Cover Letters: introducing your résumé Lynn Walsh, Career Advisor

Purpose of a Cover Letter Cover letters are a way to address the employer directly & highlight accomplishments or skills that reflect suitability for the position.

Format and content Return Address Date Addressee Salutation (Greeting) Body (includes 4 different paragraphs) Closing Signature Enclosure(s)

Return Address & Date Your complete mailing address and telephone number should be placed at the top left margin, without your name Insert the current date two lines below your return address Do not abbreviate the date

Addressee Find mailing address of the company to which you are applying Address by name the specific individual who will process your application.

Salutation Typed two lines below the company address Use appropriate salutation -Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. Adams: If specific name can not be found, use - Dear Sir or Madam: * Always use colon after salutation

First paragraph 1 st paragraph – Why you are writing Introduction should catch the reader’s attention Clearly state what job you are applying for and how you learned about it. If you have any personal contacts in or with the company, you may want to mention them here.

Second paragraph 2 nd paragraph - What you have to offer Provide specific information about the skills you have & how your qualifications will benefit the company Respond to every possible requirement that is mentioned in the job description/offer

Third paragraph - Why this Company Indicate why you feel you would like to work for this company/organization -For example, products, service, place in the community Discuss what you know about the employer, the organization, the sector, etc. Third paragraph

4 th paragraph – closing & request to meet/interview In the concluding paragraph you should request an interview State where and when you can be reached Thank reader for his or her time and consideration. Fourth paragraph

Signature Use Closings such as “Sincerely” or “Yours Truly” -2 lines below body of letter - align with left margin Type your full name as it appears on your resume - 4 lines beneath your Closing Sign above your typed name in black ink

Enclosures If you are enclosing a resume or other materials, include an enclosure line flush left at the bottom of the letter For example: Enclosure: Résumé OR Enc: Résumé

Points to remember Review letter for grammar and spelling Have someone proof read your final copy Do not forget to sign your cover letter Do not forget to attach enclosure if stated

Contact: International Student Career Advisor Lynn Walsh Centre for Career Development/International Student Advising p: or Office Hours: Mon., Tues. & Fri. (9am – 5pm): Centre for Career Development (CCD), 4th floor of UC Wed. & Thurs. (9am – 4:45pm): ISA Office, Corte Real