A common mistake is listing every skill you have instead of proving the relevant ones the role actually needs. Start by studying the posting (and company page): highlight the top 3 responsibilities and the verbs they use (e.g., reconcile, document, coordinate). Choose 2–3 skills that match those responsibilities, then show evidence from school/club/part-time work using Action + How + Tool + Result with a number (e.g., “reconciled fundraiser cash with $0 variance using Sheets”). In your cover letter, name the exact role and connect each chosen skill to a short, specific example that mirrors their needs. School projects, clubs, volunteering, and part-time jobs all count. This approach shows you understand the job, can do the work, and will bring the right strengths to the co-op.
Goal: sound genuinely excited about this role at this company.
Formula: Enthusiasm + Why Them (specific) + Why This Role (+ optional nod to a class/club/part-time experience)
Good examples
● “I’m excited to apply to National Bank’s Settlements/CPMC team—I like roles where careful steps protect clients and keep operations smooth.”
(Avoid: “I’m passionate about business.” — too generic.)
Do this
● Read the About/Values page and recent news/posts.
● Note what they do, who they serve, and how they measure success.
● Grab 2–3 keywords to mirror (e.g., accuracy, client service, collaboration).
Reusable line: “Your focus on [value/priority] in [area of work] stands out to me…”
Do this
● List the top 3 responsibilities from the posting/site.
● Note prerequisites, modality (in-person/virtual), AM/PM.
● Translate each responsibility into a skill you can show.
Reusable line: “This role emphasizes [responsibility], which requires strong [skill].”
Use: Action + What/How + Tool + Result (with a number)
● Banking/Audit: “Completed a bank reconciliation with $0 variance; prepared 5 adjusting entries and a clean trial balance.”
● HR/Accounting: “Checked 35 volunteer shift entries in Excel; fixed 5 errors with filters; sent a clear summary.”
● Marketing/Events: “Reviewed 4 weeks of club Instagram stats; suggested 3 content tests.”
● Tech-Leaning Accounting: “Built a SUMIF budget tracker; cut follow-up emails 25%; wrote a 1-page SOP.”
● Virtual Accuracy: “Replied within 1 business day; kept 100% on-time submissions all term.”
Para 1 — Hook: enthusiasm + why them + why this role
Example: “I’m excited to apply for [Role] at [Company]—your focus on [value] in [area] matches what I enjoy. In [class/club], I discovered I love [relevant task/skill].”
Para 2 — Fit: 2–3 skills + short, numbered examples that mirror the posting
Example: “This role calls for [skill 1] and [skill 2]. Recently, I [example with number]. I also [example with tool]. In [club/class], I [example + mini result].”
Para 3 — Close: availability + professionalism + thanks
Example: “I’m available [AM/PM] in [Semester X] and I’m committed to confidentiality and clear communication. Thank you for your consideration.”
● Length: 200–300 words. Tone: professional, warm, specific.
● Address: a person if possible; otherwise Hiring Team.
● Mirror keywords: prerequisites (e.g., Grade 11 Accounting), tools (Excel/SUMIF), exact role title.
● File name: Firstname_Lastname_CoverLetter_Company.pdf.
● Do: “Co-organized a session for 100 students; kept the run-of-show on time.” — Try instead of: “Helped with an event.”
● Do: “Reconciled fundraiser cash with $0 variance; saved receipts to a labeled folder.” — Try instead of: “Responsible with money.”
☐ Role title & company name exactly match the posting
☐ 3 paragraphs, 200–300 words
☐ 2–3 numbered examples (counts/%/frequency/accuracy)
☐ Prerequisites visible (e.g., Grade 11 Accounting)
☐ Availability stated (AM/PM, semester)
☐ Saved as PDF with a clear file name
☐ Proofread once out loud (or ask a teacher/friend)