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Cover Letters

What is a Cover Letter?

A letter that should be included in your applicant package in front of your resume.  The purpose is to introduce yourself to the employer and to get the employer to read your resume to secure an interview.

What should a Cover Letter do for you?

• Explain why the employer should hire you.
• Get the employers attention and point out why, above all other applicants, the employer should read your resume and contact you for an interview.

Two types of Cover Letters:

1. Letter of Application or Response to an Advertisement.  Use this if you are applying for a job that was advertised, it is important to show the skills and qualifications that you have that fit the job description.
2. Letter of Inquiry.  Use this type if you are contacting a business to ask about potential job openings, the strategy is the same except you focus on a more board occupational focus on how your skills and abilities can meet the company’s needs.

Guidelines for writing a Cover Letter:

• Address it to a specific person (find out who is in charge of hiring, get the correct spelling of that person’s name and their title)
• Keep it to three paragraphs
  • Introduction:  tell why you are writing, where you heard about the position
  • Body of Letter:  link your qualifications and skills to the job, tell the employer what you can do for him/her and refer to your resume
  • Closing:  thank the employer and provide contact information to be reached for an interview
• Remember to sign your name
• Keep it simple and to the point
• PROOFREAD carefully

Sample Cover Letters:

Chinook School Division – Career Education:  Applying for a Job
Sasknetwork - Job Search Handbook
More samples coming soon!