Do you need a cover letter for an hourly job?

A cover letter is a short letter that introduces you to an employer. It goes with your resume.

Here is the good news. For many store, restaurant, and warehouse jobs, you don't need one. Job Bank, the Government of Canada's job site, says a cover letter "is not always required" (Job Bank). Many online applications for hourly jobs don't even have a place to upload one.

But sometimes a short letter helps you stand out. This guide shows you when to write one and how to keep it simple.

When you need a cover letter

Write one when:

The job posting asks for one. For example: "Please send your resume and a short cover letter."
The online form has a required cover letter field.
You apply by email. Your email message works as a short cover letter. See the tips below.
You apply to a small local business. An owner who reads every application may notice a friendly, personal note.
You want to explain something. Maybe you are new to Canada, you just finished school, or you can only work certain days because of classes.

WorkBC says not all jobs need a cover letter, so always check the job posting first. When you are not sure, WorkBC suggests including one (WorkBC).

When you can skip it

Chat or text applications. If a chat assistant asks you questions, there is nowhere to put a letter. That's fine.
Quick forms with no upload field. Just answer the questions well.
Optional fields. A short letter can help, but don't spend hours on it. Write one good letter, then change a few lines for each job.

Our guide on how to apply for jobs online explains the different application systems.

What to put in a short cover letter

Keep it short. WorkBC suggests no more than one page (WorkBC). For an hourly job, three short paragraphs are plenty.

Job Bank says a cover letter should be "concise, well written and tailored" to the company and the job (Job Bank). Here is a simple way to do that.

1. Opening. Say which job you want, which location, and where you saw it. Add one sentence about why you want to work there.

2. Middle. You don't have work experience yet, so show what you do have. Job Bank suggests one or two specific examples that show you can do the job (Job Bank). Good sources of examples:

Volunteering, like a food bank or community event
School: group projects, clubs, sports teams, or good attendance
Responsibilities at home, like caring for younger siblings
Informal work, like babysitting, tutoring, or helping at a family business

Then mention your availability. For hourly jobs, it matters a lot.

3. Closing. Thank them. Say you would like to meet. Give your phone number and email.

Tips that make a big difference

Use the employer's words, where they are true. If the posting says "friendly" and "weekend availability," and those describe you, use those words.
Use "Dear Hiring Manager" if you don't know the manager's name.
Don't copy your whole resume. Pick one or two things and explain them.
Don't apologize for having no experience. Focus on what you can do and what you are ready to learn.
Leave out private details. Don't include your Social Insurance Number (SIN), a photo, your age, or your marital status.
Proofread. Read it out loud. Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to check it.
Change it for each job. At least update the job title, store location, and company name. Job Bank says you may need a different cover letter for each job (Job Bank).
Save it as a PDF with your name in the file name, like "Your-Name-Cover-Letter.pdf".

A short example

Here is an example for a Grade 12 student applying to a grocery store. Replace every part with your own information.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am applying for the part-time Grocery Clerk position at your (street name) store, which I saw on your careers website. I shop at this store with my family, and I have always noticed how helpful the staff are.

I don't have paid work experience yet, but I have volunteered at a food bank every Saturday for the past year. I sort donations, stock shelves, and help families carry their groceries. I have learned to work quickly, keep shelves organized, and stay friendly when it gets busy.

I can work weekday evenings after 4 p.m. and any time on weekends. I am eager to learn and happy to follow your store's procedures.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to meet with you. You can reach me at (phone number) or (email address).

Sincerely,

(Your name)

Notice what this letter does. It is short. It names the job and the store. It gives one real example that matches the work: stocking shelves and helping people. It answers the manager's big question, "When can you work?"

If you apply by email

When a posting says "email your resume," your email is your cover letter.

Subject line: Name the job and yourself. For example: "Application: Part-time Grocery Clerk, (location), (Your Name)".
Message: Use the same three short paragraphs as the example above.
Attachment: Attach your resume as one PDF. Don't attach many files.
Check the address before you press send.

Next steps

Make your resume match: Writing your first resume with no work experience
Get ready to talk about yourself: Your first job interview
After you send it: How to follow up after a job application or interview
Find jobs to apply for in Metro Vancouver and the Greater Toronto Area