Cover letter in Canada: how to do it?

Wanting towrite a cover letter for Canada and finding yourself with a blank page. Wouldn't that be the worst feeling? It might be.

If this is your case, don't panic!

We've decided to provide you with a sample cover letter so that you can get inspired to apply for jobs in Canada!

Want to write your cover letter for a developer job in Canada?

Don't start before consulting our sample letter, you'll save time!

You can click on the button just below to download your free Quebec cover letter template 👇

Download our sample cover letter for Canada

Si tu cherches un modèle de lettre de motivation pour ta recherche de job au Canada, tu es au bon endroit ! Le modèle ci-dessus est téléchargeable autant de fois que tu le voudras.

How to write a cover letter for a job in Canada?

Want to know how to write a cover letter for a job application in Canada?

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First of all, you should know that the cover letter is not subject to any predefined form. It is therefore a document that can be written as you wish, but you must put forward the right information. 

• If you write one, the cover letter must include certain provisions:
• Your identity and address on the left side of the letter; 
• On the right, at the top of the letter, the company's identity; 
• The date you wrote the e-mail and the city you are in; 
• Subject line: [Apply for position XXX]; Use appropriate words to have correct language in cover letter from beginning to end; 
• Your signature.

Astuce : Une lettre de motivation standard est formatée avec un texte sur le recto d’une feuille A4 dans une police classique 12 (Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, etc.).

How to write a cover letter for a spontaneous application?

The cover letter for an unsolicited application is sometimes easier to write, because the simple fact of applying to a company that has no job offers shows how motivated you are.

However, be sure to explain more about why you are targeting this particular company and what specifically attracts you to it (values, mission, etc.).

To write the most effective cover letter possible, we recommend that you :

• Demonstrate how your professional background and experiences naturally make you a valuable candidate for this company
• Emphasize the personality elements that will make you the ideal future employee for this company
• Highlight the academic (and professional) skills you have developed during your career: France-Canada equivalence of diplomas
• Anything that would set you apart from other candidates: your language skills, your involvement in associations and activism, etc.

To sum up, a good cover letter for an unsolicited application will be based on these different elements, in a fluid and harmonious writing style, with lively and not too long paragraphs.

What are the polite forms for a cover letter in Quebec?

Quand on rédige une lettre de motivation au Québec, les formules de politesse jouent un rôle clé. Bien qu’elles puissent sembler parfois formelles ou dépassées, elles reflètent le respect et la considération envers votre interlocuteur. Que ce soit pour un emploi ou une formation, respecter ces conventions est essentiel pour donner une bonne première impression.

Comment commencer ta lettre de motivation ?

Si tu ne connais pas le destinataire précis :

• « Madame, Monsieur » est une formule classique, claire et respectueuse.

Si tu connais le destinataire, personnalise :

• « Cher Monsieur [Nom] » ou « Chère Madame [Nom] » selon le genre.
  💡 Astuce québécoise : Si le prénom du destinataire est ambigu (par exemple, Dominique ou Claude), reste neutre avec « Bonjour [Nom] », un choix plus inclusif et courant au Québec.

Les formules de politesse pour conclure ta lettre de motivation

Terminer ta lettre de motivation par une formule de politesse est incontournable. Voici quelques suggestions adaptées au Québec :

1. « Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées. »
2. « Je vous prie d’accepter, [Madame/Monsieur], l’expression de mes sincères salutations. »
3. « Avec mes meilleures salutations. »
4. « Veuillez recevoir, [Madame/Monsieur], mes sentiments les meilleurs. »

💡 À éviter : Des formules trop désuètes ou excessivement formelles comme « Veuillez agréer l’assurance de ma haute considération », qui ne correspondent pas au style plus direct québécois.

Pourquoi ces formules sont-elles importantes ?

Elles montrent :

• Du professionnalisme : Une attention aux détails qui fait bonne impression.
• Du respect culturel : Surtout dans un contexte où les conventions françaises peuvent parfois sembler plus rigides qu’au Québec.

Is the cover letter mandatory?

No, it is not mandatory to include a cover letter with your application.

However, some employers formally require it. In this case, if you do not include a cover letter with your application, it is likely that HR will not even consider you for the position you are applying for.

In general, if you want to get a job, put all the chances on your side and join your application : 

• An updated, impeccable CV, both in content and form, that highlights your key skills; 
• A convincing cover letter, without spelling mistakes; 
• It would be a great asset if you could get a letter of recommendation from a former employer to support your application.

In any case, the cover letter is an excellent way (if you really personalize it according to the position you are applying for) to highlight your profile and show your motivation! 

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