Cover Letters

Cover Letters An effective cover letter expands on the accompanying résumé by linking your specific skills and experiences to the employer’s requirements. It is your opportunity to market yourself on paper concisely, yet with imagination and originality.

Do You Need a Cover Letter? Yes! A cover letter should always accompany a résumé — unless the employer specifically requests that you don’t. It communicates a personalized message to the employer, answering the questions “why are you sending this résumé?” and “why should I hire you?” A cover letter is a professional document, and as such it should follow standard business letter conventions. Standard Letter Heading. Your letter should start with your address (or contact information as it is set up in your résumé), the date, and the employer’s name and address (see samples for layout — these can vary, but try to keep a professional, consistent approach). Greeting. Address your letter to a specific person, i.e., “Dear Mr./Ms. *surname+,” not “To Whom It May Concern.” If no name is available then use RE: [Position Title]. Introductory Paragraph. State the name of the position to which you are applying and where you saw the position advertised or how you heard about it. If you are not applying for an advertised position, state the type of work you are seeking. Explain briefly why the employer should consider your application — what makes you unique. Middle Paragraphs (2-3 at most). Provide examples of how your skills and experiences relate to the position. Support your statements with examples from work, school, volunteer, or extracurricular experiences. Focus on the contributions you can make to the organization; elaborate on your courses, field work, thesis topic and technical or specific knowledge that relates to the position. Make sure your statements show that you have researched the organization and position. Explain why you are interested in the position and the organization. Concluding Paragraph. Thank the employer for his/her consideration of your application. State the best way to contact you (home phone, cell phone and/or email). Let them know if you will be out of town or unreachable at any particular time. The last paragraph is typically followed by a cordial closing like “Sincerely,” then your signature and name. If the application is submitted electronically, a signature will not be expected. Take the Time to Shine. It takes time and practice to create original, interesting, yet brief letters that include all of the above. As with all other skills, however, your writing will improve with practice. Ensure you proofread your letter for grammatical and spelling errors! Take the extra time and have your cover letter proofread by someone else. Employers receive a never-ending flood of applications, so it is worth the time to ensure your cover letter stands out from the rest.

Cover Letter Services Résumé & Cover Letter Seminar. Students who have never written a résumé and cover letter should try to attend a Winning Résumés & Cover Letters seminar. Seminars are offered several times each semester. Visit the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) website at www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc for specific dates. Sign up is available via the Intranet. Résumé Critiques. Students who would like to have their résumé or cover letter critiqued by an Employment Counsellor can sign up 24 hours in advance via the Intranet. Cover Letter Resources. The AA&CC Career Resource Library holds an extensive collection of guides and sample cover letters, including examples for applications in specific fields. We also have resources for other types of letters you may need in your search for employment, such as thank you and follow-up letters. Web Resources. For more information on writing cover letters and links to other employment related websites visit: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Resume Toolkit. www.utm.utoronto.ca/career/toolkit.html Quintessential Careers. www.quintcareers.com/cover_letters.html Academic Advising & Career Centre: A team of professionals who advise, counsel and coach individuals with their learning and career development. © January 2011, source; la. Academic Advising & Career Centre. All Rights Reserved.

Cover Letters Sample cover letter (unsolicited, no advertised position) 24 Sussex Gardens Toronto, Ontario M6R 1G7

[or same contact information header used on resume]

June 5, 2010 Ms. Beatrice Wilson Media Accounts Co-ordinator Malooney, Wilstone and Massey 12 Laurier Park, Suite 3 Toronto, Ontario M1M 2A9 Dear Ms. Wilson: A former classmate of yours, Mr. Bill Brennen, suggested I contact you regarding opportunities in media relations at Malooney, Wilstone and Massey. As he suggested, I am sending you my résumé, so that you might review my background should there be a suitable opening in your department in the near future. I believe a junior position in media relations would allow me to build on my excellent writing, public relations, and presentation skills, thereby making an immediate contribution to your organization. As editor of PoliSci & You, the newsletter of the University of Toronto Political Science Students’ Association, I write, solicit and edit articles and advertising copy. This has given me an excellent opportunity to build upon the writing skills I developed through my course work. In particular, writing for a mixed audience including both subscribers (students) and advertisers is a skill I could make good use of for your firm. Most recently, I organized and successfully publicized the annual fundraising event for St. Clement’s Church. This year’s attendance surpassed previous years by 60%. My primary contribution to this increase was to send news releases to a dozen local media, three of which promoted the event and then covered it on the day. I was also able to secure an interview on a popular radio station to further publicize the event. My public presentation skills have been further developed at university, where I have given well-received seminars as part of my coursework, and through summer work as a tour guide. Through my research I learned that Malooney, Wilstone, and Massey is targeting a new client group: small business. My knowledge gained through my involvement in running a family business will be of benefit to you as you continue to secure this niche with small businesses. Through my studies at the University of Toronto, I have gained a good grasp of current events and a sensitivity to the diverse needs of the public involved in any issue. As well as strong academic skills, I have developed outstanding interpersonal skills through my work experiences and extracurricular activities. I am able to deal with demanding people in a tactful way and am resourceful in using the telephone and computer to gather information. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss my suitability with Malooney, Wilstone, and Massey. Sincerely,

Boris Leskin Boris Leskin Encl. Resume For more information, please visit the Academic Advising & Career Centre AC213 • [email protected] • 416-287-7561 • www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc

Waiver: While every attempt was made to provide accurate information on this tipsheet, information may change at any time.