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Canadian cover letter basics for newcomers

A cover letter is a short introduction that sits on top of your resume. Here is a simple way to write one, based on Job Bank and WorkBC.

Not career, legal or immigration advice. This is general information. Date checked: October 23, 2026. Read the sources at the bottom.

What a cover letter is for

Job Bank calls a cover letter your introduction to a potential employer. It says the letter should be concise, well written and tailored to the company and the job. It should give the employer an idea of who you are and the skills you offer.

Do you need one?

Job Bank says a cover letter is not always required. WorkBC says to check the posting. If the posting asks for one, send one.

Do your homework first

Job Bank says to research the job and the company before you write. Know what the job asks for. Then show how you meet it.

A three-paragraph outline

WorkBC gives this simple outline:

  1. Say who you are and why you are interested in the position.
  2. Explain how you meet the experience or education the job needs.
  3. Close by saying how your mix of education, experience and skills fits the role.

Job Bank says to open with a short introduction that shows your enthusiasm or interest. Then show your top skills that match the job description, with one or two specific examples. It says to end by repeating your interest or thanking the reader.

Length

WorkBC says to keep it to one page at most.

Write to a person

WorkBC says to look at the posting or the company site for the hiring manager's name. Use it instead of “To whom it may concern”.

Use examples, not a repeat of your resume

Job Bank says to give one or two specific examples. WorkBC says to share concrete examples and not repeat your resume.

Match the posting

  • Use keywords from the posting, says WorkBC.
  • Use the active voice and avoid wordiness, says WorkBC.
  • Match your tone to the company's culture, as Job Bank suggests.
  • Write a new letter for each job. Job Bank says you may need a different one each time.
  • Proofread. Job Bank lists this as a final step.

Before you send

  • Does it name the job and the company?
  • Does it fit on one page?
  • Does it use words from the posting where they are true for you?
  • Does it add something your resume does not say?
  • Have you read it aloud once to catch awkward lines? This tip is ours, not from the sources.

Job Bank says to tailor both your cover letter and your resume to each job. A letter that fits one posting may not fit the next.

A fill-in outline

Here is our own plain template. Replace the brackets.

Dear [name],

I am applying for the [job title] role at [company]. I am interested because [one honest reason].

The posting asks for [skill]. In my work as [role] at [employer], I [what you did and the result, with a number if you have one]. I also [second example].

Thank you for your time. I would be glad to talk about how I can help your team.

[Your name, phone, email]

A note for newcomers

Describe work you did abroad the same way as any other job: your role, what you did, and what came of it. Use the same words the posting uses where they are true for you. Pair this with our guide on formatting a Canadian resume.

Sources

Date checked: October 23, 2026. Not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules change, so check the official pages before you act.

Want this in a ready-to-use tool? The kit has templates and plain-language guidance for building a resume and cover letter. See the Canadian Resume and Cover Letter Kit for Newcomers (CA$19) or buy it now.

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