Writing a cover letter: Advice, best practices and examples

The cover letter is an important aspect of the application process that is often overlooked by job seekers when they apply for a job. Many job seekers believe that cover letters are ultimately useless, and that recruiters don’t read them. In fact, the truth is a little more complicated!

It’s true that many recruiters will merely glance at your cover letter before quickly moving to your CV, and only consider your CV when it’s time to determine the best candidate. That being said, many recruiters take a totally different approach and give the cover letter a lot of importance. For these recruiters, candidates who take the time to submit a cover letter along with their CV are given extra points in the consideration process.

In cases where a cover letter is optional, we still strongly suggest that job seekers submit a cover letter to introduce their CV. The letter is even more important in certain contexts, for example when switching career paths or when sending a spontaneous application.

In this article, we’ll provide some advice on how to craft a professional cover letter to be submitted along with a CV when applying for a job. The resulting letter, along with the advice provided, can also be applied when applying for university, requesting an internship, renting an apartment and other uses.

What to include in your cover letter

When writing your cover letter, be sure to include the following essential information:

1. Introduce yourself
2. Show your interest in the company and the position offered
3. Show your training and experience and demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the job.

Your cover letter should be concise, no longer than one page, ideally three or four paragraphs. Remember that this letter will be your first contact with the recruiter and act as your point of entry. This is why it’s important to pay close attention when crafting your letter, to ensure you make a good first impression.

The first paragraph should explain the ‘Why’ in two or three sentences and introduce your CV. For example:

After reading about the position available, I wanted to submit my candidature for the position of [name of position] with [name of company]. I’ve attached my CV with a summary of my training and experience.

In the second paragraph, explain why, thanks to your experience, training and personal qualities, you are the ideal candidate for the position. For example:

As you’ll see from my CV, I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a certificate in accounting. Over the course of my career I’ve acquired all the necessary skills to occupy the position of [name of position] with [name of company].

In the third paragraph, let the recruiter know that you are available and very interested in conducting an interview for the position. For example:

Thank you in advance for your consideration. I’m available at your convenience for an interview in person or over the phone to discuss my candidature.

Mistakes to avoid in your cover letter

For more information about each element, check out our article 10 Cover Letter Mistakes You Should Definitely Avoid Making

1. Thinking that the cover letter is a simple formality;
2. Crafting a cover letter that’s too generic, without any personalization;
3. Adopting a too-formal tone;
4. Submitting a cover letter that’s too long;
5. Being too humble or too boastful;
6. Submitting a poorly structured letter;
7. Not mentioning your interest in the position and the company;
8. Not mentioning the employer at all;
9. Trying to be too original;
10. Simply repeating the information found in your CV.

Example of a cover letter format

[Your name]
[Your email address]
[Your phone number]
[Your street address]
[City, province, postal code]

[Employer name]
[Employer street address]
[City, province, postal code]

Cover letter

After reading about the position available, I wanted to submit my candidature for the position of digital marketing analyst with [name of company]. I’ve attached my CV with a summary of my training and experience.

As you’ll see from my CV, I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a certificate in accounting. Over the course of my career I’ve acquired all the necessary skills to occupy the position of digital marketing analyst with [name of company].

I have strong skills in the fields of digital marketing, as well as relational marketing, sales and accounting. I believe my skills and range of abilities would be a considerable asset for [name of company].

Thank you in advance for your consideration. I’m available at your convenience for an interview in person or over the phone to discuss my candidature.

Kind regards,

[Your name]

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