2. What is a Cover Letter?
Your resume is the central part of your job search;
however, a cover letter gives you the chance to
focus the employer’s attention on your skills and
experience specifically relevant to the position you
have applied for.
A good cover letter also demonstrates your writing
and communication skills.
3. PURPOSE
To complement your resume – not to repeat it.
Think of your cover letter and resume as ‘siblings’ :
they are related but have different characteristics
and features.
4. Formality
Address your letter to a specific person, preferably
with hiring authority.
Use a block format
Your letter should consist of 3-4 paragraphs
Resumes can be mass produced – but cover letters
are more personal.
5. Format
Use typical business formatting – beginning with a
date, your personal address and the address of the
company you are writing to.
Salutation: Address the letter to a specific individual
if possible. Make sure his or her name is spelled
correctly and that you use the correct title:
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr etc
6. Paragraphs
Opening Paragraph
Identify the position for which you are applying and indicate
where you learned about the position
Example
My Principal/Dean/Higher Education counsellor suggested
that I contact you to inquire about possible work placements in
ABC company for a sales/administrative/assistant position as
he/she believes that my experience and attributes would be an
excellent fit for your organization.
7. Paragraphs
Second paragraph
Briefly outline the reasons why you are qualified for this
position and the experience you have had inside and outside of
school that make you the perfect fit for the position.
Make it short and punchy. Be clever – make sure you are
familiar with the position you are applying for and match it
with your strengths and skills.
8. Example
I am a self motivated and energetic person who enjoys
interacting with others and contributing to a team. As a key
member of the school House Committee I am responsible for
organizing a wide and diverse range of events and have
developed excellent communication skills from liaising with
principals, teachers and students.
10. Concluding paragraph
I am confident that my positive attitude, strong interpersonal
skills and competent ability to organize events will enable me
to make a valuable contribution to your company.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss
my application further. I can be reached on 6124-5899 or by
email at susie.smith@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing
from you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
11. Closing
Yours sincerely (if you address them in person)
Yours faithfully (if you do not address them in
person but use Sir/Madam)
Type as well sign your full name
12. RE-CAP
Limit to one page, typically 3-4 paragraphs
Address your cover letter to a specific person
Tell employer the type of position you are seeking or
applying for and if you have seen it advertised or
someone mentioned it to you
Include one or two unique skills you have and how these
relate to the position
Be brief, to the point and business like – no errors!
Include your contact information and follow up in one
week
Be positive, enthusiastic and professional
Sign your letter
