Ojt infosheet1.2

HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

Revised April 2010

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?A cover letter is a letter sent alongside your resume to

introduce yourself, explain why you are sending in your resume, and provide more information about yourself.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF A COVER LETTER?

Introduce yourself Cover letters should carry a message about you

Get you noticed Project the desired image of you or your business

Convey special information

Highlight accomplishments

Get employers, award judges and scholarship committees to read your resume

STYLISH COVER LETTERS

Block Style

All lines start on the left side of the marginNo indentationsModified Block Style

Uses indentationsEach paragraph is indented, as well as the beginning information and the close

HELPFUL HINTS:Be assertive – the first 20 words are the most importantValue to employer – tell your story in relation to how you can

be of value to the employerUse simple and direct language and grammar Let your letter reflect your individualitySend it to someone by nameGet it right – spell recipient’s name rightBe friendly, not pushyTarget your letter – tell your reasons for sending the letter, for

example, desiring an interview

DON’T FORGET TO…

Use good grammar and correct spelling

Do not use slang Be brief, but cover the subject Stick to the point of the letter Proofread, proofread, proofread! Ask for help if you need it Strive for neatness and personality

YOU SHOULD INCLUDE…Your address and the date the letter was

writtenThe name and address of the person to

whom the letter is being sentA salutation (Dear ____:)The body of the letterA complimentary close and signatureA title of respect, such as Dr., Mr., or Ms. A return address and zip codeCan also include reference initials,

enclosure notifications (such as your resume), copy and postscript

THE BODY OF THE LETTERFirst paragraph – reason for writing

Second paragraph – point out qualifications

Third paragraph – call attention to resume, reiterate interest

Your street addressYour city, state, zip code

Month, Day, Year

Mr./Ms./Dr. NameTitle

Name of company/organizationCompany address

City, State, Zip code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:

Paragraph 1: Answers “Why am I writing?” · Identify the position and the company· Indicate how you learned about the position· Request the employer’s consideration· Introduce basic information about yourself

Paragraph 2: Answers “Who am I, and why should you hire me?”· Contain a brief summary of your personal data and work experience.· Relate your skills, experiences, and qualities that would benefit you in this

position

Paragraph 3: Answers “What is my next step?”· Refer the reader to your enclosed resume· Reiterate your interest in the position· Specify how you will follow up

Sincerely,Your signature

Your nameTelephone numberEmail address

HOW LONG DO YOU THINK AN EMPLOYER LOOKS AT EACH RESUME?

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

The average employer looks at a resume

between 10-15 seconds. This is the time

they decide to either KEEP IT or TOSS IT.

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

DOES YOUR RESUME PASS THE TEST?

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

WHAT IS A RESUME?

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

Advertisement selling a product….YOU!

Specifically your skills, experiences, and attributes.

First meeting between you and the employer

OVERALL IT’S YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT.

Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

TYPES OF RESUMES THE KEY IS BALANCE

Chronological Presents your education

followed by our work experience

Ideal for people with extensive experience and no gaps in work history

Shows a steady job progression

Works well for those obtaining a similar position doing similar work

Includes dates

Functional Highlights relevant skills

and accomplishments Used when you have

a variety of work experience

Includes skills and no dates

Combo/Hybrid A balance between the

functional and chronological resume styles

It highlights your skills, followed by a list of relevant experience and education

Works well for those with little formal experience

The most commonly used resume

SECTIONS OF A RESUME1. Header2. Objective / Personal Profile3. Summary of Qualifications4. Skills and Attributes5. Employment and Volunteer Experience6. Education and/or Certification7. References

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

HEADER OF A RESUMENameAddressTelephone/Cell phone NumberE-mail address

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

Barbara Barista123 Whatever St

Anywhere, B.C. A1A 1A1Home: 604-555-2222 Cell: 778-

888-8888bbarista@anymail.com

Resume Building Worksheet Resume

OBJECTIVE / PERSONAL PROFILE

Introduces you to the employerProvides focus by telling the employer what

you wantStates clearly to employer what you have to

offer

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

OBJECTIVE:CUSTOMER SERVICE POSITION WITH CRAZY BEAN COFFEE COMPANY.

PROFILE:A PERSONABLE INDIVIDUAL WITH STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS, WHO IS COMMITTED TO COMPLETE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SATISFACTION. RECOGNIZED AS FRIENDLY, MOTIVATED AND ALWAYS WELCOMES A CHALLENGE. CAPABLE, TRUSTWORTHY, AND DEPENDABLE.

Resume

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

What makes you the best person for the job?

List the top four or five skills & qualifications here.

Include skills mentioned in the job posting if applicable.

NOC Codes

QUALIFICATIONSProfessional customer service providerProficient in handling cash, taking

payments and making changePassion for fashion and clothing

Resume Pet Shop Resume Power Words

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Hard Skills: can be taught or certified in.

E.g. Typing, handling cash, first aid, SuperHost

Soft Skills: personal attributesE.g. Punctual, energetic, flexible, team-player

Include an accomplishment statement to support your attributes

ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS

Written proof of what you have accomplished (use numbers if applicable)

A success story from your past work experience

Shows how you are unique or what value you can bring

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

HARD ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENT

Uses numbers, percentages and factsE.g. Managed a team of six sales

associatesand increased store sales by 25% for

themonth of December

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

SOFT ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS

Uses words and descriptions

E.g. Implemented new employee training

program that dramatically increasedproductivity and morale.

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

Best“Increased reported customer satisfaction

rate by 20% by providing effective

training for more than 15 new employees in a six month period.”

ACOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS:

Better“Trained more than 15 new employees over a

six month period resulting in increased

customer satisfaction.”

Good

“Trained new employees resulting in

increased customer satisfaction.

OK “Trained new employees.”

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Job titleName of the companyDates of employment (years only)Location of the company (optional)

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCECashier GAP 2003-2006Pizza Driver Pizza Hut 2006-2008

Cashier 2003-2006GAP, Langley, B.C.Pizza Driver 2006-2008Pizza Hut, Langley, B.C.

Resume

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Non-paid work experiencesE.g. Candy Striper at hospital, dog walker for BCSPCA, Big

Brother/Sister, Scouts/Guides

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCECandy Striper L.M.H. 2003-2006Dog Walker SPCA Surrey 2003-present

Candy StriperL.M.H. Langley, B.C.2003-2006Dog WalkerSPCA Surrey, B.C. 2003-present

Resume

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

High School Post-secondary school or trainingCertificates e.g. Forklift operator,

first-aid, Serving It Right, SuperHost, Food Safe, WHIMIS

Professional Development e.g. Workshops with no certification

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Certification or degreeName of institution/programDatesLocation

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

EDUCATION and TRAINING

Grade 12 diplomaSurrey Central High School 2007First Aid Level 1 St Johns Ambulance 2006Youth Connect Conference Youth Works Society

2008

Resume

REFERENCES

Provides employer with background information

Should be on separate sheet of matching paper

3-4 references are enoughGiven upon request – usually at

interviewC O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

TYPES OF REFERENCES

Work – most recent job (supervisor or manager)Academic – professor or teacher who knows if you are capablePersonal/Character – adult who is able to vouch for your good

character and desirable personality traits

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

REFERENCESBob ManagerPizza Hut, Night Manager604-555-1234bman@pizzahut.ca

Rev. Sally MinisterSurrey Central United Church604-333-1122

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

Resume

SELF-CHECK 1.2

C O P Y R I G H T 2 0 0 8 – PA C I F I C C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S

1. Identification: The average time that the employer looks at a resume and decides whether to keep it or toss it. 2. Identify if the type of resume is CHRONOLOGICAL, FUNCTIONAL, or COMBO/HYBRID

• It highlights your skills, followed by a list of relevant experience and education

• Highlights relevant skills and accomplishments • Used when you have a variety of work experience • Works well for those with little formal experience • The most commonly used resume• Presents your education followed by our work experience • Ideal for people with extensive experience and no gaps in work

history • Includes skills and no dates• A balance between the functional and chronological resume

styles• Shows a steady job progression • Works well for those obtaining a similar position doing similar

work • Includes dates