8. WHAT IS THE
PURPOSE OF A
COVER LETTER?
•Presents your interest,
qualifications, and availability to the
employer.
•Its YOUR chance to make a good
first impression.
9. • Block Style
– All lines start on the left side of the
margin
– No indentations
• Modified Block Style
– Uses indentations
– Each paragraph is indented, as well as
the beginning information and the
close
Styles of Cover LettersStyles of Cover Letters
10. CONTENTS OF A
COVER LETTER
• Headings
• Salutation/Greeting
• Opening paragraph
• Middle paragraph
• Closing paragraph
• Complementary Close
• Signature and enclosure
11. HEADINGS
Your
Heading
• Name
• Address
• City, Province, Postal
Code
• Phone number
• Date
Companies
Heading
• Name of Employer
• Title of Employer
• Name of Organization
/company name
• Address
• City, Province, Postal
Code
12. SALUTATIONS/
GREETING
Preferred
Salutations
• Dear Mr.
• Dear Mrs.
• Dear Ms.
• Dear Dr.
• Dear Sir or Madam
Alternate
Salutations
• Attention: Personal
Manager
• Attention: Name of
Organization
Representative
Do not use “To Whom It May Concern”
13. COVER LETTER
OPENING
• The position you are applying for
• Where you saw the posting. Include
name and date of publication
• If you were referred for the position,
give the name of that person
• Express your interest for the position
14. OPENING EXAMPLE
Please accept my resume in response to the
posting for the position of Cashier with ABC
Company located in the Vancouver Sun on
February 1, 2009. Having been a long time
customer of ABC Company and knowing your
products and services are ones I can proudly stand
behind, I was excited at the prospect of joining
your team. As you will see my experience and
qualifications are a perfect fit for the position.
15. COVER LETTER BODY
• Why you are suited for the job
• How your skills and qualifications match
the specific job requirements listed in the
add
• Include related experience, training, and
attributes
• Try to list at least 2 examples
16. BODY EXAMPLE
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce
myself to you. I am a reliable, and energetic
individual who enjoys interacting with others. I take
pride in building strong customer relationships, and I
am client focused. I have been recognized as being
honest, responsible, and self motivated. I enjoy
working in a fast paced environment and thrive on
contributing to a team. I am confident that my
positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, and
honesty will fulfill the requirements of this position.
17. CLOSING PARAGRAPH
• Restate your interest in the position and
mention how you will be an asset to the
company
• List your contact information
• Include your home phone number, cell
number and or email address.
• Include an action/next step informing the
employer you will be in contact with them.
18. EXAMPLE
• I would welcome the chance to meet with
you to discuss how my qualifications will
exceed your expectations. I can provide
excellent references upon request. I can b e
reached at 604-555-5555 or by email at
bbarista@anymail.com. I look forward to
hearing from you. Thank you for your time
and consideration.
19. CLOSING PARAGRAPHS
Best
I would welcome the chance
to meet with you to discuss
how my qualifications will
exceed your expectations. I
can provide excellent
references upon request. I
can be reached at 604-555-
5555 or by email at
bbarista@anymail.com. I
will follow up with a phone
call next week to discuss
things further.
Better
OKI look forward to hearing
from you soon and having
the opportunity to discuss my
qualifications for the position
I would like to thank you
for taking the time to
consider my resume. I am
looking forward to meeting
with you to discuss this
employment opportunity.
You can contact me at 604-
555-5555 or by email at
bbarista@anymail.com
22. FINAL THOUGHTS
• Use good grammar and correct spelling
• Be brief, but cover the subject
• Ask for help if you need it
• Know and understand what the employer
is looking for in their applicants
• Research the company, visit there
website, know there mission statement
23. • Your street address
• Your city, state, zip code
• Month, Day, Year
• Mr./Ms./Dr. Name
• Title
• Name of company/organization
• Company address
• City, State, Zip code
• Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:
• Paragraph 1: Answers “Why am I writing?”
• Identify the position and the company
• Indicate how you learned about the position
• Request the employer’s consideration
• Introduce basic information about yourself
• Paragraph 2: Answers “Who am I, and why should you hire me?”
• Contain a brief summary of your personal data and work experience.
• Relate your skills, experiences, and qualities that would benefit you in this position
• Paragraph 3: Answers “What is my next step?”
• Refer the reader to your enclosed resume
• Reiterate your interest in the position
• Specify how you will follow up
• Sincerely,
• Your signature
• Enclosure
