Cover letter writing and templates

Writing your cover letter

Tips as you prepare to write:

Emphasize your contributions to the employer rather than what the job will do for you
Identify and include keywords from the job posting
There is no set number of body paragraphs you can include or how to organize them – it's up to you to decide what approach communicates your suitability best
Avoid using clichés or generic phrases as they are overused and have less impact
Proofread your document and, if possible, ask someone for feedback on it
Avoid repeating exactly what’s contained in any portion of your résumé. Use this opportunity to elaborate further on relevant points

The following sections provide more detail on each component of a cover letter.

Introductory paragraph

As the name suggests, you’re introducing what interests you about the role you’re applying to, your career motivations and what makes you a good fit for the role. You want your introduction to engage the reader and hook them in so that they keep reading right to the end!

The approach you use to begin your cover letter takes into account:

The position, employer and the norms of the sector
How you want to introduce yourself

Final sentence of your introduction

There are many options available to you. Consider finishing the introductory paragraph with either:

A summarizing sentence that outlines the information you plan on sharing in the body paragraphs. Knowing what's coming can make your reader’s job much easier, as they’ll know what to expect.

Example:

I plan to convey to you the ways in which my skills, qualifications and values are a good fit for the student advisor position with the Co-operative (Co-op) Education department at University of Waterloo.

OR

An expression of interest or passion in the role and/or organization. This approach can promote greater alignment and connection between you and the reader.

Example:

I welcome the opportunity to use my marketing and design skills to promote the protection of an environmentally sensitive area as a design lead with the xyz Environmental group.

Introductory paragraph -Different approaches and examples

The following is a list of approaches available to you. Reviewing them may help you begin thinking creatively about how you'd like to begin your cover letter. There may be an approach that you like but don’t feel comfortable using, for whatever reason. Some approaches might better reflect your personality.

Choose an approach that you feel conveys you in an authentic way and introduces you in the most advantageous light to the target employer and role.

Belief statement

Demonstrate your commitment to an organizations’ core mission and values by highlighting a particular motivation for dedicating yourself to the target role and/or sector.

Example: I believe strongly in the value of co-operative education in preparing students for the transition to future workplaces. I want to support students to leverage strengths, skills and values gleaned from their personal and academic experiences to co-op positions and future careers more broadly. I plan to convey to you the ways in which my skills, qualifications and values are a good fit for the student advisor position with the Co-operative (Co-op) Education department at University of Waterloo.

Establish a connection

If someone referred you to the job, for example a current employee at the target organization, you could, with their consent, include their name and title or department in the introductory paragraph. When an employer hires internally, they can often more easily assess an internal candidate’s potential contribution to a role than that of an external candidate whom they’re unfamiliar with. Including the name of an employee that you know or other strong connection to the organization is the next best thing.

Example: I was pleased to learn of this job opportunity from a former colleague, Mei Ling, in the Marketing department, with whom I collaborated on a research project with XYZ organization. Based on her knowledge of my skill set, Mei thought I’d be a good fit with your workplace culture and would contribute to your organization in the role of xyz.

Convey passion or enthusiasm

Hiring managers want to know that you’ll make a positive contribution to the organization. But they also want to know why you want to work with them specifically. Conveying the main reason you’re applying to the role and/or the organization will start you off on the right foot. Avoid emphasizing the ways in which they will support your career, but rather how you will support their mission.

Example: I’ve been searching for some time for an opportunity to contribute in an administrative capacity toward the development of competent, ethically oriented social work students. The position of Field Education Coordinator with the xyz department provides an excellent opportunity for me to contribute in this way! The position would harness a range of skills acquired both from my background in social work and my emerging skill-base in career counselling.

Articulate an expected contribution

For those who feel confident about articulating an accomplishment or using a skill set and identifying how they can do so again for the target organization or team, this is the option for you! You’ll need to determine which contribution would be highly valued by the employer and connect it to something you’ve successfully delivered on in the past.

Example: I am writing to express my keen interest in a marketing position within your reputable organization. My two years of professional and volunteer experience in public relations and record of success in delivering quality customer service make me an ideal candidate for the position. I offer solid knowledge of sound, image, text and video communication design. Since ABC Inc. is a leader in designing, developing and offering broadband communications to all world markets, I feel strongly that your area of specialization would benefit from my skills and experience.