Cover letters

What is a cover letter?

To be considered for almost any position, you will need to write a letter of application. Such a letter introduces you, explains the purpose of your application, highlights your experiences, and requests an opportunity to meet with the potential employer. We refer to this important piece of material as a Cover Letter.

Precisely because this letter is your introduction to an employer, and because first impressions count, you should take great care to write an impressive and effective letter. Remember that the letter not only tells of your accomplishments but also reveals how effectively you can communicate.

How to format a cover letter

·         Type each letter individually, or use a word processor.

·         Use good quality bond paper.

·         Whenever possible, address each employer by name and title.

·         Each letter should be grammatically correct, properly punctuated, and have perfect spelling. It also should be immaculately clean and free of errors. Proofread carefully!

·         Use conventional business correspondence form. If you are not certain of how to do this, ask for help.

What to include in a cover letter

·         Try to limit your letter to a single page. Be succinct.

·         Assess the employer’s needs versus your skills. Then try to match them, in the letter, in a way that will appeal to the employer’s self-interest.

·         Tailor your letter to each job opportunity. Demonstrate knowledge of the organisation to which you are applying.

·         Write in a style that is mature but clear; avoid long and intricate sentences and paragraphs; avoid jargon.

·         Use action verbs and the active voice; convey confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm coupled with respect and professionalism.

·         Show some personality, but avoid hard-sell, gimmicky, or unorthodox letters.

·         Arrange the points in a logical sequence; organise each paragraph around a main point.

Opening paragraph

·         State why you are writing. Establish a point of contact (Ex. advertisement in a specific place for a specific position).

·         Give a brief idea of who you are (Ex. a recent PhD in History).

·         Highlight a few of the most salient points from your enclosed resume that are important for the position you are seeking.

·         Show how your education and experience suit the requirements of the position.

·         State how you could contribute to the organisation.

Closing paragraph

·         Stress action. Politely request an interview at the employer's convenience.

·         Offer to provide additional information (Ex. a portfolio, a writing sample, a dossier, an audition tape).

·         Thank the reader for his/her consideration and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her.

Questions to guide your writing

·         Who this letter targeted at?

·         What is my objective?

·         What are the objectives and needs of the person/people reading this?

·         How can I best express my objective in relationship to the employer’s objectives and needs?

·         What specific benefits can I offer to the employer and how can I best express them?

·         What opening sentence and paragraph will grab the attention of my employer in a positive manner?

·         How can I maintain the interest and desire of a potential employer throughout the letter?

·         What closing paragraph will ensure the reader of my capabilities and persuade him/her to contact me?

·         Is the letter my best professional effort?

·         Have I spent sufficient time drafting, revising, and proofreading the letter?

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