The All Important Cover Letter

Your cover letter tells the employer what position you are applying for and gives you a chance to tell a little more about yourself than what is in your resume. It should be created last, after you are sure what position you are applying for.

Your cover letter is your first chance to impress a potential employer. Make sure your opening paragraph grabs and keeps the reader’s attention.

State the position you are applying for, because the company may be advertising for many different positions.

Good Openings

1. The Safe Bet I am writing in response to your ad in

Saturday’s Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal regarding the position of sales associate at Pet Smart.

Six Ways to Open a Cover Letter

2. The Name Drop My co-op teacher, Mr. McKillop, suggested I

apply for the sales associate placement at Super Pet.

3. Show Off Your Research Super Pet has been Thunder Bay’s #1 pet

supplies retailer for the past 3 years running. I am eager to be a part of your dynamic sales team.

4. The Question What child doesn’t dream of having a pet

dog? As a sales associate for Super Pet, I will help every kind of customer select products to enhance the pet ownership experience.

5. Quotable Quotes As Swift once said, “Every dog must have

his day.” As a dog lover, I am eager to work for Super Pet as a sales associate for my upcoming co-op placement this semester.

6. Flattery Will Get You Everywhere Every time I enter Super Pet, I am amazed

by your great selection of pet products and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. I have wanted to be part of your team for some time.

Now that you have the reader’s attention, it’s time to show your stuff. Remember that as long as your cover letter is impressive enough, the person reading it will go on to read your resume. Don’t waste your or your audiences time.

Use the cover letter to pick two or three key skills from the want ad and tell the story of how you have these skills.

The Body Paragraphs

Answer these questions:1. How did you use your skill at work or

school?2. Was there a problem or challenge?3. How did you resolve it using your skill?

If you are not comfortable with writing paragraphs about yourself consider using a T Chart.

Use the headings “Skills You Need” and “Skills I Have”. Choose three to five key job skills and give proof that you have each skill.

T Charts

End your cover letter with a request for this action:

“I look forward to hearing from you to further discuss my skills for this position. You can reach me any time after 4:00pm at 807-928-xxxx

The Closer

Many employers require you to complete an application form when you submit your cover letter and resume.

Some may want you to complete the form in front of them, so be sure you have all the tools and information you need

Blue or black pens, names, addresses, phone numbers and dates of previous schools, employers and volunteer positions.

Acing Your Application Form

Not reading the instructions and following directions.

Making spelling mistakes. Not printing, using messy writing, leaving

crossed-out words, crumpling the paper. Not applying for a specific position. Being vague about your availability. Missing the deadline to hand in your application. Being rude or unprofessional to the person to

whom you submit your application.

Top Application Form Blunders