The Cover Letter

The cover letter is used when you are mailing or dropping off a resume to a prospective
employer. It plays an important role in the process of getting a job.
The purpose of the cover letter is to attract attention to you and your suitability for the job.
The cover letter also is where you state the reasons you are interested in the job or the
company.
When writing your cover letter, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use the KISS principle: Keep it Short, Simple and Specific no more than three
paragraphs, no more than one page.
2. Type your cover letter and remember to sign it.
3. Write the way you speak. Avoid stuffy formal words and phrases like: Enclosed please
find. Instead, try Im keenly interested in ______ and believe I have the qualifications
youre looking for.
4. The contents of your cover letter should flow in this order:
First paragraph: state why you are applying for the job. What is it about the job or
company that attracts you.
Second paragraph: Emphasize the specific knowledge and skills that make you a
strong candidate for the job.
Dont repeat what is already contained in the resume. Try saying things like this:
Im well-qualified for the job based on my two years of related experience. Then
emphasize particular strengths you have to offer relative to the job. For example:
Your description of the ideal candidate highlighted enthusiasm and strong
interpersonal communication skills. These are strengths I would bring to the
position.
Third and closing paragraph: describe in assertive, positive language what you
expect will happen or what you plan to do next. For example I look forward to
meeting you in an interview to discuss my suitability for this position.
5. Use good quality paper.
6. Make sure your letter contains no spelling or grammatical errors.
7. Be original and show enthusiasm.

Emily Smith
100 Brent Blvd
Strathmore, AB
T1P 1V2
February 19, 2014

Hunter Thompson Marketing

659 5th Street
Calgary, AB
T2A 3L2

Re: Junior Marketing Assistant

Dear Mr. Smith,

Your position advertised in the Strathmore Standard is an excellent match with my abilities. I am in my final
year of high school and hope to go to U of C next year. I will be majoring Business and Marketing. I would
like the opportunity to be considered for the part time junior position you are currently advertising. Mention
where you found the position and why you would be suitable for the position.
I have been interested in Marketing for some time now and am very eager to begin a career in this area. I have
gained experience in marketing and advertising through my marketing courses I have taken and being an active
member with my schools student newspaper and yearbook clubs. I have found this experience to be invaluable
as I have been involved in strategic problem solving, communications and implementation of marketing
strategies. I have excellent creative writing skills with a particular speciality in high impact targeted writing.
She is listing her skills related to the position she is applying for and why she is interested in the position.
I would like the opportunity to help HT Marketing achieve their goals. I feel that my creative writing skills and
experience will bring a fresh perspective to HT Marketing. I am self- motivated, versatile and I am able to
provide HT with a high output of creativity. The skills I have learnt working on the school newspaper have
equipped me to meet specific needs in a high-pressure environment. I can deliver goal orientated results within
tight time constraints and am able to work as part of a multifunctional team. I think these key qualities make
me an excellent candidate for this position. Mention the company name and list all of the skills and experience
you have that would make you the IDEAL candidate for this job. You want me to pick up the phone and call
you so TELL ME all about your skills & knowledge.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to meeting you for an interview at a
scheduled time that is convenient for you to discuss my qualifications and the job. I will follow up soon to
confirm that my resume has been received. You may contact me on 555-555-5555 between 4pm 9pm or via
email on TeenJobSeeker@example.com Here I need a Thank-you, you ask for an interview and contact
information on how I can reach you.
Sincerely,
Andrew Riley
ENCL. This means you are attaching your resume and possible job application form

Shayne Earnshaw
107 Strathaven cres.
Strathmore, AB
T1P 1M2
February 19, 2014

Starbucks
500 Ranch Market
Strathmore, AB
T1P 0A8
Re: Baristas
Dear Sir/Maam,

I believe that the barista position that you have advertised in the Strathmore Standard is
something that interests me. Im a grade 11 student at the Strathmore high school. I am
hoping to get some more credits for school so that I can get into either SAIT or the
University of Lethbridge when I am out of school. Getting this job might help me with my
social skills as well.
I have a great memory, and I can be social if I try, I just want to improve my social skills. I
am in air cadets as a flight corporal. I like to assist others with what they want.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to meeting you for
an interview at a scheduled time that is convenient for you to discuss my qualifications and
the job. You may contact me at 403-901-6035 between 4pm 8pm every day except for
Wednesdays; you can also contact me via email on sbdearnshaw@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Shayne Earnshaw
ENCL.

Assessment Rubric for Cover Letter

Cover letter should

get you the
interview.

Business format
and overall
quality of writing
ability

This letter uses

correct
business format with
date and addresses at
the top, and a
signature at the
bottom. This letter
is clear, concise and
grammatically
correct. There are no
spelling errors.

Section 1:
Introduction

This section
identifies the
position for which
you are
applying, and
explains why
you are interested in
the job. You have
described how you
heard about the
opening. The wording
is creative and
catches an employers
attention quickly.
This letter
identifies one or
two of your strongest
qualifications, and
clearly
relates how these
skills apply to the
job at hand. This
letter explains
specifically why you
are interested in the
position
and this type of job,
company, and/or
location
This letter refers
the reader to your
resume or any other
enclosed documents.
This letter thanks
the reader for taking
time to consider your
application. You are

Section 2:
Identification of
skills and
experiences as
related to
position

Section 3:
Closing

Cover letter could

land you an
interview.
This is an average
letter (borderline
case).
This letter uses
correct business
format with date and
addresses at the top,
and a signature at
the bottom. There are
minimal spelling and
grammatical errors.
While its content is
appropriate, this
letter does not
compel an employer to
call.
This section
identifies the
position you are
seeking. This letter
does not describe how
you heard about the
opening. You vaguely
describe why you are
interested in this
job. This section is
bland and might not
catch someones
attention fast
enough.
This letter
identifies one of
your qualifications,
but it is not related
to the position at
hand. This letter
restates what is on
your resume with
minimal additional
information. You
explain why you are
interested
in the position, but
are too
vague.
You thank the reader
for taking time to
read this letter. You
do not refer the
reader to your
resume or application
materials. This
letter assumes that

Cover letter needs

significant
improvement
and would be
discarded
during screening
Business formatting
is not used in this
letter. There is no
address or date at
the top. This letter
is not signed. There
are multiple spelling
and grammatical
errors. The content
of this letter does
not make sense to the
reader.
This section does not
clearly identify what
position you are
seeking. There is no
description of how
you heard about the
position, or why you
are interested. This
letter will not grab
an employers
attention and keep
him or her reading.
This letter does not
discuss any relevant
qualifications. You
have not related your
skills to the
position for which
you are applying.
This letter does not
state why you are
interested in the
position, company,
and/or location.

This letter does not

thank the reader for
taking time to
consider your
application. There
is no reference to a
resume or other
materials. This

Grammar, Punctuation,
and choice of words
for the letter

assertive as you
describe how you will
follow up with the
employer in a stated
time period.
Excellent job on word
choice, grammar, and
punctuation.

the employer will

contact you to follow
up.

letter does not

mention any plan for
follow up.

Grammar and
punctuation mostly
correct for a thank
you letter.

Grammar, punctuation,
and choice of words
poor for a thank you
letter.