The cover letter is used when you are mailing or dropping off a resume to a prospective
employer. It plays an important role in the process of getting a job.
The purpose of the cover letter is to attract attention to you and your suitability for the job.
The cover letter also is where you state the reasons you are interested in the job or the
company.
When writing your cover letter, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use the KISS principle: Keep it Short, Simple and Specific no more than three
paragraphs, no more than one page.
2. Type your cover letter and remember to sign it.
3. Write the way you speak. Avoid stuffy formal words and phrases like: Enclosed please
find. Instead, try Im keenly interested in ______ and believe I have the qualifications
youre looking for.
4. The contents of your cover letter should flow in this order:
First paragraph: state why you are applying for the job. What is it about the job or
company that attracts you.
Second paragraph: Emphasize the specific knowledge and skills that make you a
strong candidate for the job.
Dont repeat what is already contained in the resume. Try saying things like this:
Im well-qualified for the job based on my two years of related experience. Then
emphasize particular strengths you have to offer relative to the job. For example:
Your description of the ideal candidate highlighted enthusiasm and strong
interpersonal communication skills. These are strengths I would bring to the
position.
Third and closing paragraph: describe in assertive, positive language what you
expect will happen or what you plan to do next. For example I look forward to
meeting you in an interview to discuss my suitability for this position.
5. Use good quality paper.
6. Make sure your letter contains no spelling or grammatical errors.
7. Be original and show enthusiasm.
Emily Smith
100 Brent Blvd
Strathmore, AB
T1P 1V2
February 19, 2014
Aaron Rikley
822 bay road
Strathmore, AB
T1P 1E3
November 24th, 2014
Strathmore Ford
1040 West ridge Rd
Strathmore,
AB T1P 1H8
Your position advertised in the Strathmore Standard is an excellent match with my abilities. I am in my
final year of high school. I would like the opportunity to be considered for the part time position you are
currently advertising.
Paragraph 3 (Thank you for reading, ask for an interview, can be reached atand time)
Here I need a Thank-you, you ask for an interview and contact information on how I can reach you.
Sincerely,
Andrew Riley
ENCL.
Business format
and overall
quality of writing
ability
Section 1:
Introduction
This section
identifies the
position for which
you are
applying, and
explains why
you are interested in
the job. You have
described how you
heard about the
opening. The wording
is creative and
catches an employers
attention quickly.
This letter
identifies one or
two of your strongest
qualifications, and
clearly
relates how these
skills apply to the
job at hand. This
letter explains
specifically why you
are interested in the
position
and this type of job,
company, and/or
location
This letter refers
the reader to your
resume or any other
enclosed documents.
This letter thanks
the reader for taking
time to consider your
application. You are
assertive as you
Section 2:
Identification of
skills and
experiences as
related to
position
Section 3:
Closing
Grammar, Punctuation,
and choice of words
for the letter
Grammar and
punctuation mostly
correct for a thank
you letter.
Grammar, punctuation,
and choice of words
poor for a thank you
letter.