1. TARGETED COVER LETTERS
CO-OP EDUCATION PROGRAM
TARGETED COVER LETTERS
Guidelines for writing an effective Co-op Cover Letter
+ Reference Sheet Format
arts.ucalgary.ca/coop/

2. COVER LETTERS PURPOSE Indicate availability and interest
Summarize expertise related to position
Show why you should be interviewed
Highlight your writing skills
Cover letter should compliment resume but also be able to stand alone
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

3. COVER LETTER FORMAT One page Left Justified 11-12 font
Same style as resume
1/2 to 2/3page of text
Three or four paragraphs
Open / Sell / Close
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

4. COVER LETTER FORMAT Your postal address Date Employer postal address
Salutation with a name indicated
Dear Ms. Brown
Without a name Re: State Position
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

5. OPENING PARAGRAPH Include Position and where you found
posting – ie: CareerLink
Mention your degree, what work term you
are seeking and when you are available
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

6. SELL PARAGRAPHS - ACADEMICS
Indicate any course work or projects from
your degree that relate to the position
Mention major projects or reports that
highlight your knowledge base
Also mention any optional courses that
would help you succeed
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

7. SELL PARAGRAPHS - SKILLS
Review posting and ensure to highlight skills
mentioned
Elaborate with specific examples from work,
volunteer, sports or academic experiences
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

8. CLOSING PARAGRAPH Thank employer for consideration
Mention something specific about the
company
Indicate why you are excited to work with
them
Include phone number and address
This information should be on both the cover
letter and resume
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

9. SIGNATURE Sign with “Yours truly” or “Sincerely Yours”
Leave four spaces
Signature
Your name
Encl. Directly below your name – indicates at least
one enclosure
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

10. DELIVERY Email Attach cover letter and resume as one document
Title document with your name and job title
If possible submit a pdf version rather than a
word doc
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

11. COVER LETTER BASICS
Your cover letter is part of your first impression to the employer
It is also and example of your writing skills
EDIT AND PROOF READ!
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

12. arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/
Your Address
October 23, year
Company Name
444 7 Ave. SW
Calgary, AB T2P 0X8
Re: Co-op Student, Applications Business Unit
Please consider the attached application for the co-op position that was posted on CareerLink. I am a third year student at the University of Calgary pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and I am looking to start my first co-op work term in January .
As an Economics major, I believe that I bring a strong set of skills suited for this position including research, analysis and knowledge of SPSS
gained from my coursework. I have strong research and organizational skills from courses including an introductory econometrics course. As well, in a Sociology course, (Name of Course) I contributed towards a research project, and as part of a team compiled data using SPSS and wrote a 20 page research paper regarding this research. The final project was presented to a class of 35 using graphs, photos and video images with the aid of PowerPoint slides.
In my role as the Vice President of the Economics Student club, I helped coordinate two major conferences and two events that each attracted over 100 participants. I have strong communication skills gained from my role as Orientation Leader for the Student Success Centre at the University of Calgary, where I lead tours of the school for prospective students and visit high schools to speak to students about the University of Calgary.
I am interested in working for the Calgary Counselling Centre, as I would like to assist in the success of your valuable organization by participating in the cost-benefit analysis of CCC’ services. I would welcome an opportunity to meet with you and discuss this position further and can be reached at (phone and ) Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Student Name
Encl.
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

13. REFERENCES You take your list of references to the interview
Format top of sheet to match your resume
This will include your name and contact info
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

14. REFERENCES List 2-3 references Indicate position of reference
Provide correct contact information
Be sure to ask references prior to interview
Follow up with a thank- you
arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/