Canadian Career and Culture: Cover Letter Guide – And They Why Still Matter

In this week’s issue

• Cover Letter Guide – And They Why Still Matter

• Strategies for a Strong Job Interview Presence

• Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Some of the Best All-Inclusive Experiences Across Canada

• Things to Do Around You

  
  

Career Corner

Cover Letter Guide – And They Why Still Matter

Whether you love cover letters or hate them, studies show they can make the difference between getting the job or just being another CV in the pile.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Joel Schwartzberg argued that cover letters still matter because they let you express why you want the job and highlight why you’re a good fit for the role.

So how do you write one that works? Here are 5 quick tips from Schwartzberg:

Start strong
Ditch the generic intro. Try:
“The Senior Medical Copywriter role aligns with my healthcare writing experience, my ability to communicate scientific information clearly, and my passion for public wellness in a very inspiring way. I’m excited to tell you why.”

Highlight a few key skills
Focus on what’s most relevant. For example:
“I feel very matched to the needs of the HR Lead role given my experience managing a six-member HR team and my work planning and launching our Learning and Development program.”

Mention a connection
Show you’ve done your homework:
“I bought my first DigiCorp laptop in 2021, and it transformed the way I work and communicate. I’m so excited by the prospect of running technical help desk operations for the next generation of DigiCorp products.”

Add supporting relevant details
Include examples like published work, special skills, or unique experiences that align with the job. A few specific examples can make a strong impact.

Address gaps or pivots
If there are gaps in your employment or a significant career shift, briefly explain them in your cover letter. Own your story and provide context that helps recruiters see your potential.

End with excitement
Conclude with enthusiasm about how you can contribute to the company’s mission. Express genuine interest in the role to leave a lasting, positive impression.

Learn the Lingo

Strategies for a Strong Job Interview Presence

What’s the secret to a great interview?

According to LinkedIn content creator Shulin Lee, it’s not about reciting memorized answers — it’s about presence and making a real connection. In her guide, she shares a few practical communication strategies that help you engage your interviewer and leave a strong impression:

Master the power pause
Take a short pause before answering a question — especially a big one. It shows you're thoughtful, helps you avoid filler words, and adds weight to your words.
✅ Instead of jumping into your answer, take a breath and say, “That’s a great question”. 

Strategic name drop
Use the interviewer’s name naturally throughout the conversation. It helps build rapport and keeps the tone warm and personal.
✅ “That’s a really insightful point, Sarah — thank you for bringing it up.”

Mirror their language
Pick up on key phrases or values the interviewer emphasizes, and reference things they said earlier to show you’re actively listening.
✅ “You mentioned earlier that adaptability is important in this role — that really resonated with me because in my last position…”

Connect the dots
Don’t assume the interviewer sees how your experience fits — make the link for them.
✅ “My background in customer support taught me how to communicate clearly with cross-functional teams — a skill I know is important for this project coordinator role.”

FIND YOUR PATH TO CANADA TODAY

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Newcomer-Friendly Job Listings

• Early Childhood Educator (ECE), North Vancouver, BC

• Construction Carpenter, Edmonton, AB

• Marketing Specialist, Burlington, ON

• Radiological Technologist, Halifax, NS

• Executive Director, Hospital, Mississauga, ON

• Pediatrician, Brockville, ON

• Human Resources Manager, Edmonton, AB

• Medical Sonographer, Halifax, NS

• General Construction Supervisor, Calgary, AB

• Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT), Peterborough, ON

Canadian Culture Highlight

Some of the Best All-Inclusive Experiences Across Canada

Now that you’ve arrived in your new home, we imagine you’re eager to start exploring.

If you’re looking to relax while soaking in Canada’s beauty, you don’t need to go far. Narcity recently highlighted 8 all-inclusive resorts across the country where everything — from your meals to your activities — is taken care of. Perfect for a stress-free escape as you settle in!

Here are a few of our favourites:

🏔️ Club Med Charlevoix, Quebec – Starting at $275/night, this resort near Quebec City offers meals, activities, and mountain scenery all year round, from skiing to summer kayaking.
📍 Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, QC

🌲 Arowhon Pines, Ontario – Starting at $364/day, this cozy Algonquin Park retreat includes meals in a lakeside log dining room, plus access to canoes, hiking trails, and more.
📍 Algonquin Park, ON

🧖 Hope-Wellness Eco-Resort, New Brunswick – From $95/day, this adults-only retreat near Hopewell Rocks offers private cabins, a Nordic spa, and even friendly resident cats.
📍 Edgetts Landing, NB

🐴 Echo Valley Ranch, B.C. – From $449/night, enjoy rustic cabins, horseback riding, yoga, and guided nature walks in a stunning mountain setting.
📍 Clinton, BC

🏕️ Mount Engadine Lodge, Alberta – Starting at $525/night, enjoy glamping, cozy yurts, and all-inclusive gourmet meals in a backcountry lodge near Canmore. Pet-friendly, too!
📍 Canmore, AB

Things to Do Around You

In Toronto, Enchanted Lights at Mel Lastman Square transforms the space into a whimsical spring wonderland with glowing displays, interactive art, and magical sounds. Enjoy free all-day access, with the option to purchase a wand to activate lights and sounds. March 29–April 13, 2025.

In Toronto, T.O. Food & Drink Fest takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with three days of chef demos, cocktail workshops, wine tastings, food trucks, and live music. Sample over 150 food and drink brands in one flavour-packed weekend. April 11–13, 2025.

In Winnipeg, the Viva Winnipeg Festival brings Latin American music, dance, and food to the West End Cultural Centre for one vibrant, family-friendly night. Enjoy live performances, authentic tacos, and salsa rhythms in this joyful celebration of Latinidad. April 12, 2025.

In Ottawa, the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show celebrates Canadian music with a lively cast of characters like a singing Mountie, Anne of Green Gables, and more. Enjoy over 70 hits from artists like Celine Dion and Justin Bieber in this family-friendly musical. March 12–December 26, 2025.

In Langley, just 1 hour from Vancouver, the Vive les voyageurs French-Canadian Festival brings the fur trade era to life with Métis storytelling, music, beading demos, and maple taffy at Fort Langley National Historic Site. Celebrate culture and history through food, crafts, and family fun. April 12–13, 2025.

Celebrate spring at the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival from March 26 to April 28, 2025. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of hanami, this citywide event features free and ticketed activities like pop-up picnics, twilight light displays, and the Sakura Days Japan Fair. Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and community spirit across Vancouver.