A good cover letter has three key components: an opening paragraph, the body, and a closing statement. Although there are no hard rules about what each section should include, following the below guidelines will help ensure your cover letter flows smoothly and naturally.
The opening paragraph is where you should briefly introduce yourself and tell the employer what position you’re interested in and why. Explain why you’re enthusiastic about working with this organization or why this particular role is important to you.
If you were referred to the role, mention your connection’s name to establish the recruiter’s trust. Your opening statement should also highlight some key skills, qualifications, or experiences that make you a good candidate for the role.
The body of your cover letter showcases what you bring to the table for the employer. Use these paragraphs to dive deeper into the qualifications, skills, and experiences you mentioned in your opening paragraph. Highlight one or two noteworthy accomplishments from your part-time experience, academic projects, or volunteer experience that align with what the company is looking for. Be sure to do this in a manner that helps the recruiter visualize how your skills and past experience will translate into practice in this particular role.
Ideally, the cover letter body should include no more than three or four brief paragraphs, each focusing on one achievement or skill that’s relevant to the position.
You should conclude your cover letter by thanking the recruiter for considering you for the role. Your closing statement should also reinforce your interest in the position and your confidence that you’re a good candidate. Use a formal sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” and include your contact information at the end.
You can also use Arrive’s resume and cover letter templates to craft an impressive job application that’s in line with what Canadian employers look for.
The value of a well-drafted, customized cover letter is often underestimated by international students. A cover letter that tells your story and conveys your passion can help you stand out among equally qualified candidates and land a job. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective cover letter that will resonate with Canadian employers:
Using an appropriate cover letter format will help ensure that the first impression you make on the hiring manager is a professional one. A formal business letter format includes the recipient’s name, company address, subject line, date, and a formal greeting and closing. A Canadian-style cover letter should include a call to action, such as inviting the hiring manager to contact you for more information or discuss your candidature further over an interview.
You should address your cover letter to the hiring manager or recruiter (you can usually find their name in the job posting or on LinkedIn ). Avoid opening your cover letter with a generic salutation like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear sir or madam.” Addressing it to an actual person shows you’ve done your research and helps build that initial connection.
Think of your cover letter as precious extra space you can use to draw attention to skills, strengths, and qualifications that make you a good candidate for the job. Instead of reiterating what’s already in your resume, highlight one or two specific accomplishments that relate to the role you’re applying for.
As an international student, you can also elaborate on how the learnings from your study program will help you in this role. Having recently completed your education can work to your advantage if you can demonstrate that your up-to-date technical skills can help a team or company evolve and keep up with market trends.
While your cover letter is your chance to tell your unique story, it’s best not to stray from what the employer seeks. Many Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) also scan cover letters, so your cover letter should include relevant keywords from the job description. Essentially, an employer wants to know if you are a good fit for the role, so make sure your highlighted strengths align with the role.
As an international student, your relevant Canadian work experience may be limited. However, you may have acquired several transferable skills during the course of your studies and non-professional experience that can’t be adequately explained on your resume. Use your cover letter to draw connections between your transferable skills and how they’ll help you add value to this role.
For example, if you worked part-time as a barista or server, you may have picked up valuable customer service and time management skills. If you were the president of a student club, your leadership skills may give you an edge over other applicants for the job.
The main objective of your cover letter is to help you stand out from the crowd. As an international student, the experience, education, and exposure you received in your home country may help you bring a fresh perspective to a Canadian organization.
For instance, you may be knowledgeable about the work culture in other markets outside Canada, more adaptable to cultural diversity, or fluent in multiple languages. If you were part of your family business at home or worked for a few years before moving to Canada to study, you may have developed people management skills, relevant technical skills or an entrepreneurial spirit that’ll be useful in the role you’re targeting.
It’s important to articulate why you want to work for a particular company . Where possible, try to weave the information you know about the company and their work in your cover letter. This shows the hiring manager that you’re familiar with the company’s business and are invested in its success. Perhaps the organization is known for its technical expertise. Maybe you’ve used (and love) their products or find the company’s vision inspiring. Use your cover letter to express why you are passionate about the organization and role.
Although most Canadian employers conduct reference checks before hiring an employee, you should not include the names and contact information of your references in a Canadian-style cover letter or resume . If needed, the employer will ask you for this information after they’ve selected you for the position. You are also not supposed to include a photograph or personal information, such as your gender, sexual orientation, race, or marital status in your cover letter.
Similar to your resume, it’s best to keep your cover letter short and to the point. Feel free to show off more of your personality, but within the confines of what we covered above.
Always proofread your cover letter before submitting it. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can draw the recruiter’s attention away from your achievements and cast doubts on your attention to detail and language skills. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or mentor review your cover letter to make sure it conveys the intended message in a crisp, logical, and impressive way. Also double-check the hiring manager’s name, the company details, as well as your contact information, so the employer can easily reach you if you’re shortlisted for an interview.
As an international student looking for part-time or full-time jobs in Canada, you should familiarize yourself with a Canadian-style cover letter before your job search. A customized cover letter gives you an opportunity to highlight your strengths and achievements and make a strong case for why the organization should hire you.
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.
Arrive is operated by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the largest bank in Canada* and one of the most reputed banks in the world, employing 80,000 people worldwide. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada.
*Based on market capitalization
Disclaimer: This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.
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Canadian cover letters typically begin with a header containing the applicant's name, job title, city and province, phone number, and email address. It's also essential to include the current date. The header should be consistent with the one used in the applicant's resume for a cohesive presentation. 2. Greeting.
Here are some tips to help you write an effective cover letter: 1. Be concise and to the point: Canadian recruiters have limited time, so it's important to get straight to the relevant details. Keep your cover letter concise and focused, highlighting your most compelling qualifications and experiences. 2.
1. Note the date. Document the date you are sending the letter. The date line is usually in between your address and the address to which you are sending the letter. 2. Include your name and address. It is standard practice to begin with your name and address at the top of your cover letter.
A cover letter in Canada is not all about you. Ensure you spend at least 30 per cent of the document talking about what you know about the company — recent projects, company values, company news. Make the company feel special and they will be more likely to invite you for an interview. Do not simply rehash your resume.
Use standard formatting and don't include images, designs, charts, and tables. Use correct headers and include keywords that match the job description and desired core competencies and skills. Send your resume as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) document. Most ATS systems tend to process Word files better than PDF.
Professional Cover Letter Samples Canada Discover our collection of 500+ professional cover letter templates designed to help you make a memorable first impression. With a range of meticulously crafted examples, each template is tailored to meet Canadian job market standards, ensuring HR approval and effectiveness in Applicant Tracking Systems ...
5. Describe your advantages as a candidate. Examine the job description and identify how your skills, education and experience can fulfil the position. In your cover letter, it's important to focus on how you can meet or exceed the expectations of the company. Reiterate the key qualifications the company looks for in a candidate.
Cover letter example Here's an example of a properly formatted cover letter that you can review: Maxine Francois Guelph, ON 123-456-7890 [email protected] January 23, 2021 Dear Hiring Manager, I'm excited to apply for the web developer position at Craft Pages. I've been programming websites and using CSS to create user-friendly experiences since I was in middle school, so it's always ...
Regardless of the format you choose, there are several key elements that should always be included in your cover letter: Your contact information, including your name, address, phone number, and email address. The date you are sending the cover letter. The employer's contact information, if known. A professional greeting, such as "Dear Hiring ...
First and last name. Current residential address. Phone number. Email address. 2. Date Below your information, write the date that you are sending your cover letter. 3. Employer Information Below the date, include the contact information of the individual, department, or company you are addressing in the cover letter.
Cut and paste the job description into your cover letter. Provide unnecessary details (i.e. recent struggles, or why you were laid off from a job). Writing a great cover letter for a Canadian job is a time-consuming process, but the reward it pays is worth your effort. As a result, a well-written cover letter will pave the way for more job ...
A Canadian cover letter acts as an introduction to your resume and is tailoured to a particular role you wish to apply in Canada. A cover letter's primary purpose is to introduce you to the Canadian employer and urge them to read your resume. It should demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate for their firm.
Keep the cover letter concise and limited to one page. Tailor your cover letter to suit each job application. Proofread your cover letter multiple times; check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, especially since it serves as a reflection of your written communication skills. Use a standard font size (10 or 12 points, in a font style such ...
A Canadian cover letter should typically be one page in length and include your contact information, the date, and the recipient's contact information at the top. It's also important to use a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. To make sure that your Canadian job application is noticed by employers, make sure ...
Follow these nine steps to write, revise, format, and submit the perfect cover letter: 1. Include your contact information. Start your cover letter by listing your contact information. Include, at a minimum, your first and last names, phone number, e-mail address, and the current date.
How to write an effective cover letter. Follow these key steps when formatting your cover letter: 1. Include Contact Information. At the top, state your name, phone number, email and location (city and province). You can list contact info in a header (aligned left) or centered like a letterhead. 2. Add the Date.
A cover letter is a one-page document accompanying a job application, usually alongside a resume. Its purpose is to introduce the applicant to the employer and provide additional information about their qualifications, character, and interest in the job. A good cover letter should be concise, typically 250-400 words, and should convince the ...
Learn how to write a Canadian cover letter with tips and a free template. Find out how to structure, open, and end a cover letter for a job application in Canada.
Here are some things to remember when writing a cover letter. Break it Down: Your cover letter should have three main thoughts. The first is to introduce yourself, and the position you are applying for. The second should be about your skills and how they can be applied to the company you are applying to, and the third point should be a closing ...
Cover letter example Here's an example of a traditional application cover letter: Katie Jones 123 456 7890 [email protected] 3136 Paris St. Sudbury, ON P3A 1Z6 January 10, 2020 Cove Diner 211 Princess St. Kingston, ON K7L 1C2 Dear Hiring Manager, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Server position at Cove Diner, one of the best restaurants in the area.
Step 3: Preparing a cover letter. A cover letter is your introduction to a potential employer. It should be concise, well written and tailored to the company and job you are applying for. Your cover letter should give the employer an idea of who you are and highlight what skills you have to offer. You may need to prepare a different cover ...
Avoid copying and pasting these as your own because no two careers are alike, and your cover letter needs to be properly targeted to the job you want. But you can absolutely use them as inspiration for writing your own short cover letter. Entry-level short cover letter sample. First & Last Name. Bennington, NE 68007 | (123) 456-7890 | email ...
Here are four simple steps to follow for customizing your cover letter: 1. Express your personality. When writing your cover letter, express your personality that your resume doesn't show. A cover letter is your opportunity to make a positive and impactful first impression on the recruiter or hiring manager.
Highlight what makes you unique. The main objective of your cover letter is to help you stand out from the crowd. As an international student, the experience, education, and exposure you received in your home country may help you bring a fresh perspective to a Canadian organization. For instance, you may be knowledgeable about the work culture ...