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cover letters

Many job seekers don't take the time to write a proper cover letter. The cover letter is a crucial job search tool but unfortunately it is often overlooked. A cover letter tailored towards the specific position you are looking for should be used every time you are faxing, mailing or e-mailing your résumé. Writing a good cover letter does take a bit of time and skill but your effort will pay off in the long run. It is better to send 10 well written and targeted résumés and cover letters than to send out 100 form letters. Think about how you feel when you get a form letter in the mail!

some tips for writing an effective cover letter:

• Be positive, be sure to emphasize your strengths and qualifications, don't point out your short comings.
• Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Employers will not have time to read anything more than 3-4 paragraphs.
• Don't restate your résumé. Instead, highlight how your specific skills can meet the employer's needs.
• Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling mistakes. Have a least one person proofread your letter.
• If possible make sure to address your cover letter to a specific person. Avoid "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam". If a name is not listed on the job posting try phoning the company or researching the company website to find a contact name.
• Do some research on the company and try to demonstrate your company knowledge in the cover letter. (For example: "I was excited to learn that Homes and Garden will be expanding their gardening division over the next three years. I am positive that my talents in the gardening field will contribute to the company's future growth.")
• Use bold type to emphasize how your skills match the job requirements.
• Answer the question "Why should I hire you?"

What do you do if you are asked to include your salary expections in your cover letter?

One thing that you should NOT do is avoid the question. This will only demonstrate to the employer that you either don't follow instructions well or that you don't have a good understanding of your field.

Human Resources Development Canada sponsors a web site called Workwaves that is helpful in determining what average salary ranges exist for most occupations across Canada.

Workwaves can give you a pretty good idea of salary ranges but you can also talk to friends and acquaintances to ensure that you have an accurate estimate of your market values.

When stating your salary expectations always give a range (ie. fifteen to eighteen dollars per hour, $50,000 - $57,000 a year).

sample cover letters

• sample cover letter for an administrative assistant position
• from JobStar.com
• from Monster.com
• from vault.com

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(formerly morningside employment resource centre or MERC)
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