Canada Cover Letter Writing Guide
Most Canadian employers accept computer applications.
Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. The job search in Canada requires more than just the obvious Canada cover letter and Canada resume writing and translation to English or French.
You will be forced to solve issues that probably did not even cross your mind when you decided to go for Canadian jobs. Do not undervalue the huge impact the Canada cover letter can have on the effect of your adventure! For instance, you will experience the different immigration rules and practices, job application procedures, selection trends and the management culture.
Often Canadian cover letter is more important or convincing to employers than the accompanying resume because it refers mainly to the past time with exception of your present job. Concentrate on your present and future plans, showing your prospective employers what you want to do now and what you will do for them in the future, rather than on your past achievements because recruiters and employers are interested in the future of companies and organizations they represent.
Your Canada cover letter must be in one of the official languages: French or English, depending on the company and its location. In general, the language of the covering letter should be the same as the language of the job posting.
A Canadian cover letter is an integral part of your job application. It is common to send one page typed cover letter with your resume.
In Canada, the job application procedure is more commercial than in most other Western countries. As a result, both the cover letter and the resume (Canadians use résumés instead of CV) should contain power words and action verbs that show accomplishment and action.
On one page typed cover letter, include your name, address, telephone number with international access code and e-mail address.
Always try to address your job cover letter to an individual. It is considered impersonal to address your cover letter to “Dear Sir / Madam”. So, take the time to research each employer’s organization, personalize each job cover letter with a real person’s name and customize your Canada cover letter to fit the position.
The Canada cover letter should be typed in a short and professional style using power words and action verbs. Usually, it contains three or four paragraphs. Be concise and get to the point as quickly as possible. Break any paragraph, which is longer than seven lines, into a short easily understandable one.
Try to grab the employer’s interest in the first paragraph of your letter. Explain in professional style your motivation and why you are the right person for the job. Usually, the last paragraph states again your telephone number with a request for an interview.
Most employers expect a resume to be accompanied by a cover letter.
In recent years it becomes increasingly popular to join the LinkedIn or Facebook social networking websites for professionals, where you may search for jobs and have your keyword-optimized, rich content profile with a current resume. Hiring managers use them more frequently to consult your profile and supplement or check against the resume you send along. If you do not have an account, create one and include your social media link(s) on your resume.
However, you should manage your online presence. Eliminate any photos and statements that could reflect poorly on you. From an employer’s point of view, someone who emphasizes partying on a social networking site is not focused on jobs and those who post complaints about work or colleagues are less desirable candidates. Online resume should not include sensitive information as it could show a lack of respect for confidentiality and discretion.
Check the spelling and grammar of your Canada cover letter. Use the word processor’s spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and language usage errors in the English or French language or if you need help in organizing your cover letter, send it to a professional for assistance.
Remember that your resume must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. If you have difficulty with your resume writing instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, use resume samples and resume templates.
Most recruiters expect to receive a cover letter together with your resume.
So, prepare a cover letter convincing the reader why you are the best candidate for the interview using cover letter writing tips.
Other Canada Cover Letter Info
We hope that your Canada job search has been successful and you have a Canada visa with a Canada work permit too. So, if your Canada cover letter and Canada resume are ready, you may distribute them to your future employers and start preparing for a Canada job interview.
Do not forget to take a look at the Canada dress code because how you dress is one of the most important attributes in being hired.
Check the job interview tips dos and don’ts, and find out why people are not hired for available jobs.
Also, take a quick look at job interview tips and other job search skills pages.
In addition, on the international info, job search, cover letter, visa & work permit, job interview and dress code pages you will find many useful tips for overseas job seekers.
Good luck with your Canada cover letter!
