How to write a cover letter

Video Transcript

The host, a young man in his twenties, appears on screen in front of an all-white backdrop and begins to speak. An image of a cover letter appears to his right, and then a resume. The words “introduction to employers” appear over top both documents. A line-drawn head appears on screen and a green checkmark appears inside.

A cover letter is a formal letter that you send along with your résumé. In the letter, you introduce yourself to employers and let them know you’re the right person for the job.

Host re-appears on screen once again and the cover letter re-appears to his right. The cover letter then appears full screen. A magnifying glass appears over top revealing details of the cover letter.

When you’re writing your cover letter, don’t just repeat what’s on your résumé. Give plenty of details about how your unique skills and abilities make you exactly the right fit.

The host appears on screen once again. The cover letter re-appears and the magnifying glass moves over top showing contact information, a hand-drawn circle appears over top the phone numbers. A green checkmark then appears to show that this is the correct way to present information.

Always provide employers with all the information they ask for. For example - if the job ad requires phone numbers where you can be reached during the day and evening, include those details in your cover letter.

Animated words “a few more tips” appear on screen. The image of the cover letter re-appears with the words “Tip 1: Keep it short”. Cover letter is then animated to show a multiple page document becoming a single page. A green checkmark appears beside it.

Here are a few more tips.

Tip 1: Keep your cover letter short and sweet. Just one page is perfect.

Host re-appears on screen. The words “Tip 2: Show some enthusiasm” appear beside him.

Tip 2: Show some enthusiasm! And remember – manners count. Don’t forget to thank your future employer for considering your application.

The cover letter re-appears on screen with the magnifying glass over top, checking for mistakes in the document, with the words “Tip 3: Proofread”.

Tip 3: Proof-read your cover letter very carefully and don’t rely on spell-check.

The host re-appears on screen. The URL “youth.gc.ca/jobhunt” appears beside the host.

For examples and more tips on how to write a great cover letter, go to youth.gc.ca/jobhunt.

Canada wordmark appears on screen and then fades to black.