Cover Letter Tips

A good cover letter grabs the attention of the hiring committee in its first line. It shows who you are, what skills you offer and how you communicate. Employers expect applicants to make clear, positive statements about themselves and their employment history in both a cover letter and resume. A cover letter is typically read very carefully so the employer can determine who is best suited for the job. Make sure to do your homework and include something that shows you have researched the facility, the position in which you're applying for and that you have the necessary skill-set to fit in with the professional staff already in place.

Length of Your Letter: Cover letters should not exceed one page. If your cover letter is too long-winded and full of space-filling words and exaggerations, employers will immediately move on to the next candidate. Ensure the information you're trying to portray is concise and pertinent to the position you're applying for. The font of your letter should be simple and consistent with the font used on your resume. 

Necessary Components of Your Letter:

  • Your Contact Info
  • Date of Application
  • Employer Address
  • Address by Name - Dear Mr./Ms. …
  • Include how you found the posting and if someone at the facility recommended you apply
  • Identify possible red flags and address them as positive 
  • Support your qualifications with past experiences
  • Be sure to include how you can be reached (e-mail and direct phone number)
  • Indicate that references and your portfolio are available upon request
  • Signature (either scanned and inserted or use a cursive font)

Employers will usually decide to call you for an interview based on how well you fit the job description. Develop a cover letter that will be a word-based snapshot to help an employer picture you in the job they will need to fill.

  • Take the time to write a new cover letter for each position for which you may apply. Each letter needs to fit that particular position.
  • Be sure to communicate how your personal features (experience, training, awards, skills, abilities, etc) will translate into benefits to the employer.
  • Pick and choose a few personal features to highlight in your cover letter and avoid reiterating your entire resume.
  • Be concise. Many cover letters consist of a lot of flash but little substance. Focus on addressing their priorities by presenting your skills in the clearest, most persuasive way without unnecessary "fluff."
  • Always proofread your letter. Ask a friend or family member to proofread as well.
  • Class 'A' members, consider including the PGA of Canada logo as well as adding a comma and “PGA of Canada” behind your name. Note: Candidates for Membership are not permitted to use the PGA of Canada logo at any time. Please "PGA of Canada Logo Guidelines" here.
  • If you were in the "PGA of BC's Top 100 Golf Professionals", be sure to make reference to that and use the logo which accompanies the title.
  • The header with your contact information can be the same as on your resume. Contact information should include your complete mailing address, email address, direct phone number, website and LinkedIn URL.
  • Always write in business letter format.

Critical Points: There are many ways to impress an employer, just as there are many ways to alarm them.

  • Indicate why you are applying. (For example, justify your application if you are making a lateral move)
  • Address any red flags your employer might be concerned about to show employer that it should positive and not negative. Possible red flags could be:
    • Out of zone applicant
    • Out of work
    • Gaps between jobs
    • Taking an obvious step back in your career
    • Coming from a different background
  • Address employer’s priorities

Be sure to pay attention to the following characteristics and avoid making these simple mistakes that could lead to your cover letter being immediately overlooked.

  • Poor overall appearance
  • Misspelled words, or poor grammar and punctuation
  • Rambling text; lack of focus
  • Bland or boring writing
  • Gross exaggeration
  • Over-aggressiveness
  • False modesty; self-deprecation

Replacing the “I’s”: It is commonly seen in a cover letter for each sentence to begin with the word “I”. Below is an example of this and following is the same verbiage with those “I’s” moved.

“I am a seasoned PGA of Canada Professional with 17 years’ experience in the golf industry. I possess strong leadership and customer service skills. I have proven success in fiscal management, marketing and creating revenue-producing programs. I am a self-starter with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. I am creative, goal-oriented and cost conscious."

“As a seasoned PGA of Canada Professional with 17 years’ experience in the golf industry, I possess strong leadership and customer service skills with proven success in fiscal management, marketing and creating revenue-producing programs. A self-starter with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, I am creative, goal-oriented and cost conscious.