This document provides instructions and guidance for students on writing an effective cover letter for job applications. It is divided into sections that discuss the proper formatting, elements to address, and tips for an engaging opening, demonstrating skills matching, and strong closing. Specifically, it emphasizes including 2-3 relevant skills in the letter, using the STARL method to highlight experiences, showing a clear interest in the position and company, and requesting a meeting to express enthusiasm. Students are reminded to ask for help as needed to succeed.

1. COMM 202
TUTORIAL #4
w/ Michelle Sieklucki
T05 & T11

2. Class Set-up
Michelle

3. Instructions
• Hand in one copy of the cover
letter
• Write your table number on ALL
documents
• Put all cover letters in a pile in
the middle of the table
• Get out your marking utensils!
EACH NEW SLIDE SECTION:
PASS cover letter
TO THE RIGHT

4. Elements
Formatting
Opening
Skills Matching
Closing
Branding

5. FORMATTING

6. Formatting
• Left aligned (NOT
justified)
• No indents on
paragraphs
• Bullet points vs.
paragraphs
• 2-3 relevant skills
• consistent font size
(min. size 11)
• Appropriate font
• Margin sizes
• Spacing between
paragraphs
• Thoughtful white
space

7. Addressing the CL
Date
Contact Name
Title
Company
Address 1
City, Province Postal Code
Re: Position Title (reference number if
given)
Dear [first name Last name],
or Dear Hiring Manager/Committee,

8. Closing Format
[Closing Paragraph]
Sincerely,
(Optional written signature)
Your Full Name
Bcom Candidate 20XX
Sauder School of Business
Attached(or Enclosed): Resume

9. OPENING 

10. Opening
• Expresses very keen genuine
interest and/or passion for
position
• Makes a clear expression of the
skills/experience matching the
job description
• Integrates genuine and unique
primary or secondary research
indicating interest in firm
• Name Drop (when applicable)
• HOOK

11. SKILLS MATCHING 

12. Skills Matching
• Describes specific skills that are clearly
matched to the job description,
referencing specific examples that
leverage experiences and qualifications
• Experiences highlighted are specific and
concise linking past experiences through
transferable skills
• Results show success or strength in past
experiences
• STARL Format, emphasizing results and link
(but only link when it isn’t obvious)
• Watch for team experiences (WE v. I)
Show me how you demonstrated the skill,
don’t just tell me that you have it

13. CLOSING 

14. Closing
• Very clear reference to
specific skills
• Interest and request for
meeting Aka “call to action”
• Graciously and genuine Thanks
• Tie back into Hook/opening
and/or stories

15. BRANDING 

16. Branding
• Insightful research that
demonstrates knowledge and
interest in the industry or
organization
• Clearly illustrates how the
candidate will “fit” into the
industry or organization

17. Who got the interview?

18. How To Succeed!
• ASK for help!
• Sign-up for Office Hours
• Don’t procrastinate, try to
work through it 20 minutes a
day

19. Action Items

20. To do for next week
• Skills Matrix due Friday, October
14th @ 2pm on Turnitin
• TUTORIAL next week!
• Watch the Resume E-module &/or
“Outline to a Chronological
Resume” on the course blog
• For tutorial 2 hard copy Resume
drafts and job posting

21. Turnitin Credentials
TUESDAY T05
• Class ID: 13699236
• Password: 202isawesome
THURSDAY T11
• Class ID: 13699279
• Password: 202isawesome