1. COVER LETTERS COVER LETTERS BASICS COMPONENTS TIPS OPENING CLOSING
SAMPLES
COVER LETTERS

2. COVER LETTER BASICS Be concise Offer value
Address the letter to a specific person and their job title ~ avoid “To Whom It May Concern”
Refer to a specific position (if applicable)
State how you heard about the position
Website
Name of person that referred you
Follow-up to meeting them at Career Days

3. COVER LETTER BASICS Highlight your uniqueness and personality!
Show why you are a good fit & what you can contribute of value
Request an interview
Demonstrate your enthusiasm and confidence
Connect your skills with the position you are applying for
Provide evidence you have knowledge of their organization

4. COVER LETTER COMPONENTS
INTRODUCTION: (First Paragraph)
Tell reader why you are writing
Position title you are applying for
Where you heard about the position (on-line posting service, referred by X, classified ad)
Something interesting about the employer (research)
“Hook” to engage reader to read further

5. COVER LETTER COMPONENTS
BODY: (Middle Paragraphs)
Sell what you can specifically contribute to the position and organization NOT what they can DO for you
Identify that you have the required qualifications, skills, accomplishments, attributes that match the position’s requirements
Support this with 3-5 highlights with concrete examples to provide evidence

6. COVER LETTER COMPONENTS
CLOSING: (End Paragraph)
Summarize your overall message & express enthusiasm for the position
Thank them for their consideration
Suggest an action plan:
request an interview
Indicate a follow-up phone call or
Possibly tie to a researched point on the organization

7. COVER LETTER: GENERAL TIPS
Design letters to be work-centered and employer-centred NOT self-centred
Submit a professional package
Same bond paper, font
Use a personal letterhead on RÉSUMÉ, cover letter & ref list
Demonstrate confidence:
Avoid words like: “I think”, “feel”, “believe”
Use words like: “confident”, “certain”, “positive”
Avoid use of templates, copying samples, cliches

8. You have a maximum of 20 seconds to wow the reader of your letter.
Did You Know…
You have a maximum of 20 seconds to wow the reader
of your letter.
Maximize the impact level by making it dynamic!

9. STATIC OPENING
“I am writing today to apply for the research position you have posted on your website.”

10. DYNAMIC OPENING
“I have made a positive impact in all of my workplaces, developing strong relationships with teachers, students and customers. I want to bring the same success to the position of research assistant as advertised on your website.”

11. STATIC CLOSING
“I hope you will review my RÉSUMÉ, and if you agree with what I have stated here, consider me for the position. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

12. DYNAMIC CLOSING
“I am eager to contribute to the advancement and success of your company, and look forward to our meeting to further discuss my ideas. I will call your office in the next week to schedule an appointment.”