Cover Letter Dos and Don'ts: What You Should Put in Yours

Writing a cover letter that makes an employer take notice isn’t just about listing achievements, it’s about showing understanding, professionalism, and purpose. Knowing the cover letter dos and don'ts helps you build confidence and avoid mistakes that can hold you back from getting interviews. In Canada’s competitive job market, how you write and structure this document reflects your communication skills and attention to detail.

Key Takeaways:

• A cover letter should show how your background directly supports the employer’s goals, not repeat your resume.
• Following proper cover letter dos and don'ts helps you avoid common writing mistakes that reduce your chances of being noticed.
• Using a clear structure, professional tone, and personalized message can make your letter stand out to Canadian employers.

Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter

Before learning how to write a cover letter, you should understand its true purpose. A resume lists your experience; a cover letter connects that experience to what the employer needs. It gives life to your application and shows how your education, training, or projects can contribute to the organization’s goals.

Employers in Canada often value sincerity, clarity, and focus. A good letter demonstrates attention to detail in job applications and reflects your ability to communicate professionally, an ability that many industries regard as just as valuable as technical expertise.

Focusing on the Employer’s Needs

The strongest cover letters focus less on what you want and more on what the company gains by hiring you. Ask yourself: What problems can I solve for this organization? This mindset shows initiative and understanding.

When preparing to write, review the job posting carefully and highlight key skills the employer values. Then, match each one with a concrete example from your work, studies, or volunteer experience. You can also refine this skill through Metro College’s Research Projects Toronto, where students learn to study organizational needs and align their writing accordingly.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make in Cover Letters

Even skilled candidates often lose attention because of preventable errors that make their applications feel generic or unfocused. Employers read hundreds of cover letters, and small missteps can quickly move your file out of consideration. Knowing these cover letter mistakes to avoid helps you stay professional, relevant, and confident.

Summarizing Your Resume Instead of Adding Value

A common mistake is turning the cover letter into a resume recap. Hiring managers already have your work history, they want to understand how those experiences translate into value for their organization. Use your letter to interpret your background, not repeat it. For example, instead of restating your previous job title, explain how that experience taught you problem-solving, leadership, or communication skills that align with the position you’re seeking. This shift shows reflection and a deeper understanding of what the employer needs.

Sending the Same Letter for Every Application

Generic cover letters are easy to spot, and easier to forget. When every paragraph sounds like it could apply to any company, it signals a lack of real interest. Employers value candidates who have taken the time to research their organization and tailor their message. Adjust the tone, examples, and even your opening sentence to reflect the company’s culture and goals. Mention something specific about their recent projects, reputation, or mission to show that you’ve done your homework. This small effort creates a memorable impression and builds credibility.

Ignoring the Job Posting Requirements

One of the most overlooked cover letter dos and don'ts is failing to address each qualification listed in the job ad. When employers outline key requirements, they’re signaling what matters most. Skipping or vaguely addressing these points can suggest that you didn’t read carefully or lack attention to detail. Go line by line through the posting, identify skills mentioned, and ensure each one appears in your cover letter, either through examples or statements of capability. If you don’t have experience in one area, express your ability to learn quickly and provide examples of how you’ve adapted to new skills in the past.

Failing to Show Enthusiasm or Initiative

Many applicants confuse professionalism with formality and end up sounding stiff. A strong professional cover letter balances confidence with genuine energy. Employers want to hire people who will bring curiosity and motivation to their work, not just qualifications. Use active language that conveys excitement about contributing to the team and the organization’s mission. Simple phrases like “I’m eager to bring my project management experience to your growing operations team” demonstrate interest without sounding forced. The right tone makes your letter feel human, authentic, and memorable.

Overlooking Tone, Format, and Readability

Even strong content can fall flat if your letter looks disorganized or reads awkwardly. Keep the proper cover letter format, one page, single-spaced paragraphs, and a consistent font that matches your resume. Avoid long sentences and jargon. White space, headings, and a clean layout make your message easier to scan, especially for employers who spend less than a minute on each application.

Forgetting to Proofread Carefully

Spelling or grammar errors may seem small, but they send the wrong message. They suggest carelessness and a lack of professionalism. Before submitting, proofread your letter multiple times and, if possible, have someone else review it. Metro College’s Employment Service Toronto can connect you with experts who can review your writing and ensure it reflects accuracy and attention to detail, qualities that employers value highly in any job applicant.

Structuring Your Cover Letter Effectively

A clear cover letter structure and tone help employers follow your message without confusion. Every strong letter contains three parts: the introduction, the main section, and the closing invitation. These sections form the proper cover letter format used by successful applicants across Canada.

The Intro: Making a Strong First Impression

Start by mentioning the position you’re applying for and how you found it. Then, explain briefly why it excites you. Avoid clichés like “I’m writing to apply for…” Instead, open with confidence and relevance.

Example:

“I’m excited about the opportunity to apply my client service skills to your growing logistics team, a role that aligns with my background in business operations.”

This shows clarity, positivity, and purpose, qualities found in professional cover letter examples from experienced candidates.

The Body: Showing How You Meet the Employer’s Needs

The middle section, or “meat”, should connect your experience to the company’s needs. Review the job ad and include each key skill it mentions. If you lack one, express your ability to learn quickly and apply new knowledge effectively.

You can strengthen this section by drawing examples from your experience or from programs like Metro College’s Work Experience Program Toronto, which provides real-world skills that employers look for.

The Invitation: Closing With Confidence

Finish by inviting the employer to review your resume and consider you for an interview. Keep it polite but assertive. A line like, “I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your team’s goals,” conveys confidence and interest without pressure.

Making Every Cover Letter Unique

Each position deserves its own message. Reusing the same letter signals disinterest. Instead, rewrite sections to reflect the company’s mission, values, and current projects.

This personalization shows genuine engagement, a key indicator of how to show professionalism in a cover letter. If you’re applying to Canadian employers, research their company culture through recent news or LinkedIn updates to align your tone appropriately.

Using the Right Language and Tone

Your wording shapes how employers perceive your professionalism. Keep your sentences short and focused. Use clear verbs like achieved, led, managed, and improved. Avoid slang or overly casual expressions.

Canadian hiring managers expect a polite, confident tone that balances humility and assurance. When following cover letter standards in Canada, aim for clarity over creativity, your message should sound polished yet human.

Reviewing and Editing Before Sending

Professionalism extends beyond good writing, it includes accuracy and presentation. Before sending your application:

• Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
• Ensure the layout follows Canadian cover letter format standards, single spacing, one page, and clear margins.
• Review consistency between your cover letter and resume.

Metro College’s Employment Service Toronto helps students learn editing and document preparation skills that employers value highly.

Cover Letter Dos and Don'ts for Canadian Employers

Every job seeker should know the most effective cover letter dos and cover letter donts before applying. These guide you toward professionalism and away from habits that frustrate recruiters.

Cover Letter Dos

• Tailor each letter to the company and job.
• Address it to a specific person when possible.
• Use a clear, organized structure with professional formatting.
• Show measurable results in your examples.
• Express enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s success.

Cover Letter Don’ts

• Don’t repeat your entire resume.
• Don’t use generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Don’t write more than one page.
• Don’t exaggerate achievements.
• Don’t forget to proofread before sending.

These tips align with cover letter examples for Canadian employers and reflect the cover letter tips for Canadian jobs that hiring managers expect to see.

What Employers Look For When Reading a Cover Letter

Recruiters scan cover letters quickly, usually within seconds. They look for alignment, clarity, and tone. Strong applicants demonstrate they’ve read the posting carefully and understand what matters most to the company.

To show this, mention one or two specific details about the company or its recent initiatives. This proves attention to detail and genuine interest in contributing.

Comparing Strong vs. Weak Cover Letters

Sometimes the best learning comes from contrast. Below are quick examples that show the difference between average writing and professional quality.

Weak Example:

“I’m applying for your marketing position because I think I’d be a good fit.”

Stronger Example:

“Your focus on digital engagement matches my experience leading student-led campaigns that improved social media reach by 35%.”

This comparison demonstrates writing a professional cover letter and how a small change in phrasing can convey credibility.

Learning From Professional Support

If writing doesn’t come naturally, seek guidance. Metro College offers coaching programs designed to help you practice communication, structure, and editing. These services, like Job Search Assistance Toronto, can help you gain confidence and clarity when preparing your next job application.

Building Confidence: Applying the Right Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts

Understanding the cover letter dos and don'ts gives you a strong advantage in today’s competitive hiring environment. Your letter should show who you are, what you can contribute, and how your values align with the company’s goals. Following the right structure and maintaining professionalism helps you stand out among other candidates.

For students and professionals working toward Canadian careers, Metro College’s Work Experience Program Torontoand Employment Service Toronto can help you gain experience, develop communication confidence, and master the skills needed for future success.