cover letter service ontario

Central Forms Repository (CFR)

• Ministry of Public and...
• Writing a cover letter and...

Writing a cover letter and resume: tips tools and resources

Need help downloading or filling forms.

Please check our Help page for solutions to common issues.

Alert! Adobe is making changes that affect all PDF forms.

PDF Forms will no longer work with older versions of Adobe Reader including Adobe Reader XI. Please update your free Adobe Reader to the latest version from the Acrobat Reader download page so that you can continue to access these forms.

Make the most of your experience with accessing, downloading, and filling forms acquired from the Central Forms Repository by watching this brief video overview.

Forms, Links, and Information

• More information

Additional Information

• Translated Information
• Ask a Question
• Services Near Me
• Immigration & Citizenship
• Legal Services

Where can I get free help with my cover letter and resume?

There are different ways to get help:

• Look for information in print or online. There are several guides that can help you with resume and cover letter writing.
• Check with community agencies, such as Employment Resource Centres . Many have free resume review services.
• Sign up for a workshop or short program that helps with resume and cover letter writing. They can help you with your job search.
• Go to your local settlement agency.

In Ontario, there are many agencies that can help you find work. Your local Employment Resource Centre has staff to help you create, improve or review your résumé. They have computers you can use to make changes to your resume. They also have resources to help you with your job search. These centres are free. They have helped thousands of new Canadians find work.

To find employment help, go to Services Near Me and search for "Employment Resource Centre" in your area.

For More Information

• The Dynamic Cover Letters Formula for Job Search Success - Details about what makes a great cover letter.
• Job Bank Resources - A listing of the Job Bank tools that can help you find employment in Canada. From the Government of Canada.

Related Articles

• How do I create a Canadian-style resume in order to find a job?
• What do I include in my Canadian resume? What do I exclude?
• What do Canadian Employers want?

• Applying for a Job
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Temporary Work
• Employment Services
• Employment Agencies
• Labour Market Information
• Online Job Search

Discussion Forum

• Closed work permit
• Remote work & work permit
• Professional enquiry
• Recording Webinar Certified English Teacher

Current Offers: Click HERE for up to $125 off Resume Services.

• Resume Writing Services

Government Applications

• Academic Applications
• Policing Applications
• Military Applications
• Past Resume Clients
• Our Writers
• Doc's Blog: Resume Advice
• Editing Services
• Letter Writing Services
• Corporate Clients
• PhD Services
• REAL Reviews
• Referral Partners
• Join Our Team!

Canada's TOP RATED Resume Writing Service

Order from us to deliver your very best. We GUARANTEE it!

Award Winning 100% Canadian Resume Writing & Editing Service

A professionally written resume guarantees your best shot and pays for itself hundreds of times over.

Trust DocDoctor for Expert Documents , written by LOCAL CANADIAN professionals, at very competitive rates . We are a professional writing service based in Ottawa (Canada’s capital city) and Toronto (Canada's largest city). Since April 2015, we have been serving everyday and high-profile clients from across Ontario, across Canada, and from around the world, including: the USA, UK, UAE, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and many more countries. These clients have trusted DocDoctor with the advancement of important career and personal objectives. 

Rest assured knowing that it is of utmost importance to us to uphold the highest levels of quality , discretion , and professionalism . This includes providing speedy replies to e-mails and calls (typically within minutes, or the hour) , as well as timely document/ revision support (both during the writing process, and following the completion of an order).

Our editors and writers have produced documents for clients applying to many different organizations including: the Canadian Federal Public Service , Goldman Sachs , the International Criminal Court , the International Finance Corporation , the Office of the New York State Attorney General , NASA, Tesla , the Omani High Court , European Parliament , the US Treasury , the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , Apple , numerous top-tier global universities , and a host of major firms and organizations in the areas of Government, Academia, Information Technology & Design, Science & Engineering, Sales, Advertising, Marketing, Trades, Finance, Real Estate, Law, Medicine & Healthcare, Policing, Law Enforcement, Military, Hospitality, Journalism , Charities , NGO’s , and many more sectors (you can see a full listing of past clients HERE ).

Need Professional Editing or Content Writing? We do that too. We serve individuals, professional corporations, firms, and organizations by providing ghost writing, content writing, technical writing, and editing services for small and large scale projects. If it involves the need for professional writing and content development, we do it!

But don't take our word for it. We are the #1 Rated Resume Writing Service in Canada on Google Reviews, and are also A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We have also been recognized with numerous awards for the high quality of our work and our outstanding customer service, including as multi-year winners of the prestigious Faces Magazine Award as The Best Professional Writing Service in Ottawa, the Find My Profession Award for The Best Ottawa Resume Writing Service, and the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence (Ottawa Region) in the category of Resume Writing Service.  

Have a look at our Google Reviews from HUNDREDS of recent clients below, or, browse our site's Service pages for more information on pricing, timelines, and our full suite of services. Better yet, feel free to drop us a message through the Contact Us page---we respond to all inquiries within the same day, and usually within the same hour. We look forward to working with you in helping you put your best foot forward!

#1 Rated Resume Writing Service in Canada- Google Reviews

Our most recent reviews..., getting your new resume is as easy as 1-2-3.

• Send us an e-mail , or call, to request the services that you would like (a full list is on our Resume Writing Services Page ).  
• Your editor will then respond with a custom invoice for your order and will request your information and/ or current document(s).
• Your editor will begin writing your new Resume, which can be completed in as soon as the SAME business day ! You can then request any necessary revisions until you are completely satisfied and the document is finalized.

The Doc's Blog

Resume writing companies: cheap vs quality, “the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.".

Though he's no longer a company spokesperson, Benjamin Franklin's quote couldn't be more appropriate to your decision to hire a Professional to write your Resume . Put another way: Don't fall for CHEAP, DIGITAL "Keyword" Resume Writing Services based in far-away lands, with "writers" completely unfamiliar with Canadian documents or the dynamics of Canadian hiring processes/ recruitment. Since your Resume is your first impression, it determines whether or not you will get that phone call, that interview, or ultimately that job you're pursuing. Your application must stand out from the others in the stack—or else you'll never even get a chance to prove yourself. 

A professionally composed Resume guarantees your best shot . And when you get that interview and land the job, it will pay for itself hundreds of times over .  

FACT: The number of clients soliciting our services after hiring other Resume "professionals," largely based in far off lands OR based locally who offshore work to writers in far off lands...has steadily grown month over month. We see documents that are poorly written, rife with spelling/ grammar/ syntax errors, and worst of all...NOT at all optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).  Do you REALLY want to save a buck and trust your future to a writer completely unfamiliar with Canadian writing styles, customs, hiring processes, and Resume conventions? Instead...trust DocDoctor for expert documents, timely Resume services, and outstanding customer service.

Here's Why You Need Us

Your first impression.

Most of the time, your first impression won't be made in person. Your first impression will be your written correspondence, Resume, or LinkedIn profile. Words matter. Presentation matters. So whatever your next endeavour, give yourself a fair fight.

Consider This

If you're writing a letter—to complain to a company, to congratulate a colleague, or to make a request—the likelihood of getting the results you want directly depends on the quality of your letter . So get it done right, and make it count.

Our Promise

Our promise is to create powerful texts and beautiful documents , precisely tailored to your specific goals. So relax. Let us take it from here. And if you're not satisfied for whatever reason (and we mean totally), we'll work with you to make it right. 

Our Full Suite of Professional Writing Services

Resume writing.

» Your Resume is your first impression. It determines whether or not you get that phone call, interview, or ultimately that job. We'll make your application stand out . Give our Resume writing service a shot to put your best foot forward.

Cover Letters

» While Resumes present qualifications, Cover Letters exhibit character . This is where you show potential employers who you are, why you want to work for them, and why they should choose your application from the pile of others.

Letter Writing

» Whatever you need to say, whomever you need to address, say it right with a professionally written Letter . We can compose personal, academic, professional, and business Letters for any purpose, all backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

» Just say the word(s), and you're done ! We provide Screening Question Answer writing services for complex municipal, provincial, and federal government applications. Take your application to the next level with our full suite of services.

Academic Projects

» Spelling, grammar, syntax, and formatting are the foundations of a great document; without them, any message loses impact and credibility. Let us triple-check your work for guaranteed perfection.

» There is no force greater than the power of the written word . We write inspiring custom content for complex or higher-level academic needs. You handle the delivery, we handle the written side of the work.

This is DocDoctor

Express resume writing delivery.

Rapid delivery available with our Express Service Options for SAME DAY, 1 Business Day, and 2 Business Day completion times.

Secure & Encrypted

All communications are securely encrypted, protected, and confidential. We do not publish any client information or identifiers.

REAL Professionals

Industry-leading writers, editors, and hiring managers working on YOUR side. ATS optimized documents are curated for you.

One-Stop Shop

Work around your schedule.

Submit your request and leave the rest for us. Get completed files back lightning fast with truly responsive client services.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

If you're not satisfied at first, we'll work with you to make it right. All the time, every time, with our 100% Satisfaction Policy.

E-mail correspondence and/ or phone calls that work around your office hours and schedule, not ours.

Get in Touch with Us

Please use the contact button below to be taken to our Contact Page , where you can e-mail or call us directly for questions about any of our professional writing services.

We typically respond same day , and usually within the same hour as your inquiry is received-- we are speedy!

DocDoctor Resume Writing Services

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

*We continue to monitor and respond to incoming e-mail inquiries after hours and over weekends, so feel free to e-mail us at any time of the day!

Copyright © DocDoctor Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

Savings are Heating Up this June

Put your best foot forward with a Resume overhaul.

Save $75 on our most popular pairing of Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn profile (our Executive package), available for $399.95 this month after the discount.

Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.

Ontario.ca needs JavaScript to function properly and provide you with a fast, stable experience.

To have a better experience, you need to:

• Go to your browser's settings
• Enable JavaScript

Careers: hiring process

Learn more about how we post and fill jobs that are available at the Ontario Public Service ( OPS ).

On this page Skip this page navigation

We are committed to providing broad access to Ontario Public Service employment opportunities so that diverse job seekers can apply to positions across Ontario. We also want to ensure that our workforce represents the diverse communities we serve. In addition, we have targeted outreach and advertisements of job opportunities to various communities and specific professional streams across Ontario.

Our mission is taking pride in strengthening Ontario, its places, and its people. Our values are:

Recruitment decisions are based on valid, practical and measurable approaches that ensure hiring is done on the basis of merit. This means we hire the candidate whose qualifications best meet the requirements to do the job.

Eligibility requirements

To work anywhere in Canada including the Ontario Public Service ( OPS ), you must:

• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or authorized in writing to work in Canada under the federal Immigration Act
• note: if you are under 16, you must provide proof under the Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupil Regulation ( Education Act , Regulation 374/10 )
• have a Social Insurance Number ( SIN )

Applying from outside Canada

If you live outside of Canada and are interested in applying for a position within the OPS , you may apply before being entitled to work in Canada. However, prior to beginning employment with the Ontario Public Service, you must provide documents showing that you are legally allowed to work in Canada.

Information about Canadian immigration rules and processes can be found on the Government of Canada website .

What to expect

Here’s what you can expect as you go through the hiring process.

Step 1: job advertising

Job opportunities available on the Ontario Public Service Careers are posted for a minimum of 10 working days. In addition, some of the job opportunities may be advertised on external websites. Applications are collected for a job advertisement until 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date.

Step 2: application screening

All applications received on or before the closing date are screened and rated against the qualifications outlined in the job ad. Applicants whose resume and cover letter best demonstrate how they meet the qualifications to do the job will be invited to continue in the hiring process.

Step 3: evaluation

Applicants, whose resumes are selected, will be invited to show us how they best meet the qualifications outlined in the job ad, through assessments designed to demonstrate the candidate's ability to deliver (for example, presentations, a written assignment, tests and usually an oral interview).

Step 4: selection of successful candidate

Candidates are assessed and evaluated through the process in Step 3, and the top candidate(s) are selected to fill the position.

Step 5: offer to the successful candidate

Successful candidates will be contacted with a verbal offer of employment. If the offer is accepted a written offer letter will be sent, which includes detailed information such as start date, position classification, starting salary, and, if relevant, bargaining unit and name and address of the applicable bargaining agent.

To check the status of a job competition, refer to the job advertisement page .

How to apply

Search jobs.

You may further refine your job search beyond region by defining some or all of the following:

• Region — Choose the region you are interested in to begin your job search.
• Job type — Select one or more of the careers streams you are interested in.
• Designated Bilingual Position job opportunities — Positions that require a level of French-language proficiency, which is the ability to communicate in French orally and/or in writing. The candidate will be expected to be proficient in both English and French.
• Salary minimum — By a minimum salary if a salary range is provided in the job ad.
• Job ID number — By the number assigned as a unique identifier for the job competition.

Open-targeted jobs

Some job advertisements are targeted to attract specific, qualified applicants from designated professional groups through external job boards and may not appear in the general list of opportunities . These advertisements are referred to as “open-targeted” and are often used to attract unique or hard-to-fill skill sets. Anyone can still apply to these advertisements, however only those who possess the specialized skills or knowledge will move through the selection process.

Bilingual job postings

All Ontario Public Service external job advertisements are posted in English and French.

Job ads in French are currently available for all English/French designated bilingual positions. To confirm the language requirements of a job, check the “language of position” information at the top of each job ad. 

For all positions, candidates will be assessed in English, the business language of the Ontario Public Service. For English/French designated bilingual positions, candidates will also be assessed through French-language proficiency testing. 

Employment security screening check

Where an employment security screening check is noted as a requirement on the job ad, applicants will be required to obtain a successful Ontario Public Service employment security clearance prior to commencing employment. The process will be explained in more detail to candidates that move through the selection process and includes the following:

• verification of identity and personal information (name, address, date of birth) with photo ID
• police record check
• other non-police record checks (for example, Driving History Search), if applicable
• background check with previous employers (last five years) and given references, if applicable

Your job application

Customizing your cover letter and resume to the qualifications outlined in the job ad can help your application stand out. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume review the OPS Cover Letter and Resume Writing Guide .

Apply to the competition following the instructions in the ‘How to Apply’ section of the job advertisement. Each advertisement will specify the accepted method of application for the competition. Be sure to indicate the Job ID# in your application.

Apply online

The majority of competitions require that you apply online. Look for the ‘apply online’ icon and follow the instructions to attach your cover letter and resume as one PDF (.pdf), word (.doc, .docx), plain text (.txt) or rich-text file (.rtf) Be sure to enter your e-mail address where indicated on the Apply Online page to receive a confirmation e-mail once you have submitted your application.

Apply by e-mail or digital application form

Applying by e-mail or digital application form is available to specific competitions only. Please pay close attention to the contact information on the job advertisement to determine if these methods of applying can be accepted.

Applications received via e-mail/application form (where available) may not receive confirmation.

Disclosure of prior OPS employment and active restrictions

In accordance with the Ontario Public Service Employment Policy, all external candidates (including former Ontario Public Service employees) applying to a competition in a ministry or a Commission Public Body must identify (either in the cover letter or resume) prior Ontario Public Service employment.

This information must include:

• the positions held
• dates of employment
• any active restrictions on being re-employed in the OPS , if applicable

The circumstances of your exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions. For example, an active restriction may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a pre-determined time period (for example one year after release from employment), or from being offered a position with a particular ministry (either for a specific time period or indefinitely).

Check your application status

There are two ways to check the competition status.

• When you apply online and provide an e-mail address at the time of application, you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail. This email contains a link that allows you access, at your convenience to view where we are in the hiring process for that competition.
• If you did not enter an email address or you have deleted your acknowledgement email, you can enter Job ID number into the ‘Search’ field on the main OPS Careers page  and be directed to a copy of the advertisement and the competition status. If the competition status is not available, (for example you only see a copy of the job ad) the competition has yet to move forward to the screening stage.

Applications are screened against predetermined selection criteria and those candidates whose application meet the criteria are selected to participate further in the evaluation process. Only those candidates invited to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted.

After you apply

If you are invited to participate in our evaluation process, this is your chance to show us how you are the best person for the job. You can expect multiple types of assessments. Most common is an interview, and depending on the skills and knowledge needed to perform the job, could include written tests, presentations, etc.

Additional information about the evaluation process specific to the competition will be shared with you if you are selected to move forward in the process.

The invitation

If you are selected to continue through the process, you will be contacted by phone or email and provided with details on the location and estimated length of time for the interview and/or other assessment methods, if applicable such as a written test or exercise. Note that in some instances, the assessment process might take place virtually. 

On some occasions, you will be asked to develop and deliver a presentation and deliver it during the interview and you may be given the topic in the invitation so that you have time to prepare your material.

In our commitment as an inclusive employer, when you receive the invitation you will also be asked if you have any accommodation needs in order to allow you to participate equally in the hiring process to your full potential as per Ontario's Human Rights Code .

Note : If there is a large number of applicants that meet the initial screening criteria of a posted position, the first contact you receive may be a screening test or telephone interview to shortlist qualified candidates to continue in the process.

Interview and other assessment methods

You may be invited to a selection process that could include other assessment methods before, during, or after the interview to further demonstrate your skills and knowledge for a position. These could include:

• a writing test
• a technical test
• a work sample
• a presentation
• a role-play
• an in-box exercise

For example, to assess budgeting skills, you may be given financial data and asked to forecast a budget in Microsoft Excel. To assess written communication skills you may be given summary information and instructed to write a briefing note based on that information. To assess oral communication, and/or analytical and problem-solving skills, you may be asked to complete a presentation or act out a common work situation (role-play) within the interview.

The selection panel

A panel interview is the typical format used in Ontario Public Service interviews to help ensure fairness to all candidates through multiple raters and averaged scores. A selection panel has between two and four evaluators, including the manager of the position. Other members of the selection panel may be representatives from human resources, other managers, technical experts, or even clients who may have an interest in a successful hiring outcome.

The interview

The chair of the interview panel (generally the hiring manager) will begin the interview by explaining how the interview will be conducted, followed by a brief description of the job and how it fits in the organization.

Interview panelists do their best to ensure that candidates are not kept waiting, but they are often interviewing a number of candidates one after the other, so from time to time the panel may get behind schedule.

Most interview questions encourage you to provide a detailed response, meaning that they require more than a standard yes or no response in order to learn more about you and how your previous experience, knowledge and skills make you the ideal candidate for the role.

Normally, the panel members will take turns asking you the questions and will write down or type your responses so that they are able to refer to them later to evaluate, so they may not be able to maintain eye contact while you are talking.

The chair will then wrap up the interview by asking you if you have any questions. They will also tell you about the next step in the process, which may include further assessment methods and when you can expect to hear back about a decision.

Interview scoring

Ontario Public Service interviews reflect fairness and consistency in the treatment of applicants. As such, each interview question is assigned a pre-determined weight on a rating scale according to the importance of particular skills, knowledge or experience to the position. The interview panel will compare your responses to established expected responses to determine the score you receive for each question.

Each candidate is asked the same set of questions, and scored using the same rating system. The more detailed and articulate you are in describing how you meet the position’s qualifications, the higher your chances are of being among the top candidates. This helps to ensure fairness to all candidates and is a key component of Ontario Public Service interviews which may not be the same as other organizations.

Reference checks and employee security screening checks

Reference checks are a part of the Ontario Public Service selection process. References are a way for employers to confirm what you have told them in an interview and to find out additional information about you, from people that have worked with you, including previous supervisors or managers.

All candidates are expected to provide the names of current and former supervisors and other individuals who are able to provide valuable information regarding work performance. It is courteous to ask permission from your references before providing their names, and ensure that you have updated contact information for them, in case they are contacted. 

Some positions require employment security screening checks to be conducted, and the candidate is required to confirm “clearance” prior to an offer of employment being made. In some instances, candidates are given a conditional offer of employment, on the condition they produce the required security clearance. The evaluation panel will explain this process to candidates in more detail and it may include the following:

• police record checks

If you are a successful candidate, the hiring manager will provide you with a job offer. The hiring manager may also provide you with more details about the job, and answer any remaining questions. You and the hiring manager will discuss your 'start date' and determine out when you can start.

Interview feedback

If you don’t receive a job offer, you may request feedback from the hiring manager to help you strengthen your interviewing skills.

Accessibility

During the recruitment process, you have the right to request accommodation. If you have an injury, illness or disability, you are not required to disclose this in your application or discuss this during the evaluation process. If you have an injury, illness or disability that affects your ability to apply online, please contact us  to provide your information and we will contact you within 48 hours.

Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss this with the contact person. For instance, someone with a disability may require alternate formats for written materials, or physical adjustments to a computer set-up.

Everyone is different, so we will take into account individual accessibility needs. Other types of accommodation requests include rescheduling of an interview or testing date because of a religious holiday.

French bilingual talent

To strengthen our capacity to deliver government services in French, we are enhancing our processes for recruiting, retaining and developing French bilingual talent. Our efforts include leveraging student and recent graduate employment programs to attract bilingual talent. We aim to heighten awareness within the OPS about the obligations under the French Language Services Act and the recruitment process for designated bilingual positions. Additionally, we are ensuring that all external job advertisements are posted in English and French.

These crucial measures contribute to expanding access to government services in French and align with the continuous implementation of our French Language Services Strategy .

Search job openings

Find out what exciting OPS career opportunities are posted right now.

Search current jobs

Cover letter, resume and interview tips

Find tips and information about how to create the type of cover letter and resume we are looking for.

Find more information on resume tips .

Preparing for the interview

Know about government priorities.

You may be expected to know about government priorities in your next interview. For example, read the most recent Ontario Budget and Speech from the Throne.

Explore the ministry

Do some research by visiting the ministry's website and news releases . You may be expected to be familiar with the ministry's work, goals and initiatives in relation to government priorities.

Expect a panel of interviewers

There are usually between two and three people who conduct the job interview. Don't be thrown off by the fact they are writing or typing as you are speaking. In order for panelists to document your answer, you may want to speak slowly. Interviewers reflect on these notes when evaluating your responses and making their decisions.

Think about why you are the best person for the job

Think about how your experience, strengths and competencies/skills "fit" this job. Look carefully at the job ad and the list of qualifications. The interview questions will be based on these materials.

Bring references with you

References are a way for the interview panel to confirm what you have told them and to ask for additional relevant information about you. Use the names of current and former supervisors and other individuals who are able to provide qualitative information about your employment history. Ensure that you ask each individual for permission to use them as a reference.

During the interview

Recognize your individual efforts.

The interview panel is interested in your individual performance so try to use the word "I", as opposed to "we". If what you did was part of a team effort, explain what your role was on the team.

Describe past experiences in terms of what you accomplished, not just what you did

When referring to job experiences talk about and be specific concerning the outcomes you achieved and how your own learning and development were enhanced. Try to quantify your experiences when applicable by using numerical examples.

Structure your answers for maximum impact

Keep your responses concise, structured and based on the questions. Be prepared to answer behavioural-based questions where you are asked how you would handle certain situations or how you met certain challenges. A common technique for answering these types of questions is called PAR where you can describe your experience in terms of the:

• Problem that you faced
• Action you took
• Result(s) you achieved

Addressing interview questions

This will show your interest and reveal that you have researched and prepared for the interview. Don't be shy to ask for clarification or jot down your own thoughts. Make sure that you understand the question in order to demonstrate how you are the best person for the job. If you are struggling to formulate a response to a question, you may ask to come back to it at the end.

Think outside the box

Don't forget about your experiences that aren't directly job-related. You may have volunteer experience, been elected to a council or board, participated in a professional association, coached a team or contributed to your community in some other way. What did those experiences teach you and how did they shape you as a person.

After the interview

Ask for feedback.

Whether you were successful or not, your interview should be a learning experience. You can ask for feedback from the hiring manager on specific details on your strengths and weaknesses; so you will know where you can improve.

Write down the questions you were asked

Before your next interview, develop detailed responses to these questions so you will be prepared for these or similar questions.

Reflect on and learn for your next interview

If you were unsuccessful try not to be discouraged or take it personally. Reflect on and learn from your experience.

If you don’t want to miss your future dream job, sign-up for job alerts.

Sign up now

If you have any general questions, or more specific about the following:

• job advertisement
• status of a competition
• help with an application (e.g. disability accommodation)

Contact us now

Virtual Help

• Chat with library staff now
• Contact your library
• Job Resources
• Portal Home
• Resume & Cover Letter

Job Resources : Resume & Cover Letter

• Exploring Career Options
• Knowing Yourself
• Exploring the Labour Market
• Researching College Programs
• Before the Interview
• During the Interview
• After the Interview
• Searching for Jobs Online
• Establishing Your Network
• Finding Jobs Using Networking Websites
• Disability and the Workplace
• Job Essential vs. Non-Essential Duties
• Disclosing a Disability
• Interviewing
• Arranging Accommodations
• Personal Pitch
• Digital Portfolios

Resumes and Cover Letters - Module 2 of 5

Your resume and cover letter are often your first introduction to an employer, and they have to impress them enough that they want to meet with you. This module will show you how you can create effective resumes and cover letters.

Test Your Knowledge

Before you begin, test how much you know about creating resumes and cover letters. Once you’ve competed the module, come back and take this quiz again to see how much you have learned. opens in new window

Working With Your Resume and Cover Letter

Cover letter, about your resume and cover letter.

Your resume and cover letter are documents that help you market yourself to prospective employers. They are usually submitted as a package as part of a job application, with the cover letter appearing first, followed by the resume. An effective resume and cover letter should convince the employer that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the job.

List relevant knowledge and experience in your resume

A good resume will summarize your education, skills, work, and achievements as they apply to the job. The employer needs to be able to find the essential information quickly. Often, resumes are read or scanned in only 30-60 seconds.

By placing all the most relevant and important information on the first half of the page, you are strategically increasing the chances of having the employer identify the qualifications that you demonstrate that match the requirements of the job. Therefore, resumes with strong profiles and summary of qualifications sections are more likely to be selected for an interview.

A well-planned resume will:

• Provide an example of your ability to organize and present ideas clearly
• Demonstrate your attention to detail by being free of grammar and spelling errors
• Provide details of relevant experience and education credentials
• Demonstrate your fit with the company culture

There are several types of resume formats, but this module will cover a skills-based resume format (also known as a combination format). This format lets you highlight skills you learned in your program as well as practical experience from jobs, field placements, co-op, applied research and team projects.

Expand on your qualifications in your cover letter

Cover letters must be customized for each employer because they are intended to show why you are a good fit for that specific job. The employers want you to demonstrate several things in your cover letter:

• your knowledge of the company
• how you could benefit their team
• compelling reasons why you’d like to work for them

Avoid presenting information not covered in the resume. There are several reasons for this:

• In some cases, a cover letter is not a requirement. If the employer chooses not to read it, he or she may miss some key information about you.
• There is more emphasis placed on your resume as it serves as proof of the skills, knowledge and experience you describe in your cover letter.

Your cover letter is opportunity for you to highlight the skills and experience that are covered on your resume and explain how they make you a good candidate for the position for which you are applying.

Follow the steps in the tabs to learn how to build an effective resume and cover letter.

5 Steps to Build Your Resume

Step 1 – research.

Tailor your resume to the requirements of each job to demonstrate that you can perform the essential duties of the role. Use the following resources to research and understand the typical job requirements in your occupation:

• Job postings you are interested in applying to. Examine the qualifications/duties listed and match then with your skills, knowledge and experience.
• Labour Market Information resources such as the Job Bank – Explore Careers website. - opens in a new window Review career and occupational profiles and understand the required duties and responsibilities. Explore the module on Career and Program Choice for more guidance in exploring the labour market.

Step 2 - Identify Skills

A resume is both a marketing tool and summary of your qualifications. Identifying your main skills and strengths is an essential first step in building an effective resume.

Technical or Industry Specific Skills

These skills are specific for your industry and the type of jobs to which you are applying.

Example: Administrative Assistants need to have skills such as the following:

• How to use Microsoft Office software to prepare and format business documents.
• How to manage physical and electronic records.
• How to record day-to-day business transactions.
• How to use Microsoft Excel to create and manage basic spreadsheets.

To identify your Industry-Specific Skills, review the Learning Outcomes section on your program website as well as your course descriptions.

Essential Employability or Transferrable Skills

Transferable Skills are more general and are essential to succeed in any job. You develop and use these skills in a variety of experiences and everyday tasks.

Here are some examples:

• verbal and written communication
• interpersonal skills
• problem solving
• time management

To identify these skills, think of what skills helped you to perform effectively in your job or educational experiences.

The resources below provide examples of essential skills sought by employers:

• CAREER READINESS for the New College Graduate—The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) - opens in a new window
• Essential Skills - opens in a new window and Work Habits for Work, Learning and Life - opens in a new window —Ontario Skills Passport
• Essential Employability Skills—Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development - opens in a new window
• Employability Skills—The Conference Board of Canada - opens in a new window

Step 3 – Build your Resume

Use your list of skills and the job requirements that you researched in Step 2 to build your resume. You can format your own resume from scratch, or use the resume template .

Watch the video or read the information below to find out how to create an effective resume. You can also download the How to Build Your Resume video transcript .

Elements of the Resume:

Customize your resume for each job. The following are key sections to include in your resume:

• Your contact information: name, address (optional), email, and phone number.
• Qualifications/skills: relevant skills, knowledge, certifications, etc. that you obtained through your experience. This will make it easy for the employer to find and match your qualifications to their requirements.
• Education: Any diplomas, degrees, or certificates you have earned or are completing. Include your GPA if it is high (3.0/4.0 or higher).
• Relevant experience: Your relevant work experience, academic projects, work placements, co-op, and volunteer experience. Describe your experience using accomplishment statements (Step 4). When describing your job duties, start with the responsibilities and accomplishments most relevant to the job requirements.
• Other work experience: work experience that is not related to the job.
• Volunteer/community involvement: Volunteering positions you have held, with an emphasis on skills or responsibilities that are relevant to the job.
• Optional additional sections: awards/certifications/extracurricular activities/interests.

Format and Style

A two-page resume is the standard at this stage, and the format should be consistent, simple, and professional. Use the following format guidelines.

You can use a resume template if you need a starting point. Follow these guidelines to make sure your resume is consistent and easy to read:

• Use white space between sections and headings.
• Make sure your bullets points use the same style and are aligned to the same place.
• Dates should be aligned and in a consistent format.
• Use industry language and keywords to show that you understand the occupation and industry for which you are applying.

You can use the resume checklist (PDF) - opens in a new window when creating your resume to help you remember what to include, what to leave out, and how to structure the document.

Step 4 - Identify Accomplishments

Add ‘accomplishment statements’ to your job descriptions. Accomplishment statements explain how your actions accomplished or contributed something.

Read the steps below or watch the video to learn how to write accomplishment statements. You can also read the How to Write Accomplishment Statements video transcript .

Steps to writing accomplishment statements

• Brainstorm: Think about the tasks and activities you performed exceptionally well in your past or current experiences. When thinking about each experience, ask yourself the following questions:
• How was my performance measured in this position?
• What value did I bring to this workplace or organization?
• Use the STAR technique: Make the connection between your actions and a positive result—Describe the Situation or Task, the Action you took, and the Result of your action
• Write statements: Use this information to write statements that explain what you have accomplished. e.g. “Created the department’s first operations manual [action], which increased the effectiveness of the new employee training, and significantly reduced the expenditure of time and resources. [result]”
• Update your resume: Add these accomplishment statements to your job descriptions.

Tip: To make the most impact, accomplishment statements should:

• Incorporate metrics such as numbers, figures, statistics, percentages when it is possible. E.g. ‘increased sales by 15%’.
• Describe your actions using strong action verbs, such as completed, raised, achieved, delivered, etc.
• Be relevant to the employer and the position, and make a connection with the job requirements.

Below are examples of how transferable skills can be phrased as accomplishment statements.

Written Communication

• Skill: Skilled at communicating information in a written format with clarity, accuracy and with a proper use of references.
• Duty: Produce research reports using variety of reliable sources, qualitative and quantitative data.
• Achievement Statement : Prepared over ten accurate, well-researched, concisely written, and properly cited reports,10+ pages long on average, in a two-month period.

Professionalism/Work Ethic :

• Skill: Competent in assembling and allocating physical, human, and financial resources, to deliver projects on time.
• Duty: Coordinated schedules and assigned tasks to the team.
• Achievement Statement: Led a team of five to deliver a final research project one week ahead of the deadline through careful coordination of tasks and effective resource and time allocation.

Customer Service/Interpersonal Skills

• Skill: Able to engage others in friendly manner, develop rapport with coworkers and customers, and resolve conflicts
• Duty: Welcomed customers to the store and engaged them in conversation to understand their product needs and interests.
• Achievement Statement: Consistently achieved daily sales targets by demonstrating interest in customer needs and actively interacting with them in a friendly, non-invasive manner throughout their visit.

Step 5 – Proofread

Grammar and spelling mistakes can cost you an interview. Employers may interpret errors as lack of interest in their job and not review your resume further. Here are a few strategies to help you avoid embarrassing errors:

• Proofread your resume (on screen and a print version). Do not rely solely on spell check. Some words can be spelled correctly, but are out of context, which won’t be caught by spell check.
• Have a second person proofread your resume. A second set of eyes may see what you have missed.
• Visit an employment support centre. Attend a Resume Drop-In session or make an appointment.

Use these documents to get started:

• Resume Template - Word - Downloads in a new window You can use this template as a starting point for your resume.
• Resume Sample - Word - Downloads in a new window An example of a resume for a customer service position.

5 Steps to Build Your Cover Letter

Cover letters must be customized for each employer because they are intended to show why you are a good fit for that specific job. Research the company to which you are applying, and examine their products, services and culture. There are several places you can look to find relevant information:

• their website (the About Us page, etc.)
• their publications
• their social media channels
• any other media sources

As part of your research, try to find the name of the hiring manager. Do not be afraid to call the reception or front desk to ask the name of the hiring manager.

Tip: Researching a potential employer is also good preparation for common interview questions, such as “What do you know about our company/organization and why do you want to work for us?”

Step 2 – Begin Writing

Use the information from your research and from your resume to write your cover letter. It should be one page, and the font style and size should match your resume. You can use the cover letter template or start from scratch.

Watch the video or read the information below to find out how to write your cover letter. You can also download the How to Write a Cover Letter video transcript .

At the beginning of the cover letter, you should include the following information:

• Your name and contact information. Use the same format as on your resume.
• The date of submission
• The company contact information (the employer name and title, and the company name and address.)
• The job title and reference number (if applicable)
• The recipient of the letter. Address the letter to the hiring manager or contact person. If you don’t know their name, write ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’

Introduce yourself to the employer using the 4 W’s:

• Who: Introduce yourself.
• Why: Explain why you are applying and are interested in the company.
• What: Include the job title or the type of job that interest you.
• Where: Include where you heard about the job.

Step 3 – Describe Qualifications

In the body of the cover letter, describe your skills, knowledge and experience that match the key requirements of the job, or that will allow you to add value to the job and the company. Relate your skills and knowledge to specific academic, volunteer, or work experience. This is your opportunity to elaborate on the experience that you included on your resume.

Emphasize how you contributed by phrasing your experience as ‘accomplishment statements’ to demonstrate how you contributed to your workplace or project. Read Step 4 in the Building Your Resume tab to learn how to write Accomplishment Statements. This adds credibility and makes a stronger impression on employers.

Your cover letter is also a place to explain gaps in your resume or highlight asset points, such as willingness to relocate, etc.

Step 4 - Target the Company

Describe why you want to work for the company. The information you discovered in your earlier research will come in handy at this stage. Provide a few reasons as to why you are passionate about your occupation/industry and what interests you about working for this specific company.

Employers may interpret errors as lack of interest in their job and use it as a reason not to read your resume. Here are a few strategies to help you avoid embarrassing errors:

• Proofread your cover letter (on screen and a print version). Do not rely solely on spell check. Some words can be spelled correctly, but are out of context, which won’t be caught by spell check.
• Have a second person proofread your cover letter. A second set of eyes may see what you have missed.
• Visit an employment support centre . Attend a resume and cover letter drop-in session or make an appointment.
• Cover Letter Template - Word - Downloads in a new window You can use this template as a starting point for your cover letter.
• Cover Letter Sample - Word - Downloads in a new window An example of a cover letter for a customer service position.

Resume - What to include

• Your qualifications/skills: relevant skills, knowledge, certifications, etc. that you obtain through your experience. This should show that you would be able to do the job for which you are applying.
• Your education: Any diplomas, degrees, or certificates you have earned or are completing. Include your GPA if it is high (3.0/4.0 or higher).
• Your experience: Your work experience, along with relevant academic projects work placements.
• Awards / Certifications / Extracurricular Activities / Interests.

Cover Letter - What to include

• Your contact information: Your name, address (optional), email, and phone number in the same format as your resume.
• The date of submission.
• The company contact information: the employer name and title, and the company name and address.
• The job title and reference number (if applicable).
• The recipient of the letter: Address the letter to the hiring manager or contact person. If you don’t know their name, write ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’
• Who: Introduce yourself
• Why: Explain why you are applying for this job.
• Your qualifications and accomplishments: Expand on the knowledge and experience in your resume. Make sure to use Accomplishment Statements.
• Why you want to work for the company: Target that employer and show that you know something about them.

Format and Proofreading

• White space: Add space between sections and headings to make the resume clear and easy to read.
• Consistent bullet points: All Bullets use the same style and are aligned to the same place.
• Consistent dates: Dates appear in a consistent format (e.g. all written out or all included as numbers)
• 1 page, concise and well-written.
• Limited number of sentences starting with “I”.
• No run-on sentences.
• Plain paper; no graphics if applying electronically.
• Web-friendly font (such as Arial or Times New Roman, size 11 or 12).
• A simple and professional format. No graphics to highlight information.
• Action words and accomplishment statements: Use strong action words such as ‘increased’ when describing your experience and include accomplishment statements.
• Checklist- Resume and Cover Letter - PDF - Downloads in a new window

Avoiding Plagiarism in Your Resume and Cover Letter

Even in resumes and cover letters, it's important to use your own words. Watch the video below to learn about how to avoid plagiarism in your resume and cover letters.

Activity: Avoiding Plagiarism in Your Resume and Cover Letter

Find out about plagiarism and how it relates to your professional integrity and success. (opens in new window)

Employer Perspective

Algonquin college.

Watch this video to hear the employer perspective of Helen Huang, Human Resources Officer at Algonquin College. You can also download the Algonquin College Employer Perspective video transcript.

Bruyère Continuing Care

Watch this video to hear the employer perspective of Hélène Thibault, the Manager of Recruitment and Selection at Bruyère Continuing Care. You can also download the Bruyère Continuing Care Employer Perspective video transcript.

Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG)

Watch this video to hear the employer perspective of Torie Billings, HR Manager, and Adam Laderoute, HR Coordinator at Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. You can also download the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group Employer Perspective video transcript.

• << Previous: Gap Year
• Next: Interview Skills >>

Note: This material is meant as a general guide, if your professor's instructions differ from the information we've provided, always follow your professor's instructions. Also note, icons on this site are used through a Noun Project Pro license. Please be sure to provide proper attribution if you reuse them.

• Last Updated: May 23, 2024 2:53 PM
• URL: https://tlp-lpa.ca/career

• Certification Program

• Cover Letters
• LinkedIn Profiles
• Interview Coaching
• Outplacements
• Entry Level
• Experienced

Services: Resume and Job Finding

At ResumesCanada, our goal is to ensure you have the right tools for every step of your job search, and to ensure you are well prepared as you head out into the job marketplace.

We focus on the 5 main parts of the job application process, honing our skills and expertise to help you gain the best advantage as you apply for your first or next position:

• Job Search Strategy : We will help you determine a clear direction and provide expert advice on how to focus your job search to find your next position.
• Resume Writing : We will create an effective resume that will gain the attention of HR managers and recruitment professionals, helping you stand out in a crowded market.
• Cover Letters : Our writers will develop a strategic cover letter that properly introduces you and shows, at a glance, why you are the ideal candidate for the position available.
• Interview Skills : With our expert help, you will face your next job interview with confidence, knowing you are well prepared.
• LinkedIn : Learn from us how to effectively market yourself through a well developed and well written LinkedIn profile .

Check our our packages and pricing or contact us to get started today!

Tips and Resources

What Our Clients Say

“I wanted to let you know I’ve found a position with a company in London! I start March 2. You did a great job on the resume and cover letter.”

Sales Professional London, Ontario

“I just got another call for an interview and they want to meet me tomorrow morning at 11:30am. When it rains, it pours.”

Executive Assistant Waterloo, Ontario

“Thank you! I just finished my interview with 3M and would like to send a thank you email.”

Graphics Designer Toronto, Ontario

• Contact form
• ' : ' '; _el.style.display = _isClosed ? 'block' : ''; } } return false;">

Popular searches

• Resume writing
• What employers want
• Newcomers to Canada
• How to schedule an appointment
• Interview skills
• Preparing for your new job
• Job search planning
• Job help for you
• EO job search guide
• Effective job search
• How to stand out when applying for a job
• Service providers
• english as a second language
• resource room
• Canada-Ontario job grant
• clients with disabilities

Cover letters

Your cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to consider your application. It should only be a short letter – 3 to 5 paragraphs – and should be sent with your resume or application form. Write it as an email if you’re applying online or print off a typed copy and send it with a paper application.

Building your Cover Letter 5 Steps to Making Your Cover Letter Count Cover Letter Example Cover Letter T-Format Example Best Practices for Writing a Cover Letter

Resources and Links

My Perfect Cover Letter LiveCareer

Let's find the work that works for you.

• Free Phone Consultation +1 (514) 989-9700
• Immigrate to Canada
• CRS Score Calculator
• Express Entry Pool of Candidates
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
• Federal Skilled Trades
• Express Entry Draw
• When is the Next Express Entry Draw?
• Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR)
• Proof of Funds for Express Entry
• Latest PNP Draws in Canada
• Farm Stream
• Alberta Express Entry
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Skills Immigration Stream
• BC PNP Tech
• Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Farm Investor Pathway
• Skilled Workers in Manitoba
• Skilled Workers Overseas
• International Education Stream
• Business Investor Stream
• Express Entry Labour Market Stream
• Entrepreneurial Stream
• Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
• Skilled Worker Applicants with Employer Support
• New Brunswick PNP – Information Sessions
• Express Entry Skilled Worker Category
• Skilled Worker Category
• International Graduate Category
• International Entrepreneur Category
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Academic Path
• Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Work Path
• Express Entry
• Employer Driven
• Critical Impact Worker
• Skilled Worker
• Business Driven
• Entrepreneur
• Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (Closed)
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• Entrepreneur Category
• Physician Stream
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
• Occupations In Demand
• Ontario’s Express Entry Streams
• Employer Job Offer
• Masters Graduates
• PhD Graduates
• Regional Immigration Pilot
• PEI PNP Express Entry
• Business Impact
• Work Permit
• Labour Impact
• Skilled Worker in PEI
• Skilled Worker Outside Canada
• Critical Worker
• International Graduate
• International Skilled Worker
• Saskatchewan Experience
• Saskatchewan Entrepreneur and Farm
• Yukon Express Entry
• Business Nominee
• Yukon Community Pilot
• Immigrate to Quebec
• Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
• Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
• Quebec Investor Program – QIIP
• Certificat de Selection du Quebec (CSQ)
• Quebec Immigration FAQ
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
• Permanent Resident Card (PR card)
• Permanent Resident Card Renewal
• Permanent Resident Travel Document
• Residency Obligations
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
• Agri-Food Pilot
• Home Child Care Provider Pilot
• Home Support Worker Pilot
• Past Caregiver Programs
• Canada Immigration FAQ
• Moving to Canada from the USA
• Work in Canada
• Business Visitors
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Facilitated LMIA (Quebec) List of Occupations
• Canada Global Talent Stream (GTS)
• Intra-Company Transfers
• CUSMA (formerly called NAFTA) Work Permit
• Working with CSQ
• CETA Work Permits
• Post-Graduate Work Permit
• International Experience Canada
• Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) Canada
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada
• Job Search Tool

Social Media Presence Guide

Canadian resume guide.

• For Employers
• Study in Canada: Changes for 2024 -2026
• Study & Immigrate in Canada
• Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)
• Levels of Study
• Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada
• Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ)
• Refusals and Appeals
• International Students in Canada
• Extend a Study Permit
• Quebec Health Insurance Plan for International Students
• Student Accommodation
• Work While Studying
• International Students: Spouse and Family Dependent Visa
• Permanent Residence (PR) for international students
• Our International Student Program

Sponsorship

• Canada Sponsorship
• Inland Sponsorship
• Outland Sponsorship
• Spousal Sponsorship Quebec
• Child or Other Dependant Sponsorship
• Super Visa Canada
• Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
• Canada Sponsorship FAQ
• Business Immigration
• Federal Investor Program (Terminated)
• Federal Venture Capital (Closed)
• Federal Entrepreneur Program (Terminated)
• Start-Up Visa Canada
• Federal Self-Employed
• Quebec Self-Employed
• About our Business Immigration Team
• Our Canadian Immigration Services
• Criminal Inadmissibility
• Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
• Medical Inadmissibility
• Legal Opinion Letters
• DUI Convictions
• Criminal Rehabilitation
• Citizenship Requirements
• Citizenship Application
• Citizenship FAQ
• Canadian Economy
• Taxation in Canada
• Newcomers Services
• How to Find Accommodation in Canada
• Visitor Visa
• Business Visitor Visas
• electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• Canadian Immigration News & Updates
• Canadian Immigration Blog & Resources
• CLB Language Converter
• Visiting Canada Tool
• What is a NOC Code in Canada?
• How to Write a Reference Letter
• Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) Guide

Canadian Cover Letter Guide

• Canadim’s Employment Services
• Canadian Language Benchmark Guide
• Canadian Immigration Glossary
• See all guides & FAQs
• Refugees & Humanitarian
• Canadian Immigration Processing Fees

A Canadian cover letter is a short document written in response to a specific job prospect and addressed directly to the hiring manager or individual in charge of hiring for the position. It should add to the information contained in your resume and resent you to the employer as a candidate.

Cover letters are essential in the hiring process as they provide candidates with the opportunity to introduce themselves, demonstrate their qualifications, and show enthusiasm for a specific role and company.

They serve as a personalized communication tool, allowing candidates to make a positive first impression, tailor their message to the job, and address potential concerns or unique situations.

A well-written cover letter enhances a candidate’s chances of standing out and securing an interview in Canada .

The following are general guidelines only. You must tailor your cover letter to suit your own experiences, and to suit the specific position you are applying for.

Before You Begin

Once you find a specific job posting that you want to apply for, you can begin to work on your application cover letter. Following these steps before you begin will help you write the best cover letter possible.

1. Do Your Research

Before you begin to write your cover letter, learn everything that you can about the company or organization you are applying to. Check out their website and social media pages, research their top competitors, and read recent industry news articles. Learn the name(s) of the individual(s) who will be in charge of hiring for the position you want, as well as the head(s) of the company.

Also, keep in mind the job description and requirements for the role. it allows you to create a cover letter that showcases your qualifications, aligns with the company’s needs, and demonstrates your genuine interest in the position. This, in turn, increases your chances of being noticed and considered for the role.

Doing this research will help you decide what you should include. Do your research for every cover letter you write. It may take some time, but you have a much better chance of being granted an interview if you have tailored your cover letter to the individual who will be reading it.

2. Check for Instructions

Some employers include instructions in their job postings. They might ask you to include specific information or answer certain questions, in your cover letter. Check whether the employer has left any specific instructions for your cover letter. If they have, follow them carefully.

3. Save time by using a Master Template:

Creating a separate cover letter for every job application can be exhausting. Instead, develop a comprehensive cover letter template that highlights your key qualifications, skills, and experiences.

Keep a library of snippets or bullet points highlighting your achievements, skills, and relevant experiences. You can easily insert these into your cover letter as needed. This template can serve as a foundation for various job applications, making the process more efficient.

Formatting Guidelines

There is a standard cover letter format that most Canadian employers will expect you to follow. However, depending on your industry and the specific job posting you are responding to, you may have to change the formatting of your cover letter.

1. Length  Your cover letter should be no more than one page in total.

2. Font  Your font should be consistent throughout your cover letter, and you should choose a professional-looking font. Your font size should be big enough that it is easy to read when your cover letter is printed.

3. Spacing  Your cover letter should be appropriately spaced. The main body should be single-spaced, with sufficient space left between each new paragraph and section.

What to Include

There are seven sections in a cover letter.

1. Your Information  Your name and contact information should be at the top of your cover letter. Include your:

• First and last name
• Current residential address
• Phone number
• Email address

2. Date  Below your information, write the date that you are sending your cover letter.

3. Employer Information  Below the date, include the contact information of the individual, department, or company you are addressing in the cover letter. If you know the name of the individual, include their:

• Position title
• Company or organization name
• Commercial address of the company or organization

If you do not know the name of the individual, include:

• Department in charge of hiring decisions (if known)
• Commercial address of company or organization

4. Greeting  Use a formal greeting to open your letter. If you know the name of the individual making hiring decisions, address them directly with their prefix and full name. If you don’t know the name of the individual, use a formal, generic greeting like ‘To whom it may concern,’.

5. Main Text:  There are three parts to the main text of your cover letter: the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction  In the first paragraph of your cover letter, you should introduce yourself as a candidate . Include your first name and the position you are applying for. You can also include your post-relevant qualification and how you found the job posting. If you have a contact at the company who referred you to the job, you may want to mention him or her by name and department. Your introduction should be no more than two to three sentences.

Body  In the next couple of paragraphs, you want to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job position. Tell them why they should invest in you. If you’re not sure what to include, try to answer these questions:

• What projects have you worked on that are relevant to this position? What did you learn from them? Why does this make you a better candidate?
• What responsibilities have you held that are relevant to this position? What did you learn from them? Why does this make you a better candidate?
• What do you intend to do if you are hired? What benefit does the employer get if he or she hires you instead of someone else?

The body of your cover letter should be one or two paragraphs.

Conclusion  The conclusion is the final paragraph in the main text of your cover letter. It is your opportunity to tell the employer how you feel about potentially working for the company, thank them for the opportunity to apply, and invite them to respond to your application. It should be no more than three or four sentences.

6. Signature  There are two parts to your cover letter signature: the closing line and your full name.

• Closing Line  Your cover letter must include an appropriate closing line. This is the line right before your name.
• Full Name  Your full name follows the closing line. It is not necessary to print and physically sign your cover letter since more job applications are done electronically.

Final Revision

Carefully review your cover letters to make sure you have not made any mistakes.

1. Proofread

Check your cover letter for any spelling or grammar mistakes. If possible, have someone else proofread it for you, or come back to it after a night’s sleep. Be sure that you have not made any mistakes in:

• Your name and contact information
• The employer’s name and contact information
• The name of the company or organization you are applying to

2. Check Instructions

Go over any instructions for your cover letter given by the employer and make sure you have followed them carefully.

Make sure that you have the correct date on your cover letter. The date should be the day that you send your cover letter to the potential employer.

Ready to start?

Free immigration assessment.

Discover your Canadian immigration options! Complete our free assessment today and a member of the Canadim Team will contact you to discuss your immigration to Canada.

Related Links

Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!

About services

Canada job bank, resources room, partner with us, registration, service providers.

 Back to the Resources Room

Cover Letters

Your cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to consider your application. It should only be a short letter – 3 to 5 paragraphs – and should be sent with your resume or application form. Write it as an email if you’re applying online or print off a typed copy and send it with a paper application.

Building your Cover Letter 5 Steps to Making Your Cover Letter Count Cover Letter Example Cover Letter T-Format Example Best Practices for Writing a Cover Letter

Resources and Links

My Perfect Cover Letter LiveCareer

Ready to find your next job?

Get started.

Canada Cover Letter Format And Free Samples (2023)

In Canada, a well-written cover letter can be just as important as a strong resume when it comes to landing your dream job.

While cover letters may seem daunting, they are an essential component of the job application process. A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your professionalism, attention to detail, and passion for the position.

In this article, we’ll provide tips and guidelines to help you create a compelling Canada cover letter that will impress employers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Canada Cover Letter Font

6. signature, researching the company, proofreading and editing, cover letter sample 3 (fresher), canada cover letter basics.

A cover letter is a document that introduces you to potential employers and highlights your qualifications, skills, and experience. It is your chance to make a great first impression and convince hiring managers that you are the right person for the job.

Canada Cover Letter Format

In Canada, a cover letter should follow a standard format that includes your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s contact information. Begin with your name, address, and contact details, followed by the date and the recipient’s name, and address. Use a clear and organized layout to ensure your cover letter is easily readable.

Canada Cover Letter Length

A Canadian cover letter should be concise and limited to one page in length . This allows you to effectively showcase your qualifications and experiences without overwhelming the reader.

It is crucial to choose a professional-looking font for your cover letter. Common font choices include Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Be consistent with your font selection throughout the cover letter to maintain a polished appearance.

When it comes to font size, aim for a balance between readability and space efficiency. A font size of 10 to 12 points is generally considered appropriate in a Canadian cover letter. This ensures the text is large enough to be easily readable, but not too large that it takes up excessive space on the page.

Canada Cover Letter Structure

The structure of a Canadian cover letter typically consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion .

• In the introduction , you should introduce yourself and express your interest in the position.
• In the body , focus on your qualifications, relevant skills, and experiences that make you a valuable candidate for the job.
• Conclude by thanking the reader for their time and consideration.

Canadian cover letters typically begin with a header containing the applicant’s name, job title, city and province, phone number, and email address.

It’s also essential to include the current date . The header should be consistent with the one used in the applicant’s resume for a cohesive presentation.

2. Greeting

In the greeting section, address the hiring manager by their full name and title. If the name is not available, use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

Personalization is preferred, so make an effort to find the hiring manager’s name when possible.

The opening paragraph serves as an introduction and an opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention. Applicants should briefly mention the job title and company they’re applying to, and express enthusiasm for both the position and the organization.

Including keywords from the job posting and aligning personal skills with the employer’s requirements will make the opening more impactful.

In the body of the cover letter, applicants should elaborate on their relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. It’s necessary to make connections between the job requirements and the applicant’s qualifications.

• When discussing experiences, be specific and focus on accomplishments rather than just listing responsibilities.
• Use bullet points or short paragraphs to present the information in a clear and easy-to-read manner.

The body of the letter should effectively convey the applicant’s background and qualifications while demonstrating a genuine interest in the role and the company.

The closing section is the final opportunity to leave a positive impression on the hiring manager. Here, applicants should reiterate their enthusiasm for the position and summarize their qualifications .

It’s also appropriate to politely request an interview and express gratitude for the manager’s time and consideration. End the closing paragraph with a professional and respectful closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.”

Lastly, include a signature in the cover letter which may consist of the applicant’s full name and any relevant professional designation or certification.

If the cover letter is being sent electronically, either type the full name or use an electronic/digital signature as a more personal touch.

Customizing Your Cover Letter

Tailoring to the job.

When customizing your cover letter, it is essential to tailor it to the specific job you are applying for. Start by carefully reviewing the job description and noting the key requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications mentioned.

Then, in your cover letter, emphasize how your skills and experiences align with these aspects of the job. In doing so, be sure to use relevant keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate your understanding of the role.

Split your text into concise paragraphs that focus on different aspects of the job, such as your relevant experience, technical skills, and soft skills. You may also consider using bullet points to highlight specific achievements that directly relate to the position.

In addition to tailoring your cover letter to the job, you should also research the company and demonstrate how your values and goals align with theirs . This shows that you have taken the time to understand the organization’s culture and objectives and that you would be a good fit for the team.

You can find information about a company’s values and goals on its website or through news articles, press releases, and social media accounts.

Remember, customizing your cover letter for each position you apply to and researching the company can make a significant difference in making a positive first impression on a recruiter or hiring manager. By focusing on these aspects, you demonstrate your attention to detail and genuine interest in the job and company, improving your chances of landing an interview.

Writing Tips for a Canadian Cover Letter

Highlighting achievements.

When crafting a Canadian cover letter, it is essential to focus on the tangible accomplishments in your career. Mention specific achievements  that demonstrate your capabilities and experiences relevant to the job you are applying for.

Include quantifiable results, such as increased sales or improved customer satisfaction, to clearly showcase your successes. Use active verbs and concise language to communicate your achievements in a compelling manner.

Focusing on Skills and Qualifications

Employers want to see that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in the role. Align your skills with the requirements listed in the job description , and provide examples of how you have applied these skills in previous positions. Include both technical and transferable skills that will make you an asset to the company.

Providing specific examples can help create a strong connection between you and the organization, increasing your chances of being invited for an interview.

In addition, mention any relevant education or certifications that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

Emphasizing Value

An effective cover letter should articulate the  value  you would bring to the company. Explain how your skills, achievements, and experiences will contribute to their success.

Relate your accomplishments to the goals and objectives of the company, and demonstrate your understanding of their priorities and challenges. By doing this, you will show potential employers that you can make a positive impact on their organization.

As a final step before submitting your cover letter, make sure to proofread and edit your work thoroughly. This includes checking for proper grammar, spelling, and formatting.

Ensure that your cover letter is one page long, left-aligned with single spacing , and has one-inch margins .

Use a professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, at a size between 10 and 12 points. Double-check your work to eliminate any errors, as these may create a negative impression on potential employers.

With a well-written cover letter, applicants can confidently present themselves as an attractive candidate, ultimately improving their chances of career success.

Canada Cover Letter Examples

Cover letter sample 1.

Here’s a sample cover letter for a job in Canada:

Cover Letter Sample 2

Here’s another sample cover letter for a job in Canada:

Here’s another sample cover letter for a job in Canada, more suitable for freshers:

Writing an effective cover letter is a critical component of a successful job search in Canada. A well-written cover letter can demonstrate your interest in the position, showcase your qualifications and skills, and distinguish you from other applicants.

When writing your cover letter, it is essential to customize it for each position, research the company, and carefully proofread it to avoid any errors.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise, relevant, and professional, and highlight your unique skills and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the position.

With these tips in mind, you can create a compelling cover letter that will capture the attention of potential employers and help you stand out in a competitive job market. Good luck with your job search!

Related Articles

• How To Create ATS Friendly Resume For Canada
• How To Write Work Experience On A Canadian Resume
• Guide To Canadian Resume Format
• How To Tailor Your Canadian Resume To Job Description
• How To Write A Summary Statement For A Canadian Resume

Start typing and press enter to search

Our partner, Cigna, offers newcomers peace of mind. Get a free quote !

Find the best immigration program for you. Take our free immigration quiz and we’ll tell you the best immigration programs for you!

How to write the perfect cover letter for Canada

Craft a winning cover letter that will help you land your dream job in Canada.

Find the best immigration programs for you

Advertisement

How do you write a cover letter for Canada? We’re here to provide tips on how to write a focused Canadian cover letter and supply you with cover letter examples.

Being able to write a cover letter for Canada is a must for all professional job applications and is crucial to finding work in the country, so let’s get started.

Write the perfect cover letter for Canada’s job market

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to creating the perfect cover letter for Canada is that there’s a three-pronged approach to success.

First of all, you need to introduce yourself and the job you are applying for.

Secondly, make it patently clear that your skill set matches that requirements listed in the job description.

Finally, articulate the reasons why you would be an ideal candidate for an interview but don’t be too pushy.

OK, so let’s look at these three points in closer detail.

• Always state your relevant skills and reasons why you are right for the role in question as early as possible in your cover letter for Canada. A cover letter in Canada is not all about you. Ensure you spend at least 30 per cent of the document talking about what you know about the company — recent projects, company values, company news. Make the company feel special and they will be more likely to invite you for an interview.
• Do not simply rehash your resume. Instead you should focus on showing why the skills and experience you have would be a fit for the role in question . It makes sense to address each requirement in turn, doing so shows the hiring manager that you understand the role clearly and could be a great fit for the position.
• Do your research on the company and demonstrate this in your cover letter to ensure you make a good first impression. Don’t take it as a given. Highlight what you know, but don’t be brash about it.
• Don’t forget that you will need two documents — a resume and cover letter — for a successful job application in Canada. Keep your resume brief and then craft a cover letter to provide more nuance to the key skills and attributes that you will bring to the role if hired. In brief, make sure that you “tick all the boxes” that are outlined in the job description.
• Our comprehensive resume guide should help you with the accompanying resume, which is also crucial to landing an interview and ultimately your dream job in Canada.
• Also, we have listed some common interview questions and how to answer them.

Want to write the best Canadian cover letter possible?

A cover letter for canada: always needed.

In some instances — such as if you are lucky enough to be referred by an employee of a company — a cover letter may not be completely necessary. However, it is best to write a Canadian cover letter for each job application as it is a means of demonstrating your understanding of the position and how your skills and experience match the requirements. This is particularly true if you want to land that dream career job.

Take the time to understand the company and elaborate concisely about how you can help them. That’s how to make a strong first impression and write a successful cover letter. Generic cover letters for Canada that state “I have always wanted to work for {insert company name} . . .” don’t cut it, so differentiate yourself by showing the company you are genuinely interested in them.

Don’t forget to download the  Moving2Canada Getting Started Guide today. In this free guide you will find detailed templates for a Canadian-style resume and a Canadian cover letter. The guide will give you exclusive access to our proven cover letter techniques and will help you accelerate your job search in your new home.

Get help landing your dream job in Canada

Related content.

The Most In-Demand jobs in Canada in 2024

H-1B Open Work Permit Applications in Canada: New Temporary Public Policy

Alternatives to the IEC Working Holiday to come to Canada in 2024

Canada speeding up accreditation for internationally educated health professionals

Popular topics.

Search results

results for “ ”

Immigration

Learn everything you need to know about Canadian immigration

If you need help with your immigration, one of our recommended immigration consultant partners can help.

Calculate your estimated CRS score and find out if you're in the competitive range for Express Entry.

Take the quiz

Your guide to becoming a student in Canada

Take our quiz and find out what are the top programs for you.

Watch on YouTube

This guide will help you choose the best bank in Canada for your needs.

Get your guide

News & Features

latest articles

Our Partners

Cookies keep our resources free for you, privacy overview.

• User Preferences: They remember choices you have made on the website, such as language, region, or font size, so you don't have to set them every time you visit.
• Enhanced Features: They enable enhanced features on the site, like remembering login details, so you don't have to log in every time you visit.

Jump to navigation

Search form

General info.

• Community Enterprise Catalogue

Privacy Policy

The working centre, job search resource centre, for employers.

• Canada Ontario Job Grant

Computer Recycling

• Employer Benefits
• Hiring Incentives
• Meeting Your Hiring Needs
• Posting Jobs
• What is the Working Centre?

For Job Searchers

• Community Events
• Helpful Community Connections
• Job Listing Sites
• Job Searching
• Job Transition
• Living Frugally
• New Canadians
• Sector Specific Info
• Work Choices
• Workers 30 and Under
• Workers over 45

How To Use This Website

Job postings, job search resource centre services.

• Resource Centre
• Community Voicemail
• Reduced Fare Bus Passes
• Work with an Employment Counsellor

St. John's Kitchen

Hours, supports & resources.

• Place-Based Supports
• Mobile Outreach and St. John's Kitchen
• Integrated Circle of Care

The Model of St. John's Kitchen

• Culture of St. John's Kitchen
• In Relation to Mainstream Systems

Creative Responses & the 97 Victoria Campus

Good work news articles, volunteering, location and parking, community tools projects, community access bikeshare.

• Advertising Opportunities

Commons Studio

• About the Commons Studio
• Equipment Rentals
• Good Work Productions
• Jobs and Casting Calls
• Classes and Workshops
• Film Maker News
• Commons Studio Membership

BarterWorks

Grow gardens, community gardening.

• Community Bake Oven
• May Place Community Garden
• Queens Green Community Garden

The Working Centre Market Garden

The green door arts space, recycle cycles.

• Environmental Benefits

Worth a Second Look

• What's in Stock

The Green Door

Maurita's kitchen, queen street commons cafe.

• Unique Gift Shop
• Community Space and Events
• Strategies for Sustainable Livelihoods
• The Local Exchange
• Localism Desk
• Local Marketplaces
• Localism Calendar of Events
• Stories of Localism

Access to Technology

Access to housing, for tenants.

• Housing Listings
• Talking to Landlords
• Financial Supports
• Resources for Moving
• Signing a Lease
• Health and Safety Concerns
• Emergency Shelter
• Legal Supports
• Community Housing

For Landlords

• Resources for Landlords at TWC
• Advertising Your Rental Unit
• Legal Supports for Landlords
• Health and Safety
• Housing Support Programs in our Community
• Renting to Tenants on a Limited Income
• Renovations and Funding Programs
• Small Business Supports for Landlords

Housing at The Working Centre

Waterloo school for community development, fresh ground online.

• Climate Change and Resilience
• Ecologicial Economics
• Local Democracy

Books for Sustainable Living

Diploma in local democracy.

• Application Procedure
• Course Content
• Course Projects
• Collaborative Project

Documenting Working Centre Projects

Summer institute, fermented thoughts, good work news.

• Previous Publications

History of University Classes at the Working Centre

Humanities 101, ideas and influences.

• Influential Thinkers

International Partnerships

• Village Level Biofuel Projects in India and Kenya (CTx GREEN)
• UCRC Partnership in Kenya

Internships

Laurier school in the community.

• Community Engagement Option
• Access to University

Mayors' Dinner

• Past Mayors' Dinner Guests of Honour

Resources for Students

Revitalizing downtown buildings, simple living, transition to common work, tree of life, working centre publications, cover letters.

Cover letters don't get enough respect in the world of job searching.  Many people do not want to include a cover letter, but most employers look to the cover letter as a sign of respect and formality that does the work of piquing the interest of the employer to consider the resume.  Does the job searcher understand the demands of the job?  Have they conveyed their skills in a way that summarizes how and why they want to work in this particular job?

One way to rapidly scan through numerous applications is to exclude anyone who has not bothered to prepare a cover letter. Secondly, if the cover letter is a standard letter that doesn’t address the job in particular, an employer can screen out people who are not willing to go the extra steps to get hired. Employers see this as an expression of your approach to the world and to your future work.

Online Resources