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The cover letter is your
opportunity to show the employer the skills you possess!
Think of your cover letter
as your "flash card"
Highlight those features that directly address the employer's needs.
It is imperative that your
cover letter be error free, because this letter is
evidence of your ability to communicate effectively and concisely.
Support your claims of
expertise with evidence.
Your examples should be:
- Detailed
- Relevant
- Specific
In other words, ...where's
the meat?
Finally,
indicate in your closing what steps you intend to take next, such
as:
"I will follow-up with
you toward the middle of November to see where you are in the
recruitment process."
"When
in Toronto at the end of the month, I will contact your office."
Remember,
if you impress the employer with your knowledge of their
organization and have drawn analogies for them between their
requirements and your ability to fill their needs, then they will
take you seriously.
If you have shown an
interest in them, they are likely to be interested in you!
WRITING YOUR COVER LETTER
Your
cover letter should contain the following elements in the suggested
order:
A) Your Contact Information
Your contact information includes:
-
Full name
-
Current address
-
Telephone number
-
Email address
B) Date
Place one line of space before the date.
C) Recipient's Contact Information
Place two lines of space before the recipient's contact information,
which includes:
D) Reference Line
Place one line of space before the reference line. Including a
reference line (ex. "Re:" or "Subject:") indicates the purpose of
the letter. For a job application, your letter may include the job
title or the competition number. For a networking letter, it may
include the position about which you are inquirying or "Potential
employment opportunities."
E) Salutation
Place one line of space before the salutation. It is always
preferable to address your application and letter to a specific
individual.
If you have been in contact with someone who is in a position to
hire you, address it to him/her. Alternatively, if you have been
referred to someone else in the organization, be sure to ask for the
person's name, their title, mailing address, telephone number and
email address so you can address your letter appropriately.
If you do not have a contact in the organization, contact the
receptionist or Human Resource department. They may be able to
provide you with the name of the appropriate individual and his/her
contact information. Ask for the correct spelling of his/her name.
As a last resort, you may address your letter using "Dear Sir or
Madam" or "Dear Hiring Committee" or "To Whom It May Concern."
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