Cover Letter Writing Tips

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a short, professional letter that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job, co-op placement, or other opportunity. Its purpose is to introduce who you are, explain your interest in the position, and highlight your relevant skills and experiences. A cover letter helps employers understand you beyond your resume and shows why you would be a strong fit for the role and organization.

Cover Letter Writing Essentials

Before focusing on each part of your cover letter, keep these essential guidelines in mind:

Keep your cover letter to one page
Tailor your cover letter to each position — do not use the exact same letter for multiple jobs
Research the company and position you are applying for and reference this in your writing
Use a professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 11–12 point size
Your name may be larger (14–18 point font) at the top of the page
Use the same font style and size in both your resume and cover letter
Set margins to 1 inch on all sides
Use block formatting (left-aligned text); do not indent paragraphs
Leave a blank line between each paragraph
Do not repeat your resume — expand on some of your experiences and explain how they relate to the position
Write in a professional and formal tone
Write in full sentences and paragraphs, not bullet points
Avoid slang, emojis, or overly casual language
Proofread carefully — spelling, grammar, and formatting matter
Save and submit your cover letter as a PDF, unless instructed otherwise

What to Include on a Cover Letter?

Your contact information
Date
Employer’s contact information
Salutation (e.g., Dear Hiring Manager or Dear [Name])
3–4 paragraphs:
- Introduction paragraph
- 1–2 body paragraphs
- Conclusion paragraph
Professional closing (e.g., Sincerely,)
Your full name (First and Last Name)

Header

Include your full name, city and province, phone number, and professional email address
- Place this information at the top of the page
Include the current date, written in full (e.g., Saturday, February 3, 2024)
Place the date below your contact information
Include the employer’s name, job title, company name, and company address
If the employer’s name is unknown, you may omit the name and begin with the company information
Align this section on the left-hand side of the page
Include a salutation:
- Use “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:” whenever possible.
- If the name is unknown, use “Dear Hiring Manager:”
Use the same formatting as your resume for consistency

Introductory Paragraph

Clearly identify the position you are applying for and the company
Mention something specific about the company (a recent project, mission, values, or culture) to show the letter is not generic
Briefly highlight your most relevant experience, skill, or achievement that makes you a strong candidate (details should be expanded in the body paragraph)
Hook the reader with a confident, engaging opening that makes them want to keep reading

Body Paragraph

Use 1–2 paragraphs to connect your past experiences directly to the job requirements.

Research the company and position!!
Mirror keywords from the job description to show you are a strong fit for the role
Do not repeat your resume — provide context and explanation for your experiences, skills, and achievements
Focus on what you have to offer the employer by making clear connections between your skills and the employer’s needs
Refer to specific past experiences and explain how the skills you used match the position
- Provide concrete examples and explain the result or impact of your actions
Bridge your experience to the role by explaining how your past accomplishments prepare you for this specific position

Conclusion Paragraph

Thank the employer for their time and consideration
Briefly summarize your value by reminding the employer how your skills and experience can support their goals
Reiterate your interest in the position and this specific organization
Confidently express interest in next steps, such as an interview or further discussion
Keep the tone professional, positive, and confident (not demanding)

Closing, Signature, Name

Use a professional closing such as:
- Sincerely,
- Kind regards,
- Best regards,
Leave a blank line between the closing and your name
Include a signature (a handwritten signature is not required for online submissions)
Type your first and last name

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