Cover Letter: Content

Completing a Cover Letter and Job Application

What is a Cover Letter?

it is a one page document that introduces your resume to the employer
it should be typed unless a handwritten cover letter is requested by the employer

What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

to direct your resume to the appropriate person
to introduce you and your resume to a potential employer
to highlight your interests and qualifications that specifically match the position you are applying for
to create a favourable impression and persuade the employer to review your resume
to request an interview

Cover Letter Format

introductory paragraph that shows your interest and states your goals in pursuing a job
a paragraph that outlines your skills and strengths and matches them to the employer's job requirements
background paragraph that shows your education and relevant experience
statement of appreciation

Preparing a Cover Letter

research both the organization and the position to which you are applying
assess the job requirements and match them to your specific qualifications

The Job Application

Some positions require you to fill out an application form. An application form that is filled out with care can give a potential employer a good first impression of you.

Helpful hints for writing an application

Use a black or blue pen, never red.
PRINT neatly, in bold letters.
Leave no blank spaces; if something doesn't apply to you (e.g., military experience), write N/A.
Where it says "salary desired" write "open" or "negotiable."
Have the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all past employers and references on the application.
When completing a job application, be brief, concise, and accurate with your information.
Proofread your application and ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes.
Try to avoid crossing things out.

Cover Letter Checklist

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, Province, Postal Code
Date of Letter
Employer's Name
Employer's Title
Company Name
Company Address
Company City, Province, Postal Code
Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms. (Name of Employer):
RE: POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR WITH THE COMPANY
Introduction:

What is the position you are applying for?

Why are you applying for the job?

How did you learn about the job opening?

Explain why you are writing. Name the position for which you are applying and indicate how you heard of the opening.

Body of Letter:

What are your qualifications and skills as they relate to the job? Use résumé verbs (e.g., planned, organized, completed) to describe your skills.

If you applying to a job ad, include a paragraph (or more) which shows that you have the requirements for the position. These could include academic qualifications, skills, and qualities. This makes the task of matching you to the job easy.

Don't forget to mention your resume.

Closing:

Use an appropriate closing (e.g., I look forward to hearing from you and can be reached at 416-555-5309.) Remember to personally thank the reader for taking the time to read your letter.

Sincerely yours,
Your Signature
Your Name Typewritten

Assignment

Complete the following assignment and submit your work to your teacher.

Preparing a Cover Letter

You have already selected a job you are interested in when you prepared you resume in the previous lesson. You are now going to prepare a cover letter to accompany your resume for that job. Remember to use the examples you saw as a guide.

Your cover letter is to be handed in to your teacher along with your resume.

The Application Form

You have already selected a job you are interested in when you prepared your resume and cover letter. You are now going to complete a job application for that job. Remember the hints from this lesson when you are completing the application form.

Submit the application form and cover letter.

The Cover Letter and Job Application

Categories / Level 1
(50 - 59%) / Level 2
(60 - 69%) / Level 3
(70 - 79%) / Level 4
(80 - 100%)
Knowledge and Understanding
identify personal qualifications, interests and skills / identifies personal qualifications, interests, and skills with limited detail / identifies personal qualifications, interests, and skills with some detail / identifies personal qualifications, interests, and skills with considerable detail / identifies personal qualifications, interests, and skills with thorough detail
Thinking
explain how personal skills will be useful in a work environment / explains with limited effectiveness how personal skills will be useful in a work environment / explains with some effectiveness how personal skills will be useful in a work environment / explains with considerable effectiveness how personal skills will be useful in a work environment / explains with a high degree of effectiveness how personal skills will be useful in a work environment
Communication
communicate information using appropriate format / communicates information in a format of limited appropriateness / communicates information in a format of some appropriateness / communicates information in a format of considerable appropriateness / communicates information in a thoroughly appropriate format
Communication
communicate information in an organized fashion / communicates information with limited organization / communicates information with some organization / communicates information with considerable organization / communicates information with thorough organization
Application
create an effective cover letter / creates a cover letter with limited effectiveness / creates a cover letter with some effectiveness / creates a cover letter with considerable effectiveness / creates a cover letter with a high degree of effectiveness
Application
complete an effective job application / creates a job application with limited effectiveness / creates a job application with some effectiveness / creates a job application with considerable effectiveness / creates a job application with a high degree of effectiveness