Writing an effective cover letter is a crucial step in the job application process that is often overlooked. Your cover letter is your first chance to make an impression on the hiring manager and set yourself apart from other applicants. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the key elements of crafting a compelling cover letter tailored specifically for positions in Canada, the USA, the UK, and beyond.
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Define The Purpose Of A Cover Letter
A cover letter essentially functions as a personal sales pitch that complements your resume. It explains why you are an excellent fit for the open position and the value you can bring to the company. The letter allows you to expand on relevant skills, achievements, and experiences highlighted on your resume and illustrate how they make you the ideal candidate for the job.
Unlike a resume which is a factual listing of qualifications, a cover letter gives you an opportunity to display your personality, communication abilities, motivation and enthusiasm for the job. It’s your chance to tell a story and make a personal connection with the reader. The goal is to entice the hiring manager to move forward and take the next step of bringing you in for an interview.
Research The Company And Role
An outstanding cover letter is always customized and targeted for each job application. Avoid generic letters that could apply to any company. Instead, research the organization, their products/services, mission, values, culture, recent news and the specifics of the position.
Use the job description to understand the duties and responsibilities required and the qualifications, skills, experience, traits and characteristics they are seeking in the ideal new hire. This will allow you to tailor every aspect of the letter to show how you are the perfect match for what they are looking for in a candidate.
Show enthusiasm for the company and role by referencing precise details of why you are interested in them specifically, what attracts you to the role and how it aligns with your background, passions and career goals. Demonstrating this level of effort in understanding who they are and what they need makes a strong positive impression.
Formatting Guidelines
Proper cover letter formatting is vital to create a polished, professional document that looks organized, clean and visually appealing at first glance.
Here are key formatting tips:
Address the cover letter to the hiring manager or recruiter’s full name and exact job title if known. Avoid generic greetings like “To whom it may concern”.
Include your contact information (phone number and email address) and the date at the top.
Use a standard business letter format with space between each paragraph rather than large blocks of dense text which are hard to read.
Margins should be 0.7” – 1” on all sides and font size no smaller than 11pt and no larger than 12pt.
The letter should fill one page single-sided with 3-5 well-constructed paragraphs.
Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman.
Pay close attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation – no typos or errors!
Cover Letter Structure
The way you organize the information in your cover letter matters. Use these key sections as a template to craft an effective narrative that will engage the reader:
Opening Paragraph
Start with an attention-grabbing opening statement or question to quickly establish why you are writing and showcase genuine interest and fit for the role at this company.
Include the position title and your source for hearing about the open job.
Briefly state your highest selling points and qualifications as they relate directly to the role requirements.
Middle Paragraph(s)
Elaborate on your relevant background, skills and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the position. This is where you can feature more details about specific achievements from past jobs, internships or volunteer work.
Emphasize transferable skills and match your qualifications with the characteristics listed in the job description rather than just repeating your entire resume. The goal is to showcase 2-3 selling points max that position you as a top performer they need to hire.
Referencing quantified accomplishments and data with real numbers gives evidence and credibility to back up your claims.
Closing Paragraph
Close by expressing appreciation for their time and consideration.
State your enthusiasm towards the possibility of interviewing and contributing your talents to help the organization meet objectives in the role.
Include a call to action such as requesting a meeting to further discuss your qualifications or availability for interview scheduling.
Thank the reader for their time and provide your contact info.
Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts
DO:
Research the company so you can customize your letter for them specifically and address the hiring manager directly.
Be concise, well-organized and highlight only your most relevant qualifications aligned with the role requirements.
Use hard data, numbers, stats, awards etc. when possible to quantify achievements.
Convey genuine passion and interest for the opportunity.
Carefully proofread to eliminate all typos, grammar errors and inaccurate information.
DON’T:
Use a generic template without customization or demonstrating knowledge of the specific company and position.
Simply repeat verbatim what is on your resume. Offer new insights that compel the reader to want to know more.
Include irrelevant personal details or lengthy paragraphs that cause the reader lose interest.
Exaggerate claims about your skills and experience that don’t align with your background.
Forget to sign the letter!
Cover Letter Sample Templates
Now that we’ve covered the key guidelines, structure, formatting tips and content recommendations, let’s look at some cover letter sample templates you can use for inspiration.
While the specifics will vary depending on your industry, experience level and the job description requirements, these examples demonstrate proper formatting and effective strategies to sell your top qualifications:
Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
Your Full Name
Your phone number | Your email address
Date
Hiring Manager’s Full Name
Job Title
Company Name
Company Address
Sample One
Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],
Opening paragraph
Start with a captivating opening line that quickly gets their attention focused on why you’re writing. Mention the position title that you’re applying for and how you heard about the open role. Include 1-2 key selling points about your qualifications aligned with the role requirements.
Middle paragraph
Highlight your academic achievements, related coursework, technical skills and previous internships or volunteer work even if it was an unpaid position. Use metrics and data to showcase your accomplishments and contributions if possible. Emphasize skills you have developed that directly correlate with excelling in the advertised role.
Closing paragraph
Close by expressing your excitement for the chance to contribute your skills, passion and energy as a new team member. Mention your high motivation level to pursue professional development and progress towards leadership positions in line with your career aspirations. Thank them for their consideration and include your contact information.
Sincerely,
[Your full name signed]Professional Cover Letter Template
Your Full Name
Your phone number | Your email address
Date
Hiring Manager’s Full Name
Job Title
Company Name
Company Address.
Sample Two
Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],
Opening paragraphs
Start by mentioning your 7+ years experience in [your industry or field] along with 1-2 of your highest selling points e.g. awards won, quantified achievements or technical skills that make you a strong candidate. Express genuine interest and fit for the open [position title] at [Company Name]
Middle paragraph
Elaborate on 2 of your most relevant accomplishments from recent roles where you successfully demonstrated the abilities and skills required for excelling in the position. Use numbers, data and facts whenever possible rather than just general claims about your background. Align these selling points closely with the current job description requirements.
Closing paragraph
Close by emphasizing your passion for the company’s mission and deliverables. Express your motivational level and excitement to contribute your expertise to help push their success to the next level if you were to join their talented team. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Provide your contact details and availability for further discussion about the position.
Sincerely,
[Your full name signed]Cover Letter Checklist
Before submitting your cover letter, give it one final review using this checklist:
1.Personalized opening grabs attention quickly
2.Company and position title are mentioned
3 . Most relevant skills and experiences highlighted
4.Transferable skills and achievements quantified
5.Genuine passion and fit for role conveyed
6.Closing restates interest and fit + next steps/call to action
7.Contact info included
8.Perfect grammar, spelling and punctuation
7.Sent to actual hiring manager (avoid “To whom it may concern”)
Following these guidelines will ensure your cover letter makes the right first impression and compels the reader to take the next step in the hiring process. The extra effort to craft a compelling, targeted cover letter that positions you as a top contender for the role can make a major impact on your chances of landing the job you want.
