Lesson 12 — Activity 2: The Cover Letter


Do you know what a resume is?

A resume:

  • contains information about the qualities that would make you a good candidate for a job
  • is a summary of your contact information, education, and work history that shows the skills and abilities you have
There is another important document that you can use to help get the job you want. It is a special type of business letter called a cover letter.

This is the letter you would send to encourage the potential employer to read your resume.

You need to include a cover letter with your resume to give:

  • employers more information about you
  • employers a reason to want to contact you for an employment interview
  • you an opportunity to make an impression on the employer because you can write a cover letter that is directed specifically toward a particular job



Words to consider when writing a cover letter.


A good cover letter will help you get an interview.
Image courtesy of www.imagesgoogle.com
A cover letter will likely have some or all of the following purposes:

  • allows you to introduce yourself to a company
  • shows the employer that you are interested in the company
  • encourages the employer to take a closer look at your resume
  • persuades the employer to give you an interview


The cover letter follows a similar structure to other business letters.

The contents are often constructed like this:

In Paragraph — Introduction:

  • explain why you are writing
  • explain what position you are applying for and why you are interested in that job


In Paragraph 2 (and possibly one or two more paragraphs) — Body:

  • explain what specific qualities you have that make you the best candidate for this job


In the Final Paragraph — Conclusion:

  • thank the employer for considering your letter
  • give the employer the information he or she needs to contact you for an interview



Jane Smith
1224 Ridge Road
Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1X3

March 27, 2014

Peter Jones
Assistant Manager
Child’s World Daycare
774 1st Street
Edmonton, Alberta T4N 1S4

Dear Mr. Jones:

I am writing to apply for the Preschool Assistant position that was advertised in the Edmonton Sun newspaper. I have much experience working with children and think I would be a very good addition to the staff at your daycare.

I have worked as a babysitter, for children ages 3 through 12, for the past three years. I have babysat during evenings and weekends and I cared for a family of three children daily for two months during the summer.

Thank you for considering me for this position. For further information on my education and experience, please refer to the enclosed resume. I can be reached by phone at (780) 555-5555 or by e-mail at janesmith@myemail.com.

Sincerely,

Jane Smith



Digging Deeper: Click here for more information on writing resumes and cover letters.


Being able to write a clear and persuasive cover letter will be a very valuable skill as you enter the world of work! A good cover letter will get you a job interview.