EMPLOYMENT LETTERS Cover Letter Options and Samples

FOCUS

TIP SHEETS

EMPLOYMENT LETTERS Cover Letter Options and Samples

Wherever your career takes you, writing professional sounding letters will be critical to your success. Even when competing for career building opportunities, a well-written letter articulating why you should be considered and outlining the connection or fit between you and the organization can tip the scales. While business letter standards have minor variations, here are some formatting guidelines and alternatives to make a professional case – for a job or once you are on it.

Business Letter Styles Components Block Return Address Date Inside Address Salutation/Greeting Topic/Reference Line (Opt) Body (2-3 paragraphs) • Intro • Positioning • Next Steps Closing/Signature Block Enclosure Notation

Modified Block

Block ____ ____ (i) (4 single line spaced) or (ii) (Double spaced) ____ (i) (Double spaced) or (ii) (4 single line spaced) ____ ____ ____ (Double spaced) Dear ____ (Double spaced) Re: _____ (Double spaced) _______________________________ ___________________________ (Double spaced) _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________ (Double spaced) _______________________________ _________________________ (Double spaced) _____ (4 single line spaced) _____ (Double spaced) __

Indented Modified

____ ____ (i) (4 single line spaced) or (ii) (Double spaced)

____ (i) (Double spaced) or (ii) (4 single line spaced) ____ ____ ____ (Double spaced) Dear ____ (Double spaced) Re: _____ (Double spaced) _______________________________ ___________________________ (Double spaced) _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________ (Double spaced) _______________________________ _________________________ (Double spaced) _____ (4 single line spaced) _____ (Double spaced) __

____ ____ (i) (4 single line spaced) or (ii) (Double spaced) ____ (i) (Double spaced) or (ii) (4 single line spaced) ____ ____ ____ (Double spaced) Dear ____ (Double spaced) Re: _____ (Double spaced) _____________________________ _____________________________ (Double spaced) _____________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _________________________ (Double spaced) _____________________________ ___________________________ (Double spaced) _____ (4 single line spaced) _____ (Double spaced) __

Presenting Information in the Body Text Wrap Around In full sentences, outline the way your experience and education can contribute to the employer and role. Describe what ability, skill and knowledge that relates to their onthe-job needs.

Key Bullets

Comparative

Itemize key reasons you qualify for the position: • Top achievements relevant to competencies requested • Relevant experience (part-time, summer, volunteer or work term) • Relevant education, training, certifications in progress or completed

You Require I Bring * X experience * XY experience * Needed * Key education education and training * Ability to … * Relevant, specific accomplishment or success * Valuable * Demonstrated skill set ability in …

A Mount Royal Education - From Classrooms to Careers

Full Block Sample RETURN ADDRESS/HEADING Your Name (optional) Your Address City, Province, Postal Code Your Telephone Number

Presenting Information with Key Bullets

DATE Without Abbreviations INSIDE ADDRESS Name of Person, Title Department Name of Company Address City, Province, Postal Code SALUTATION/GREETING Dear Ms. Person’s Last Name: REFERENCE NUMBER, COMPETITION NUMBER, JOB TITLE, TOPIC OPENING PARAGRAPH Identify how you have come to be contacting them and the position or type of work you are interested in. COMPETITIVE POSITIONING (one to two paragraphs) Showcase your knowledge of the company, the work you seek and what is important to them and their business success. This demonstrates genuine interest and research on the company you have undertaken. Highlight what you have done that demonstrates that you can contribute to this company’s business objectives. Match your specific competencies to a particular job or role. Demonstrate how you are qualified for the position by emphasizing related highlights: • Specific related experience (summer, part-time, work-term, volunteer) • Relevant education and training (theoretical and hands on school assignment) • A particular achievement appropriate to the work • Competencies, abilities, skills and interests in common with needs of reader. WRAP-UP/NEXT STEPS PARAGRAPH Clarify specifically how/when you will follow up. Express an interest in meeting/interviewing. Clarify how/when you can be reached. Express gratitude. CLOSING AND SIGNATURE BLOCK Complimentary closing,

Signature

followed by typed name. ENCLOSURE NOTATION If additional materials are attached/enclosed, such as resume or transcripts

Modified Block Sample Presenting Information with

Text Wrap Around

RETURN ADDRESS/HEADING Your Name (optional) Your Address City, Province, Postal Code Your Telephone Number

DATE Without Abbreviations INSIDE ADDRESS Name of Person Title, Department Name of Company Address City, Province Postal Code SALUTATION/GREETING Dear Mr. Person’s Last Name: OPENING PARAGRAPH Identify how you have come to be contacting them and specify the reference number, competition number, position or type of work you are interested in. COMPETITIVE POSITIONING (one to two paragraphs) Showcase your knowledge of the company, the work you seek and what is important to them and their business success. This demonstrates genuine interest and research on the company you have undertaken. Highlight what you have done that demonstrates that you can contribute to this company’s business objectives. Bridge your accomplishments and experience to what the company would see as useful in the day-to-day business. Match your specific competencies to a particular job or role. Link your relevant skills and abilities as demonstrated through on-the-job experience, school assignments, or volunteer setting to show how you can make a valuable contribution. WRAP-UP/NEXT STEPS PARAGRAPH Clarify specifically how/when you will follow up. Ask for/express interest in a meeting/interview. Clarify how/when you can be reached. Express gratitude.

CLOSING AND SIGNATURE BLOCK Complimentary closing,

Signature

followed by typed name.

ENCLOSURE NOTATION If additional materials are attached/enclosed, such as resume or transcripts

Email Sample Also called an e-note

To: Bcc: Cc: Subject:

---- position, Job Reference #---- or [career field] and, if possible, one unique differentiator

James Smith, Manager ABC Department, 123 Company Calgary, AB Dear Mr. Smith, Sue Jones from your department suggested I contact you about the _____ currently vacant position. After reviewing the posting on your website, I am very interested and expect to be able to contribute quickly. I will be completing a degree in and during my education have been working part-time and summers as assistant to (similar position) at QRS Company, another industry leader with a similar client base to yours. In that position I have consistently been commended for my ability to do _________, and have demonstrated success at _________ and _____________ which you indicated you were looking for. Attached is my resume detailing more about my qualifications. Within the next week I will contact you to confirm that you have received my email and I look forward to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for the opportunity to connect with you. Sincerely, John Doe 12 - 3rd Street Anytown, AB T1T 1T1 (403) 123-4567 [email protected]

John Doe Resume Word document preferred, PDF sometimes accepted

John Doe Cover Letter Word document preferred, PDF sometimes accepted Last updated Aug. 2016

• Finding Work • Cover Letters • Resumes

More Career Services tip sheets on

CAREER SERVICES

• Interviews • Strategic Volunteering • References

• Launching Your Career • Career Assessments • Fairs

A200 Kerby Hall [email protected]

403.440.6307 mtroyal.ca/careerservices