COVER LETTER WORKSHEET
You have about 20 seconds to WOW the reader of your cover letter. Maximize its impact by making it dynamic and
memorable. This worksheet provides a “formula” for cover letters. It’s critical to remember, however, that each cover letter
you create should be unique and specific to you and to the employer – and not one that any applicant could have
submitted to any employer.
To understand why the cover letter is so important, look at the kind of insight a potential employer gains from a covering
letter.
The most important observations made from this document are:
Written communications skills
Organization skills
Overall focus and priorities
Personal style/social skills
Technical knowledge
Business and/or management philosophy
Management style
SALUTATION
Never use “To Whom it May Concern”, “Dear Sir or Madam” – always do your homework and get the name of an actual
person, the hiring manager.
FIRST PARAGRAPH – ATTENTION: “THE GRAB” Don’t waste this opening paragraph of your cover letter. Your first
paragraph needs to spark the reader’s interest. Focus on your unique selling proposition (USP) by providing information
about the benefits the employer will gain from hiring you. Your USP will help you to stand out from all the other job-
seekers who want the job. Tell why you are writing - mention the position you are applying for, why you are applying for
the job, and how you heard about it.
Weak Opening Paragraph: I am interested in the Social Service – Addictions Worker placement opportunity that was posted
on your website on September 1, 2013.
Better Opening Paragraph: I am writing to express my interest in the placement opportunity at Bellwood Health Services as
indicated in the job posting on your website, dated September 1, 2013. As a 2nd year student in the Social Service Worker
program at Cambrian College, I have a strong interest in the addictions field and plan to specialize in this area upon
graduation.
Weak Opening Paragraph: I am writing today to apply for the account manager position you have posted on your company
website.
Better Opening Paragraph: I have increased the size and sales levels of my client base in every position I have held, which in
turn has increased revenues and profits of employers. I want to contribute this same success in the account manager
position you have posted on your website.
Develop a draft 1st paragraph telling why you’re writing, what position you’re targeting, and emphasizing your unique
selling proposition (USP) – the thing that makes you different from all the other job seekers by identifying two or three
benefits you can offer the employer.
SECOND PARAGRAPH – INTEREST: “THE HOOK”
This is the main paragraph of your cover letter so make it count! Use this body paragraph to tell the employer how your
skills match those needed for the job. Be concise when you state your best skills, choosing the ones that are most relevant
to the job. Explain what your qualifications are that relate to the job posting and why that makes you a good candidate for
the position. Do not repeat what you have on your resume, use accomplishment statements demonstrating how your skills
relate to the requirements. You can also include any awards, certificates or achievements from previous jobs/schooling in
this section.
Develop a draft 2nd paragraph expanding on how you can contribute to the employer’s success, especially in relation to
the employer’s needs (stated in the job ad usually).
Weak 2nd Paragraph: I don’t have any previous experience working in addictions; however, I am eager to learn. I am
confident that I can bring new skills to the job.
Better 2nd Paragraph: I have volunteered in an addictions setting for the past two years and can offer applied skills in both
one-to-one counseling and group facilitation. With a solid knowledge of community resources and fluency in both French
and English, I can add value to your team and services.
THIRD PARAGRAPH – DESIRE: “THE CONNECTION”
This is where you can refer to any research you have done about the company or organization and how it relates to your
interests and skill sets. Describe why you’ve picked this employer. What do you know sets them apart? How can you
contribute to their team? Try looking at the company profile on LinkedIn or their website for interesting stats and
information.
Develop a draft 3rd paragraph demonstrating your knowledge of the employer and relating that knowledge to how you
can meet the employer’s needs.
FOURTH PARAGRAPH – CALL TO ACTION: “THE CLOSE”
This will be your closing paragraph; always end your letter courteously. (i.e. thank them for their consideration, etc.) Use an
appropriate closing to pave the way for an interview, using an action statement. Inform the employer about when you plan
to contact him/her to follow up on your application. Give them your personal contact information in case the employer
would like to contact you before you follow up. Make sure you read the instructions on the job ad, so if it says not to call or
email, follow the instructions. Always thank the employer for their time.
Weak closing paragraph: I hope you will review my resume and if you agree with what I have stated here, consider me for
the position. I look forward to hearing from you.
Good closing paragraph: I am very interested in meeting with you to discuss how I can make a contribution to Bellwood as a
placement student. Please feel free to contact me at (555-555-5555) at your convenience to schedule an interview. Thank
you for your consideration.
Develop a draft 4th paragraph reinforcing your fit for the job, requesting an interview, and telling the employer you plan
to follow up.
Once you have written your first draft, use the Cover Letter Marking Rubric to check your work. Have a peer check
your work too.
