Canadian Cover Letter Format 2026: Complete Guide
Learn the exact Canadian cover letter format for 2026. 1 page, formal but modern, customized per job. Free Canadian cover letter templates included.
Canadian Cover Letter Rules
- 1 page only - Keep it concise and focused
- Formal but not old-fashioned - Professional tone, modern language
- Customized per job - Never send a generic cover letter
- No exaggeration - Be honest and authentic
- Match resume header - Use same contact information
Canadian Cover Letter Structure
1. Header
Use the same header as your resume. Include your name, city/province, phone, email, and LinkedIn (optional).
John Smith
Toronto, ON | +1 647 XXX XXXX | john.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Date: Align the date to the left, below your header. Format: "January 12, 2026"
2. Employer Details (If Known)
If you know the hiring manager's name, include it. Otherwise, use the company name.
Hiring Manager Name
Company Name
City, Province
3. Greeting
✅ Preferred:
"Dear Hiring Manager,"
❌ Avoid:
"To whom it may concern" (too formal/outdated)
4. Opening Paragraph
State the job title you're applying for, where you found the job posting, and why you're interested in the position.
"I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Backend Engineer position at ABC Tech, which I discovered on LinkedIn. With 6+ years of experience building scalable backend systems, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team."
5. Middle Paragraph(s)
Match your experience to the job requirements. Provide concrete examples and highlight skills relevant to the Canadian market.
"In my current role at XYZ Company, I designed and maintained microservices serving over 1 million users, directly aligning with your requirement for scalable system architecture. My experience with AWS and Docker, combined with my track record of reducing API latency by 30%, positions me well to contribute to your cloud infrastructure initiatives."
6. Closing Paragraph
Express enthusiasm, mention your availability, and include a call to action.
"I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my technical expertise and collaborative approach to ABC Tech. I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to discussing how my experience aligns with your team's goals."
7. Signature
Sincerely,
John Smith
Canadian Cover Letter Formatting Tips
- Length: Keep it to 1 page (3-4 paragraphs maximum)
- Font: Use the same font as your resume (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, 10-12pt)
- Spacing: Single-spaced with double spacing between paragraphs
- Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
- Alignment: Left-align all text
- File Format: PDF (same as resume)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a Canadian cover letter be?
Canadian cover letters should be exactly 1 page. Aim for 3-4 paragraphs that are concise and focused on matching your experience to the job requirements.
Do I need to customize my cover letter for each job?
Yes. Every cover letter should be customized to the specific job posting. Generic cover letters are easily spotted by recruiters and reduce your chances of getting an interview.
Should I mention salary expectations in my cover letter?
No. Salary discussions should happen during the interview process, not in your cover letter or resume.
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