Lesson 20 — Activity 3: Writing a Cover Letter

The cover letter follows the same structure as the business letter. The content is specific to the job you are applying for to encourage the employer to read your résumé. Below is what a typical cover letter might look like.

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Your Mailing Address Your Community, Your Province Your Postal Code The Date You Are Writing the Letter The Employer's Name — Find out exactly who you should send the letter to. The Employer's Position or Job Title The Name of the Business or Company The Street Address or Box Number The Community, The Province The Postal Code Dear Mr. (Employer's Last Name): or Dear Ms. (Employer's Last Name): Tell what job you are interested in and why in the first paragraph. You may also mention where you heard about the job. In the second paragraph, explain why you are applying for the job. Give the employer the main reasons you are a good choice to hire for the job. ("Blow your horn," but keep it fairly short!) In the third paragraph, include any other related information. Say that you are enclosing your résumé or application form and that the employer may contact you for further information. In your closing paragraph, thank the person for considering you and say that you look forward to an interview. You may include a phone number where you can be reached — even if your phone number is on your résumé. Sincerely, Leave a line for your signature. (Hit the enter key four times.) Your Name

Here is an example of a cover letter written by someone interested in a position working with animals:

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