manager |
| Chamberlain Enterprises
Incorporated |
| 1676 Drivealong Way, Suite #199 |
| Toronto, Ontario |
| M7F 1F7 |
Dear Ms. Latsmer
I am writing in response to your recent advertisement
in the Toronto Star for an Administrative Assistant. My resume is attached for your review
and consideration.
As per your requirements, I am proficient in all
components of MS Office '97 and my typing speed is over 60 words per minute. In fact I
have recently been tested by a temporary placement agency and my typing speed is a
consistent 85 words per minute.
In addition to my varied computer skills (which are
outlined for you in more detail in my resume), I possess a variety of transferable skills
which I believe would make me a valuable addition to your team. As in any business, I
recognize the need for confidentiality and discretion. My strong organizational and time
management abilities allow me to multi-task, in order to meet deadlines. A dedicated
and flexible team player, I am also very self motivated and work well independently.
I look forward to hearing from you to discuss the
possibility of setting up an interview at your convenience. Please feel free to
contact me at the telephone number above should you require any additional information
regarding my skills and qualifications.
Thank you for you time and consideration.
Sincerely
Andrea Gagnon
Enclosure
Cold
Contact Letter
| John Francois |
| 12 Halded Court |
| Whitby, Ontario |
| L8H 7G7 |
May 31st, 1999
| Mr. Jason Nickling |
| President |
| ABCO Manufacturing Inc. |
| 1870 Radom Street |
| Pickering, Ontario |
| L6T 3W5 |
I am currently seeking a position as a General
Labourer. Based on some research I have done on businesses in the Durham Region, I believe
that I have many skills and qualifications to offer to your manufacturing company. Please
accept my resume for your review and consideration.
As my resume indicates I have over 6 years experience
as a labourer in a variety of environments including manufacturing and construction
companies. I enjoy working with people and work effectively as part of a team. I am
familiar with a variety of hand and power tools and am willing to work shifts and overtime
as required.
I appreciate you taking the time to review my resume,
I know that your time is very valuable. I will follow up in a few days by telephone to
confirm the receipt of my resume and discuss any employment openings you may have
available.
In the meantime, please feel free to contact me
at (905) 676-5679 if you require any more information about my skills or qualifications.
Sincerely
John Francois
Enclosure
Referral
Letter
| Deanna Goss |
| 1199 King Street South |
| Toronto, Ontario |
| M3H 2I8 |
May 31st, 1999
| Jane Scott |
| Sales
Manager, Sears Canada Ltd. |
| 567 Oxford
Street, Unit #128 |
| Toronto,
Ontario |
| M2J 3M9 |
Dear Ms. Scott
My friend David Franklin suggested
that I send you a copy of my resume. David has worked for Sears Canada for over 10 years
in the Electronics Department in your Bayview Mall store. David has mentioned to me that
you might be looking for people to fill Sales / Customer Service Representative positions
in the next several months and I would very much like to be considered for one of the
positions.
David tells me that Sears Canada is a
wonderful place to work, a real team atmosphere where quality customer service is highly
valued. In my years of retail experience I have come to realize the importance of
maintaining a satisfied customer base.
Some of my greatest strengths include
organization, interpersonal and communication skills. I enjoy working with people and
pride myself on being able to interact efficiently and professionally with customers,
co-workers, and supervisors.
I have handled cash, credit, cheque
and debit transactions as well as large volume bank deposits. My resume outlines my
specific experiences for you in more detail.
Thank you very much for taking the
time to review my resume. I look forward to talking to you in the near future to discuss
the possibility of an interview at your convenience.
I have many letters of reference that
may provide you with additional insights into my work habits. These are available for you
upon request. Again, thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely
Deana Goss
Enclosure
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