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02/1 Build your toolkit

PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Page 1: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

02/1

Build your toolkit

Page 2: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

02/2

Build your toolkit

Module 02: Build your toolkit Writing a winning cover letter

Page 3: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

structure

top ten tips

You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever you respond to job postings. Cover letters should not be general but specific to each position you apply for. In your cover letter you want to convey that you are: • the right person for the job, • qualified and confident about

your skills and experience, and • excited about the opportunity.

First impressions count! The cover letter is key to

the application process and your opportunity

to make a good impression on

potential employers.

Page 4: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

Heading: • Your header style

should match that of your résumé

• Insert the current date followed by 2 blank lines

• Employer’s contact information including name, title, company, address

Structure Example:

312 – 2555 Commercial Drive Vancouver BC V5N 4C1

P: 604.123.4567 E: [email protected]

January 15th, 2017 ABC Corporation Attention: Ms. Theresa Jones Suite 200, 987 West Georgia St. Vancouver BC V6Y 3T2

John Smith

Page 5: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

Salutation: • Use the standard

formal salutation “Dear [title. name]:”

• Include a personal title and name

• If unsure about the person’s identity, leave the title off

Structure

• If you don’t have

the name of a contact person, either leave off the salutation or use a general salutation

Dear Ms. Theresa Jones Dear Mr. Brown Dear Jamie Smith (no gender) Dear Professor Watkins General Salutations Dear Hiring Manager Dear Human Resources Manager Dear Sir or Madam

Examples:

Page 6: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

Opening: • State your purpose,

how you learned about the job, why you’re applying and your suitability

• Be sure to include the title of the job, and the competition or reference number if applicable

Structure

Example:

Re: Administrative Assistant - Competition #1234567 Regarding the position currently posted on www.employmentworks.ca attached please find a copy of my resume for your consideration. As my résumé indicates, I have over five years of professional experience in an administrative capacity. I have worked for two different organizations in positions that required demonstrated flexibility, focus and diplomacy.

Page 7: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

Body: • The most important

part of your letter • Explain why you are

interested in the position, and qualified based on your skills and work experience

Structure • Emphasize the

knowledge, skills and experience that make you a strong candidate

• Use bullet points to draw the reader’s eye to your accomplishments

• Demonstrate your

knowledge of the company and how you can contribute to its success

SEE ALSO REFERENCE • Sample Cover

Letters • Sample Cover

Letter Content

Page 8: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

Body: • State your purpose,

how you learned about the job, why you’re applying and your suitability

Structure

Example:

ABC Corporation has an excellent reputation and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to delivery of administrative services to your clients. My key skills and experience include:

• Exceptional Organization and Customer Service Skills • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Advanced Publisher Skills

(Both MAC and PC Computer Savvy) • Professional Demeanor • Detail Orientated, Accurate, Flexible and Reliable • Team Player with the Ability to Work Effectively in any Environment • Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills

Page 9: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

Closing: • Restate your interest

in the company and position

• Ask for an interview, or if you’re sending an unsolicited résumé specify how and when you will follow-up

Structure • Make it easy for the

employer to contact you by providing your phone number and email address

• As appropriate, Mention your availability and willingness to relocate

• Always thank the

reader for their time and consideration

SEE ALSO WORKSHEET • Cover Letter

Worksheet

Page 10: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

Professional Closings: • Sincerely • Best regards • Respectfully • Thank you

Structure

Example:

Please see my résumé for additional information on my experience. I can be reached anytime via email at [email protected] or my cell phone, 604.123.4567 Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity. Sincerely, John Smith

Inappropriate Closings: • Best wishes • Warm regards • Have a great day • Take care

Page 11: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

1. Customize your cover letter for each position you are applying for. 2. Keep it concise. Try to keep your cover letter as short as possible—

ideally three paragraphs and no more than one page. 3. Address your letter to a specific person’s attention, or a position

(e.g. Hiring Manager, Recruitment Specialist) . 4. Avoid sounding too formal. 5. Use keywords and action words, but try not to repeat those used in

your résumé. 6. Focus on your skills and accomplishments, and

avoid starting every sentence with “I”.

Top Ten Tips

Page 12: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

7. Proofread your letter. Make sure your letter contains no spelling mistakes or errors in grammar.

8. Repeat Tip 7. Even one misspelled word could put you in the “do not consider” pile.

9. Make it presentable. Make sure the format of your cover letter matches your résumé, looks clean and organized. Use the same type of paper, header and fonts.

10. Follow the employer’s instructions specific to attachments and document format.

Top Ten Tips

Page 13: PowerPoint Presentation · PDF file · 2018-01-28top ten tips . You should always send a cover letter along with your résumé whenever ... Make it presentable. ... PowerPoint Presentation

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Build your toolkit

Resources: • Sample Cover Letters • Sample Cover Letter Content Worksheets: • Cover Letter Worksheet Please proceed to Module 03: Market Yourself

Additional resources and worksheets