Handout:
Cover Letter Format
Semi Block Style

Your Full Name
Your Street Address
City, Province
Postal Code
Area Code Phone #

Date

Name of Employer/Contact
Employer/Contact's Position
Name of Company
Street Address
City, Province
Postal Code

Dear (Name of Contact)

(Salutation)

Opening Paragraph (The reason you are writing)

• Your opening sentence should capture the interest of the employer
• If you are applying to a job advertisement, state the source (newspaper, agency, office or friend) the job title and file number
• If you are writing a general cover letter (not replying to a job posting/ad state how you heard of the opening or the type of position you are applying for)

Second Paragraph (What skills do you have to offer)

• In the second paragraph, you should state key skills related to the position you are applying for
• Remember the purpose of a cover letter is to catch the interest of the employer so that she will be interested enough to read your resume
• Keep your sentences short and to the point
• talk briefly about your skills and previous experience