The cover letter is a key piece of information that is used to screen candidates in Government of Canada job competitions. Providing a cover letter increases your opportunity to present yourself if a positive manner and to display your writing abilities.

Various format exist for cover letters online.  Below, I will present a short well structured example that may be used when applying for jobs in the Canadian Public Service. I suggest that you reuse the vocabulary provided in the Statement of Merit Criteria in your cover letter. In addition to making direct connections between the “requirements and  your skills, you will increase your ability of being screened in further assessment as many of the key words will be placed within your cover letter.

Dear hiring manager (If you know the name enter it here):

Opening:

I am writing to apply for the Communication (CM-05) position in the Policy Priorities and Analysis Division, Department of Health (competition number DOH000-000000-000000.

ELIGIBILITY (Education, employment status, security clearance, linguistic profile, organizational needs, operational requirements / conditions of employment)

I obtained my Bachelor of Economics from ABC University in 2005 and possess a Masters in Communication from Carleton University in 2007.

I have a Level I reliability security clearance, obtained from a Non Governmental Organization that I worked with whom consulted for the Government of Canada. I meet the official languages proficiency for the position and am fluent in English and French.

I am a member of the Employment Equity category of Persons with Disabilities and am willing to work overtime and occasionally travel. I am also willing to relocate to the National Capital Region.

Good luck!

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