Unless you are handing your resumé directly to the person who will read it and you have an opportunity to speak to that person about your skills and abilities, you should always include a cover letter. The cover letter acts as an introduction to the reader and encourages him or her to read the resumé carefully.

Today, employers receive many applications for each job, so they may never read beyond the cover letter. You have approximately 30 seconds to grab the employer’s attention and persuade him or her to read your resumé. Otherwise, your application may end up in the recycling bin.

Cover letters and resumés are often sent electronically. You can either type the content of the cover letter into an email, or attach it as a separate document along with your resumé. If you submit it this way, be sure to include a short email stating your interest in the position and that your cover letter and resume are attached. Be clear to identify your purpose for the email by using the subject line. For example, the subject line “D. PETERSON – Resumé” will clearly show the recipient the purpose of the email.

Cover letters have three parts: an introduction that explains why your resumé is sitting on the person’s desk, the benefits of hiring you for the job, and a closing that focuses on the outcome you want: asking the employer to contact you.

Writing Cover Letters

To write an appealing cover letter, keep in mind the following:

• Use standard, business letter format; start with your complete mailing address and the date the application will be mailed.
• Always address the cover letter to an individual; if you do not know the person’s name, call the company and inquire. Make sure that the information including the spelling of the person’s name, his or her title, the company name, and the address is correct.
• Use an appropriate salutation such as “Dear Ms Jones,” or “Dear Selection Committee” (ask when you call the company or refer to the job ad).
• Make sure that your opening gains interest and explains why you are sending this application. If you are responding to a job advertisement, give specific details (newspaper or website in which the ad appeared, title of job, date, posting number). A sample of a cover letter in response to a job advertisement is shown below. If you were asked to apply or were recommended by someone who knows the individual, say so.
• Briefly mention the qualities or experience you have that meet the company’s requirements. Show that you have done your homework. Be positive and realistic. Explain why you would be an asset to the company. Do not mention salary (unless specifically requested to) and don’t express any doubts about your ability to handle the job.
• Suggest a meeting to further discuss how you could benefit the company. You could indicate that you will follow up with an email or phone call, or ask to hear from the reader. Make it easy for the person to contact you; give your contact information in the form of email and a phone number.
• Sign your letter.
• Proofread your letter very carefully.

If sending in a hard copy:

• Use good quality stationery of the same type and colour as used for your resumé.
• Do not staple the letter to the resumé. Place the letter on top.
• Send your cover letter and resumé, unfolded, in an 8.5″ x 11″ envelope.

Sample Cover Letters

Example 1: When responding to a job advertisement

Example 2: When looking for job leads (unsolicited)

Information to Leave Out of Cover Letters and Resumés

The Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, gender, religion, place of origin, sexual orientation, political belief, marital status, family status, age, and criminal or summary conviction unrelated to employment. This includes information about your plans for marriage or child care, your date of birth, place of birth, height, or weight.

Employers are not allowed to ask you for a photograph that might identify your race and gender. Nor can they ask about present or previous health problems, WorkSafeBC claims, or any absence due to stress or mental illness. They cannot ask about military service outside Canada. Information related to these prohibited grounds should not be included in your resumé. Most employers will not request this information.

If you are asked for inappropriate information, you have three options:

• Fill in the information or answer the question even though it may be illegal.
• Write a dash or N/A (not applicable) in the application form.
• Send a copy of the application form or advertisement to the Human Rights Commission and make a complaint.