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Tip Sheets
Cover Letters - Opening the Door to an Interview
A cover letter is a way to introduce yourself to a prospective employer. It's a businesslike way to introduce your resumé or application form when you are not applying for work in person.
Whether you are applying for a job by regular mail, fax or e-mail, the content guidelines for your cover letter are the same. However, the format guidelines are different.
Content guidelines
If you have never met the employer, your cover letter will create that all-important first impression of your qualifications. To be effective, your letter must:
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relate to the employer's needs |
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highlight your most relevant skills, experience and accomplishments. |
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Clearly identify the job you are applying for and state how you learned about it (for example, "Joe Davis, your Manager of Customer Service, suggested I write to you about..."). If you are responding to an advertisement, refer to the ad and note the job competition number if there is one.
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Tailor your letter to the requirements of the job. Show your awareness of the company's objectives and activities, and show how your skills relate to the employer's needs. Form letters and photocopies are not acceptable.
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Be brief and to the point. Your letter should be no more than one page long. Use simple and direct language, even if you are applying for a technical or professional position (applications may be screened by people who do not work in your field).
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Let your letter reflect your personality, but avoid appearing pushy or too familiar. This is a business letter so humour is generally out of place here.
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Anticipate any questions the employer may have, and answer them. Describe where or how well you would fit into the organization.
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Close by saying that you are available for an interview or to discuss other opportunities. If appropriate, set a date after which you will call the employer to follow up.
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Check your letter very carefully for any spelling, punctuation, grammar or typing errors. Ask a friend to check it too if you are not sure. |
Format guidelines
Your letter should follow a standard business letter format, such as the following. Use white or ivory stationery, and sign your letter in blue or black ink.
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Return Address
Community, Province
Postal Code
Date
Employer's Name
Position Title
Company Name
Street Address or Box Number
Community, Province
Postal Code
Dear Mr./Ms.: (address a specific person, no Sir/Madam)
Tell the reader that you are interested in this job and why. Let the reader know that you are familiar with the organization and its operations, but get right to the point. If appropriate, state how you heard about the work opportunity.
Explain why you are applying for this position or type of work. Point out any key experience (including volunteer or school experience) that qualifies you for the position. Keep your paragraphs short.
Describe any other important work history. State that a resumé or application is enclosed for more information. Offer to provide additional information, if needed.
Request an interview. If appropriate, let the reader know you will be checking back to set up an appointment.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Encl.
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For more information on cover letters, check out Examples of Cover letters (see Other Relevant Tips).
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download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop |
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call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton |
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visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline. |
Last Updated: June 16, 2006
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