Cover Letter Tips & Template
A cover letter is a business document in much the same way as a resume is and should always follow typical business document etiquette. The spelling and the grammar should be correct and the letter needs to be a dynamic, interesting introduction to your resume, highlighting exactly why you are suitable for the job in question. Make sure that when you address the letter to the company you are addressing it correctly and have not left the previous contact's details on there from your last job application. This is a sure way to get your application screened out. Ensure that your own personal contact details are included at the top of the letter.
Sample Student 123 Campus Lane Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Y3 September 16, 2008 Human Resources Sample Company Engineering Inc. 10010 – 100 Street Edmonton AB T5J 0N3 Attention: Mr. John Smith Re: Junior Engineer Posting Dear Mr. Smith, Email: Sstudent@ualberta.ca Telephone: 780 444-5555 Cellular: 780 991-5555
When addressing the letter, use the contact name that you have been given. If you have not been given a name, try and find out who you should be addressing the application to, or who is the person who generally does the hiring for the department you want to work in. Some companies will tell you, some won't - it is considered "better" to address a letter to a named individual and it is said that in some cases the person will be impressed that you took the time to find out. If you can't find out a contact name then there are numerous options you could use - different people have different opinions on what you should and shouldn't say, basically go with what you feel comfortable with as long as it is polite and professional. You can use; "Dear Sir or Madam," "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear HR Professional" etc.
Your first paragraph should be your introduction. You may want to mention here that you are a student or recently graduated and what you have been studying. You need to tell the employer specifically which position you are applying for as they may have numerous jobs posted, if you are given a job code number ensure that you use it. Include details of where you saw the position posted - if it was on the PlacePro site, say "University of Alberta" rather than PlacePro because this will have no meaning for the employers. If you were told to send in your resume by someone you know who already works at the company, be sure to mention their name in this paragraph. You could highlight at this stage why you are applying for this particular job with that particular company. Your second paragraph is your "marketing pitch." This is where you enthusiastically sell yourself and your skills to the employer showing them that you are a strong candidate and encourage them to interview you for the position. Make this paragraph as relevant as possible to the job that you are applying for and don't forget to include those all important key words and phrases from the job description. You can include any relevant achievements and successes, training and hands-on experience which will make you stand out from the crowd. You want to show why you are interested in the company / job / location and why you are the best fit for the role. Make sure you concentrate on why you are good for the company and how your strengths can help them achieve their corporate goals rather than why the job and the company suits you. The final paragraph is where you "ask for the interview." You can say such things as " I look forward to hearing from you soon" or "I look forward to discussing my skills and experience with you." Include your phone contact details again and thank the reader for their time and consideration. If you decide to say that you will follow up on your application, make sure that you do.
Sincerely, Sample Student
If your application is a hard copy, make sure that you sign it. If you are applying online or via email than just typing in your full name is sufficient.
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