Most people see writing a cover letter as a waste of time, but what they don’t know is that most employers disregard applicants if they don’t have one. If you want to land that job, spend the time on this important asset and follow these simple tips.

What is a cover letter?

This is a piece of content that you should write explaining what your key skills are and why the job is right for you. You can introduce yourself and show off your skills in less than a page, which should be enough to encourage the employer to want to read your full resume.

  1. Do your homework: The more you know about a company, the better you look. Do your research and find out as much as you can so that you know how to really grab their attention.
  2. Follow instructions: Pay attention to the advert and answer any questions that it asks. For example, if they ask what your expected salary is, make sure you answer the question in your letter.
  3. Offer so much more: Don’t just rewrite your CV. This is your chance to include any highlights that you missed in your actual resume, so make the most of it.
  4. Personalize as much as you can: Address the letter to the person that is recruiting. Name them, their title and the company to show that your professionalism and that you pay attention.
  5. Tailor to the job: This may seem like a lengthy process, but it is always worth tailoring a basic cover letter to each job that you apply for.
  6. Presentation counts: A professional layout can make or break your chances of getting the job. Keep your font simple with either Times New Roman or Arial in size 8.5.
  7. Keep it simple: Your letter should be easy to read and that means that each topic should be in its own short paragraph.
  8. Be professional: Recruiters are looking for professional individuals to join their company and your cover letter can serve as your first impression. Set the right tone in your letter and recruiters will want to read further.
  9. Be brief: Pages and pages of cover letters do not work, so keep it to less than a page and stay focused on your best attributes. This is your chance to sell and promote yourself.
  10. Proofread: Read over your letter as many times as possible. Any spelling mistakes and errors can leave a bad impression before employers even have a chance to look at your impressive CV. A second opinion can also be crucial, so rope in a friend for a second pair of eyes and put your best foot forward.

Writing a cover letter is essential so make sure that you stand out and impress those employers in Canada.

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