The cover letter
Is a cover letter always necessary? This is the most frequently asked question. The cover letter (or motivation letter) is an excellent way to initiate contact and promote your qualifications for the job when you cannot meet the employer face-to-face. The goal of this letter is to generate interest so that the employer will want to read your résumé immediately.
Before setting out to write the letter, make sure you are familiar with the company, the tasks listed and the required qualifications. This information will help you write your letter. Have the job description on hand if it there is one available.
You are now ready to write your letter.
• First paragraph: We recommend that you mention how you learned about the position (from a contact, during a telephone conversation, on a website, etc.). Do not forget to write the title of the position and the competition number, where applicable.
• Second paragraph: This is certainly the most important part, where you mention your education and training, summarize your professional experience and close by mentioning your personal traits, all in relation to the desired position.
• Third paragraph: Request a meeting (if this hasn’t occurred already).
• Fourth paragraph: End with a closing expression that is considered appropriate in Québec.
A final word of advice: Your letter should fit on ONE page (as much as possible) and be neatly presented, without spelling errors.
Now you are ready to begin!
Good luck to you!
The Club de recherche d’emploi du sud-ouest de Montréal (CRESOM) team