A cover letter adds significant value to a job application by providing a personalized introduction that highlights your enthusiasm, relevant skills, and fit for the specific role. Unlike a resume, which lists qualifications and experience in a structured format, a cover letter offers the opportunity to tell a story—explaining career motivations, clarifying transitions, and demonstrating knowledge of the company. It allows applicants to connect their background directly to the employer’s needs, showing how they can contribute to the organization. Ultimately, a well-written cover letter can distinguish a candidate from others by conveying professionalism, initiative, and genuine interest. 

Common cover letter mistakes can weaken a potential employer's first impression and reduce their chances of landing an interview. One major error is using a generic, one-size-fits-all letter that fails to address the specific company or position. Other pitfalls include repeating the resume verbatim, focusing too much on what you want rather than what you can offer, and using overly formal or robotic language. Typos, grammatical errors, and incorrect company names also reflect a lack of attention to detail. Additionally, failing to include a clear call to action or closing statement can leave the reader uncertain about the next steps. Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure the cover letter is professional, relevant, and compelling. 

Writing your own cover letter involves more than just summarizing your resume—it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that connects your experience, skills, and enthusiasm to the specific job you’re applying for. Start by addressing the letter to a specific person whenever possible, as this adds a personal touch and shows you've done your research. 

In the opening paragraph, state the position you’re applying for and briefly mention how you found it. Follow with a concise explanation of why you’re interested in the role and what draws you to the company. 

In the body of the letter, highlight a few key accomplishments or experiences that demonstrate your qualifications, ideally matching them with the job description. Use specific examples to show how you’ve solved problems, added value, or contributed to team goals. Avoid simply repeating your resume; instead, use this space to add context and personality. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity and the company’s mission, and explain how your values or goals align with theirs. 

In the closing paragraph, express appreciation for the reader’s time, restate your interest, and include a clear call to action—such as expressing your eagerness to discuss the role further in an interview. Keep your tone professional yet authentic, proofread carefully to avoid any errors, and aim to keep the letter to a single page. 

Writing a cover letter allows you to present your unique voice and motivation, which can significantly boost your chances of making a strong, memorable impression. 

An effective cover letter typically includes several key elements that work together to make a strong impression on potential employers. 

• Begin with a professional header containing your contact information, the date, and the employer’s details, followed by a personalized salutation—ideally addressing the hiring manager by name. 

• The opening paragraph should clearly state the position you’re applying for and briefly mention how you found it, while also expressing enthusiasm and establishing a connection to the company or role. 

• The body of the cover letter, usually one to two paragraphs, should highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that directly align with the job description. Rather than repeating your résumé, this section should expand on your qualifications using specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve contributed to previous employers and how those experiences make you a strong fit for the new role. 

• It’s important to show genuine interest in the company by referencing its mission, culture, or recent projects, indicating that you’ve done your research and are not just mass-applying to jobs. 

• The closing paragraph should reinforce your enthusiasm, include a polite thank you, and feature a clear call to action, such as expressing your desire for an interview or further conversation. 

• Throughout the letter, the tone should be professional but authentic, the writing should be concise and error-free, and the content should be tailored to the specific job and company. 

Together, these elements ensure the cover letter not only presents your qualifications but also reflects your personality and motivation, which can significantly enhance your candidacy. 

Here is a basic structure of what a cover letter should look like. If you are emailing your resume and cover letter together, please be sure to include your resume and cover letter together in one .PDF file format for best results. 

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Email Address] | [Phone Number]
[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board or Company Website]. With a strong background in [Your Field or Industry] and a genuine enthusiasm for [Company’s Mission or Industry], I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team.

Over the past [X years], I have gained valuable experience in [mention key skills or areas of expertise]. For example, in my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [briefly describe a key achievement or responsibility]. This experience not only strengthened my [relevant skill], but also taught me the importance of [a core value or lesson that connects to the role or company]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its reputation for [mention something specific about the company—culture, projects, values], and I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to such an inspiring organization.

I would welcome the chance to speak with you further about how my background and passion align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and hope to discuss the role with you in more detail.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]