GLC2O – Career Studies
The Cover Letter
The purpose of a cover letter is to customize your skills and experience to the specific job you
are applying for. The cover letter is your initial contact with a prospective employer, and as such
it is a critical business document that ‘frames’ your resume for a particular job. Because it is oneway communication, the objective of submitting a cover letter and resume is to get an interview
where you can actively respond to an employer’s questions. It is a good idea to call the
employer for a contact name and title, and as much information on the job requirements as
possible. The following illustrates a typical Cover Letter, formatted ‘Block Style’.
Dana Pareau
2256 Main Street
Anywhere, ON L6J 3C7
(905) 555-7764
dana@internetaddress.ca
January 1, 2010
Make sure you include your complete
postal address
And an appropriate e—mail address
Date of letter (No abbreviations)
Ms. Jeannette Lincoln, Manager
Winners Videos
Anywhere, ON L6J 4D9
Make sure contact name is correct,
as well as title and address
Dear Ms. Lincoln:
Salutation
I am responding to the ad in the December 15th Tribune for a full-time sales
clerk at the Stanwell Shopping Centre. I have often rented movies from
Winners Videos at the Heron Mall and always been impressed by the quality
of service I found there.
Paragraph 1:
As a long-time newspaper deliverer, I know how important it is to be reliable
and on time, and to handle cash carefully. In addition, I am an avid moviegoer and knowledgeable about many different types of movies. I believe I
have excellent qualifications for your position.
I have attached my resume for your consideration. If I haven’t heard from
you by January 16th, I will call to follow up. In the meantime, if you have
any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
-
Why you are writing
Position applying for
General comment about company
Paragraph 2:
-
Your qualifications
Matching your skills to job
Highlight your experience
Paragraph 3:
Yours sincerely,
Dana Pareau
Dana Pareau
-
Request action
Indicate follow-up
Your signature (in ink, not pencil)
Encl: Resume
Indicate enclosed documentation
(your resume) in case separated.
Cover Letter Checklist
Name: _______________________________________________ Date: ______________________
Use the following checklist to assess your cover letter.
Unhappy with your level? Go back and revise to include the items you missed.
1) Did you set up the letter using an acceptable business letter style?...........Yes
2) Did you include each of the following:
a. Your return address…………………………………………………….Yes
b. Current and appropriate e-mail address……………………………...Yes
c. Current date……………………………………………………………...Yes
d. Correct name, title and address of recipient……………………….…Yes
e. Salutation………………………………………………………………...Yes
f. Body……………………………………………………………………....Yes
g. Complimentary Closing………………………………………………....Yes
h. Signature………………………………………………………………....Yes
3) Is the body three to four paragraphs long?...................................................Yes
4) Does the first paragraph tell the reader that you’re applying for
a specific job?...............................................................................................Yes
5) Does the second paragraph tell the reader about your qualifications
and experience?...........................................................................................Yes
6) Does the third paragraph tell the reader where and when you can
be reached?.................................................................................................Yes
7) Did you mention you are enclosing a copy of your resume?........................Yes
8) Did you sign your name above the typed signature?....................................Yes
Did you use an enclosure notation, such as “Encl: resume”……………………...Yes
Rating Scale:
Level 4 = 15-16 yes answers
Level 3 = 13-14 yes answers
Level 2 = 11-12 yes answers
Level 1 = 9-10 yes answers
No
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