Skip to main content

We’ve got you covered: Building an effective cover letter

Written by: Allison Webster- IYN Metroland Media
Published on: Jul 8, 2021

Photo credit: Thinkstock

There may have been a time when a simple resume and a handshake was enough to get a job, but today’s competitive market demands a bit more from applicants. In order to gain employment, or even the opportunity to be interviewed, you must first provide the employer with a job-specific resume and cover letter.  

The cover letter has become an important piece of the job application package over the past few decades. If done well, your cover letter is your ticket to getting the all-important interview. Many unsuccessful applicants wonder what they did wrong, when they have the right skills and experience for the position. The issue might not be the qualifications, but more about how they were presented in writing. 

One common error applicants make is writing out their resume in letter form. Your resume will outline your experience and skills in a simple, organized manner. For your cover letter you do not need to restate this information in entirety. The job of the cover letter is to introduce yourself, state your purpose for writing, and elaborate on some of the more relevant points on your resume. 

To begin, always formally address the individual you are writing to using his or her first and last names. If this information is unknown to you, please address it to the hiring manager. Your first paragraph should serve as your introduction. This is where you greet the employer, tell them your name (first and last name, of course), and explain what position you are applying for, and how you came to learn about the position. 

Example:

Hello, my name is Jane Smith, and I’m writing to be considered for the Legal Assistant position with Jones & Jones LLP. I learned of this opening through a posting on LocalWork.ca. 

Now that you’ve introduced yourself and stated your purpose, it’s time to get detailed. In the body of the cover letter you will be telling the employer why you are uniquely qualified for this position. This is your time to shine. You can make your case as to why you would be a good fit for this position using examples of your skills, past experience, and education. Take points from your resume and elaborate on them, tailoring them specifically to this position. This can be broken into several paragraphs, but remember, like your resume, keep it short and sweet – one page is ideal. 

Now that you’ve outlined why you are perfect for the position, you can write your conclusion.  Here it is crucial that you thank the employer for taking the time to review your application, and express interest in speaking again (i.e. at an interview). End with a professional salutation, followed by your full name. 

In terms of style, your cover letter should mirror your resume. Use the same header, which should include your name and contact information, and the same font for the body. Use a clear, easy to read font and avoid decorative or script typefaces. 

One last piece of advice is to proofread it carefully! Ensure you use proper spelling, grammar, and professional diction. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity because you didn’t read over your letter before you sent it.  

For every resume you craft, write a cover letter tailored to match. You can use the same formula for each one, but the content and wording should be specific to the position you’re applying for.  

Best of luck!