Effective cover letters and résumés

For most people seeking professional employment,   a cover letter and résumé is the first formal presentation of themselves that is made.    It can make or break a career path.    You are marketing yourself and this is one of the marketing tools you employ.

Some key principles in preparing cover letters and résumés are:

• there should be absolutely no spelling mistakes
• there should be no glaring grammar mistakes
• the right words should be used -- clear and powerful language makes the best impression; remember you are marketing yourself and trying to persuade an employer to hire you
• it must be concise -- there should not be any unnecessary words or information
• the presentation should be crisp and uncluttered -- it should be both easy and enticing to read
• it should help you stand out from the crowd
• it must be honest (be very careful about embellishment)
• it should be written for a specific reader -- your potential employer
• it should demonstrate a fit between you and the job/company you want to work in

Some useful websites are:

Sample cover letters (from University of Wharton MBA School)

Writing Effective Cover Letters and Resumes (U of Laurier -- contains a video and great resources)

Efffective Cover Letters and Resumes (a useful handout)

Government of Canada Tips on Writing a Resume


Remember that these two documents are what help you get your foot in the door,  a.k.a. get an interview.

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