How to Write a Compelling Cover Letter - Cover Letter Guide

Sep 13, 2026

A practical guide to writing an effective cover letter that matches job requirements and helps candidates stand out. It explains what a cover letter is, why it matters alongside a resumé, and how to avoid being overlooked by recruiters who may skim applications. The guide walks through reviewing the job posting, researching the organization and industry, reflecting on key strengths, and emphasizing relevant capabilities, learning potential, critical thinking, and enthusiasm. It then provides a clear cover letter format covering contact information, employer details, greeting, and an opening paragraph.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time4 min

AccessFree to download

What Is a Cover Letter?

Before You Begin Writing Your Cover Letter

Cover Letter Format

Opening Paragraph

HOW TO WRITE A COMPELLING COVER LETTER Prepared by: Rotman Commerce Career Services WHAT IS A COVER LETTER? A cover letter is often your first point of contact with a recruiter or employer, and introduces them to you and your resumé . It should reflect your personality and highlight your qualifications for the position to which you are applying. It should also demonstrate that you’ve done your research on the industry, organization, and job. You should always include a cover letter with your resumé unless the employer indicates not to do so. Because the cover letter is a professional business document, it should be wellwritten and properly formatted. Because employers typically receive many applications for open positions, they may only skim through them. By making an extra effort, you can ensure that your cover letter stands our from the rest. BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING YOUR COVER LETTER Read carefully The first step to crafting a persuasive cover letter is to carefully review and consider the job posting for which you are submitting your application. Take note of the particular qualificationsand skills that the employer is looking for and think about how you can demonstrate that you have or can readily learn them. This will be important when you are writing both your cover letter and resumé (see our resumé guide for tips on creating a resumé that gets results) . Research Part of being an attractive candidate is showing that you have done your research into the job, organization, and/or industry. Before you apply, do an internet search, talk to other students or grads who have found work with the organization or industry, and find out everything you can about their mission, culture, product or service, etc. Reflect The next step is to determine what information you should include in your cover letter. Review the job posting and think about the following questions: What skills are most important for the position I’m applying to? Which of my skills and experiences make me stand out as a qualified candidate? What do I bring that would be beneficial to the organization and position? How can I demonstrate my knowledge of the organization and industry? If you need help assessing what your strengths are, refer to the Self-Assessment section of our resumé guide. You will want to use your cover letter to demonstrate how your strengths are relevant to the position for which you’re applying. Remember that at this stage in your career, you probably won’t have all the skills outlined in the job posting. However, as a young professional with a strong academic foundation, you bring a willingness to learn, critical thinking and enthusiasm. Don’t forget that these are all important qualities to emphasize in your application. COVER LETTER FORMAT Your contact information Use the same letterhead style for your cover letter as you use on your resumé . Include your full name and contact information (telephone number, email, and customized LinkedIn profile URL) . If you prefer, however, you can include your contact information at the end of your cover letter. Employer information Begin by dating your letter and addressing it to the person or organization indicated on the job posting. If you have only an email address, you can use this instead of the full street address, but be sure to include at least the name of the organization. You should also indicate the position you are applying for, along with any position number or Job ID. This can be centred or aligned to the left (see example below) . Greeting Address your letter to the person receiving the applications, if you know it. Make sure the name is spelled correctly. Use the person’s full name when addressing them (e.g., Dear Leslie Smith) . If there is no specific name listed in the job posting, you can substitute it with ‘ Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘ Dear Hiring Committee.’ Karin Patel [416-555](416-555‐5555 | firstname.lastname@uto

FAQs

What should a cover letter communicate to a recruiter or employer?

It introduces the candidate, reflects personality, and highlights qualifications aligned to the role. It should also show research into the industry, organization, and job.

How should you prepare before writing your cover letter?

Review the job posting and note the qualifications the employer seeks, then research the organization and industry. Reflect on what information to include and which skills and experiences make you stand out.

What information is included in a typical cover letter format?

The guide covers contact information, employer information (including date and addressing details), a proper greeting, and an opening paragraph focused on qualifications, interest in the organization, and personality.

Sep 13, 2026

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