Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The cover letter is used when you are mailing or dropping off a resume to a prospective
employer. It plays an important role in the process of getting a job.
The purpose of the cover letter is to attract attention to you and your suitability for the job.
The cover letter also is where you state the reasons you are interested in the job or the
company.
When writing your cover letter, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use the KISS principle: Keep it Short, Simple and Specific no more than three
paragraphs, no more than one page.
2. Type your cover letter and remember to sign it.
3. Write the way you speak. Avoid stuffy formal words and phrases like: Enclosed please
find. Instead, try Im keenly interested in ______ and believe I have the qualifications
youre looking for.
4. The contents of your cover letter should flow in this order:
First paragraph: state why you are applying for the job. What is it about the job or
company that attracts you.
Second paragraph: Emphasize the specific knowledge and skills that make you a
strong candidate for the job.
Dont repeat what is already contained in the resume. Try saying things like this:
Im well-qualified for the job based on my two years of related experience. Then
emphasize particular strengths you have to offer relative to the job. For example:
Your description of the ideal candidate highlighted enthusiasm and strong
interpersonal communication skills. These are strengths I would bring to the
position.
Third and closing paragraph: describe in assertive, positive language what you
expect will happen or what you plan to do next. For example I look forward to
meeting you in an interview to discuss my suitability for this position.
5. Use good quality paper.
6. Make sure your letter contains no spelling or grammatical errors.
7. Be original and show enthusiasm.
Emily Smith
100 Brent Blvd
Strathmore, AB
T1P 1V2
February 19, 2014
Mathew Biggs
143 Strathmore Lakes Common
Strathmore, AB
T1P 1Y7
January 8, 2015
Tim Hortons
659 5th Street
Strathmore, AB
T2A 3L2
Cashier Position
Dear Mr. Smith
The reason that Im sending this letter is because I need a job and the job you have
advertised is interesting to me. My goal is to have enough money to save up for when I
move out. I have found the position in the Strathmore Standard newspaper. I think I would
be good at this job because I am good with customers; I am a good independent worker.
I have been interested in working with Tim Hortons for some time now and am very eager to
begin a career in this area. I have gained experience in fast food industries threw work
experience. I am good with customers and helping them out I worked at Roadhouse in work
experience threw high school.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to meeting you for
an interview at a scheduled time that is convenient for you to discuss my qualifications and
the job. I will follow up soon to confirm that my resume has been received. You may contact
me at 403-983-5437 between 4pm 9pm.
Sincerely,
Mathew Biggs
ENCL.
Business format
and overall
quality of writing
ability
Section 1:
Introduction
This section
identifies the
position for which
you are
applying, and
explains why
you are interested in
the job. You have
described how you
heard about the
opening. The wording
is creative and
catches an employers
attention quickly.
This letter
identifies one or
two of your strongest
qualifications, and
clearly
relates how these
skills apply to the
job at hand. This
letter explains
specifically why you
are interested in the
position
and this type of job,
company, and/or
location
This letter refers
the reader to your
resume or any other
enclosed documents.
This letter thanks
the reader for taking
time to consider your
application. You are
assertive as you
Section 2:
Identification of
skills and
experiences as
related to
position
Section 3:
Closing
Grammar, Punctuation,
and choice of words
for the letter
Grammar and
punctuation mostly
correct for a thank
you letter.
Grammar, punctuation,
and choice of words
poor for a thank you
letter.