| THE COVER LETTER A cover letter is a letter that accompanies your resume when you respond to an advertisement, follow up on a job lead, or just want to indicate an interest in a company. The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce yourself and your resume and to get an interview. To write an informed letter you need to learn all you can about the employer before you apply, be clear on what you have to offer and know why you want to work for that company. A cover letter should be addressed to a specific person. If necessary, phone the organization to which you are applying to find the appropriate person, such as the manager of a particular department, the manager of human resources department or the owner of a small business. The receptionist or the human resources department can usually give you the person’s name, title, correct mailing address, and any other information you may need. If you cannot discover the name of the contact person, or if you are unsure of his of her gender, begin your letter with "To Whom it May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madame". A cover letter should also be neatly typed, free of errors and follow the correct format. Be sure to include your name and full address, the date, the name and title of your contact person, and the full address of the company. |
| WRITING THE LETTER Keep it brief. The letter should not be longer than one page. In the first paragraph, clearly explain your purpose for writing, which is to apply for a job. State the job for which you are applying and how you learned about the position. If you are replying to a job advertisement, explain where you saw the ad. Indicate the specific qualifications that you have as outlined in the ad. In the second paragraph, explain why the person should want you as an employee. Refer to your resume, highlighting the major qualifications that relate to the position for which you are applying and how they can benefit the employer. Include any special experience or training you might have. In the concluding paragraph, express your enthusiasm and appreciation for the person’s attention to your application, and request a personal interview. The term enclosure at the bottom of the letter means you have enclosed your resume and/or other material such as letters of recommendation, certificates, etc. |
THE COVER LETTER
The following are suggestions for a successful cover letter in full-block,
mixed punctuation format.
Your Present address
City, Province,
Postal Code
1 space
Date
3 spaces
Name of contact person (Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss First and Last Name)
Company
Address
City, Province,
Postal Code
2 spaces
Dear (Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss First and Last Name or Contact Person):
1 space
OPENING PARAGRAPH
State specifically what you want. If you want the job advertised, don’t say
"I’m interested in finding out more about such and such a job."
Ask for the opportunity for a personal interview and/or express your appreciation for his/her consideration of your resume.
1 space
Yours truly,
4 spaces
Your Full Name
Phone Number
2 spaces
Enclosure (if you are enclosing anything with your cover letter. Eg. resume)
Jack Spratt
101 Glen Morris Drive
St. Catharines, ON
L2T 2N1
February 16, 2007
Mrs. Pat Abrams
Director of Volunteer Services
Hotel Dieu Hospital
155 Ontario Street
St. Catharines, ON
L2R 5K3
Dear Mrs. Abrams:
I am applying for the Co-operative Education position made available in the Physiotherapy Department of the Hotel Dieu Hospital.
At the present time, I am completing my grade twelve year at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School. During the pat four years at Sir Winston, I have maintained an above eighty average while focussing on the sciences and mathematics. Due to my keen interest in the sciences, I am looking forward to pursuing my post secondary education in the area of Physical Therapy.
I feel that the position being offered would enable me to greatly benefit the
Hotel Dieu as a volunteer, while at the same time, it would give me the
opportunity of experiencing the Physiotherapy profession first-hand, before
entering university.
Because of my background and skills, I have a concern and commitment to do the
best job possible. Previous work experience has taught me that there is value
and satisfaction in doing the most insignificant job well. I have the desire and
capability to learn the most complicated tasks. I look forward to proving myself
to you.
Enclosed is my resume and a copy of my transcript of marks for your review and consideration. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Jack Spratt
(905) 684-6349
Enclosure
ENVELOPES
When you address an envelope, make sure the recipient’s name and address are correct and complete. The address starts at the centre of the envelope. The information should be written in the following order:
name of recipient
name of company (if the letter is being sent to the recipient’s place of
work)
street name and number
post office box number
name of city or town
name of province, territory or state
postal code or zip code
never fold or crease any materials submitted
always use a large brown envelope
your address, known as the return address, should be in the upper
left-hand corner of the envelope
Sample Envelope (Typed)
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Mrs. Renne Foster Mrs. Claire Joneson
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Cover Letter |
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Categories |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
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Knowledge/Understanding |
All components are included, but has some major inaccuracies: -date Paragraphs are ineffective in one or more of the following areas: -introducing candidate -reason for writing -highlighting aspects of resume -requesting interview -thank you |
All components are included, but has some minor inaccuracies: -date Paragraphs are somewhat effective in one or more of the following areas: -introducing candidate -reason for writing -highlighting aspects of resume -requesting interview -thank you |
All components are included and accurate: -date
Paragraphs effectively: -introduce candidate -reason for writing -highlight aspects of resume -request interview - thank you |
All components are included, accurate and highly polished: -date Paragraphs are highly effective in: -introducing candidate -explaining reason for writing -highlighting aspects of resume -requesting interview -thank you |
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Communication |
Sentence structure and content includes some significant errors Paragraph lack structure Tone lacks appropriateness Visual aspects are of limited effectiveness: i.e. use of white space, fonts |
Sentence structure and content is inconsistent Paragraph structure is inconsistent Tone is inconsistent Visual aspects are effective to some degree: i.e. use of white space, fonts |
Sentences are complete and concise Paragraphs are well structured Tone is polite and business like Visual aspects are effective: i.e. use of white space, fonts |
Sentences are complete, concise and highly polished Paragraphs are well structured and fluent Tone is polite and business like Visual aspects are highly effective: i.e. use of white space fonts |
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Application |
Some serious errors in use of mechanics: i.e. in spelling,
punctuation, Correct letter format is used (e.g. block, semi-block) bust many errors |
Minor errors in use of mechanics: i.e. in spelling,
punctuation, Correct letter format is used(e.g. block, semi-block) but some errors |
Use of mechanics is correct: i.e. no errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalisation Correct letter format is used (e.g. block, semi-block) with no errors |
Use of mechanics is concise: i.e. no errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalisation Highly effective letter format is used (e.g. block, semi-block) with no errors. |