PD Workshop #3 Cover Letters

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "PD Workshop #3 Cover Letters"

Rudolph Thompson
6 years ago
Views:

1 PD Workshop #3 Cover Letters Once again sit beside someone you do not know; introduce yourself

2 Updates Attendance sheet make sure you sign it or we might think you weren t here Did you create your alias? Update your resume/upload it? Any issues? Booking 15 minute appointments (resume and cover letter) If you have an appointment booked high five! If you haven t booked an appointment yet why not? Do we need to add more times or different times for your schedules?

3 Resumes If you have a summer job lined up Write a resume for next year No summer job yet? Write a resume to use now Updates Optimal Resume It is a tool for today and going forward Using Optimal Resume as a resource for resume examples It s not mandatory to use/write your resume in Optimal Bullet points should be used as examples don t copy/paste

4 Updates LinkedIn Profile Any issues? Questions? If an employer looked at it today, would they be impressed? Would they be motivated to connect with you? To invite you for an interview? Always review the request to connect with you sales/scams? Seen some profiles with no picture, pictures with your gf/bf (?), with your friends keep in mind that it s your brand/reputation Make sure your photo is high quality Continuously update your profile it s always a work in progress Search out specific company contacts you are interested in Attempt to introduce yourself and ask to connect with them it s a form of e-networking

5 Social Media LinkedIn Join two groups Edwards Career Services Edwards School of Business A group that is related to your major Facebook Like Edwards Career Services Twitter

6 So far have met with a few students Updates Reminder! Appointments are for 15 minutes please book separate time to discuss employer strategies, etc. We won t hound you to update resume/cover letter Expectation is you will consider feedback, make changes, implement what you learn, etc. You re adults! This is for your benefit students with strong resumes and cover letters will have a competitive advantage over those who do not Week 2 Homework Statistics 107 business card orders for those who didn t take advantage of the free order why?? 105 RSVP d for today s session Added Gareth to LinkedIn? ~90 students have done so

7 Exercise! Your task: Introduce yourself to someone you don t know sitting near you Find out: a) their name (First and Last) AND b) what was their dream job as a child? Introduce your new friend to the rest of your table and share their dream job. Any unique or funny dream jobs that you d like to share?

8 Cover Letters.

9 What s the purpose? A chance for you to personalize your approach An introduction a chance for you to express yourself to showcase your writing skills and personality Will the employer read it? Maybe. Probably. They may read through your resume first. Some Co-op jobs won t require it If they ask for one, write it! Purpose/Importance

10 One page not 1.5, not 2 ONE! No generics! General One student last year wrote generic cover letters got little employer response until they started to target/personalize them Don t write To whom it may concern Mr./Ms. Try to find out the name of the interviewer/hiring manager) Left justify (business letter format) Do not restate your resume but rather draw attention to relevant skills in your experience

11 Convey enthusiasm for the role and show you ve done research Discuss why you re the right fit (values/skills/experience) Be concise! Keep sentences and paragraphs to a reasonable length (3-4 sentences max). Never start off a paragraph with I Try: With my experience in customer service and sales, As an experienced project manager, etc. Triple chek for gramar and speling proofread!!! Employer called us last year about student who claimed excellent writing skills they then forgot to finish a sentence altogether did they get the job? General

12 Format Introduction/Opening Not the place to re-iterate the position applied to, but it is the place to make the wow impact draw the reader in. Why are you interested in the position/company and what do you bring to the role? Highlight the key skills you have to offer which transfer to the role 1-2 Body or Content Paragraph(s) --Elaborate on your intro Focus on what you can bring to the table, not the experience or opportunities they will give you You re the solution to their problem Elaborate on your background with examples that are attractive to them Closing Paragraph Indicate your desire to meet for an interview, express your appreciation for their time and leave your contact information.

13 The job opportunity might be: An advertised job posting At a company we approached about Co-op A lead you generated on your own (or a referral / connection) Identifying Skill Sets You will need to: Indicate you possess certain skills or qualifications the employer is seeking Understand what they re looking for easy when advertised Research the company, the role, the department, look in news for additional info, etc.

14 No two jobs are the same Identifying Skill Sets Relevance to Position Highlight relevant skills applicable to that employer not previous one Order of qualifications usually indicates priority (advertised job) Some will be technical skills, others general/soft skills You can use S-A-R to help describe your skill set Identify 3-4 most relevant skills to the job description Then describe your skills and context in which you demonstrated them, quantifying if possible

15 Staff Accountant Posting: 166(59) Department: Infrastructure Services Department Branch: Administration Branch Duties 1. Provides statistical and financial information to management and provides assistance in the interpretation of relevant information for operational decision making. 2. Performs audits of park maintenance to determine and optimize tasks and routines. Assists with the establishment of baseline timeframes for use with the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). 3. Provides and maintains the database for on-site audits of the physical condition of parks and the development of qualitative and quantitative maintenance standards. 4. Ensures data is collected, retained and entered into the correct application and provides comparative analysis of financial information for budget control. 5. Trains staff in the operation of related software and associated duties. 6. Conducts research and provides reports and recommendations regarding the development of schedules, routines and methods for more efficient parks maintenance and operations. 7. Assists with the preparation of capital and operating budgets, provides analysis of actual results in comparison to budget and provides annual comparative cost information as required. 8. Maintains and enhances the park inventory system and other related infrastructure. 9. Develops cost analysis spreadsheets for future capital projects. 10. Supports and promotes a safe and positive workplace culture through a variety of initiatives and activities. 11. Supports and promotes the health and safety of employees in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Acts & Regulations in addition to the City of Saskatoon s Administrative Occupational Health & Safety Policies and departmental procedures. 12. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications * Degree in commerce, business administration, or related field. * Three years experience in collecting, analyzing and reporting on statistical, financial and accounting information in an operational environment. * Possession of a valid Class 5 Saskatchewan Driver s Licence. * Current driver s abstract demonstrating a safe driving record. * Considerable knowledge of cost accounting and budgeting procedures. * Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of statistical analysis and operations research. * Ability to analyze business and technical requirements, processes and data, identify gaps and provide creative solutions. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. * Ability to work with minimal supervision. * Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the preparation and presentation of complex reports. * Demonstrated skill in the use of a computer using the Microsoft Office suite.

16 Your Name City, Province Telephone Number Address LinkedIn URL Month, Day, Year Mr./Ms./Dr. First Name Last Name Title Name of Organization Street or P. O. Box Address City, Postal Code RE: JOB TITLE / COMPETITION NUMBER Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name: Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and key/relevant information about yourself as it relates to the role. 2 nd & 3 rd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer s needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you.) This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a position. 4 th paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as telephone the employer within 10 days. If you will be in the employer s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration. Sincerely, (Your handwritten signature if submitting hard copy) Your name typed Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, transcripts, etc.)

17 Peter Peterson Saskatoon SK , telephone number One space March 11, 2017 One space Mr. Freddy Kreuger Human Resources Consultant Claws R Us 13 th floor, st Street S.W. Saskatoon, SK S4N 5L6 One space RE: Financial Analyst role One space Dear Mr. Kreuger: If you don t have a personalized letterhead, put personal details on the left One space between, on either side Make sure date is correct, and make sure it is BEFORE the apply by date Triple check spelling of name, title, and address Use a RE heading for position/competition (bold it) Use a colon. Left justify your whole document!

18 Practice Activity Edit the following paragraph to improve the impact of the message Be creative (3-5 min) At present, I am a student at the Edwards School of Business, beginning my third year, where I am working toward a BCOMM with a major in Management. I have successfully completed several management courses including a communications class and marketing class. I am anxious to obtain some solid work experience within a challenging work environment. Moreover, I am confident that my strong time management and organizational skills through the EBSS will compliment my ability to work both independently and within a team.

19 How About As a third year Management student, I am looking forward to applying the knowledge gained through my leadership rolls both inside and outside the classroom to Claws R Us. As the Corporate Relations Director with the Edwards Business Student Society, I demonstrated organizational and time management skills by securing $5000 in corporate sponsorship. Leading a class group project, I rallied all members to contribute both independently and collectively, resulting in a grade of 84%.

20 What do you think? First Paragraph of a Cover Letter Syncrude Canada is one of Alberta s leading Oil Companies. Syncrude believes in securing Canada s energy future by having vision to lead, the knowledge to success and the commitment to do better I believe that with my effective communication skills, strong leadership skills and my educational background in business, I can make a significant contribution in helping Syncrude reach their goals.

21 What do you think? First Paragraph of a Cover Letter Please consider me as your co-op student starting January As a third year student majoring in accounting, I am looking forward to integrating what I have learned in the class with the real life work situation. Besides, Co-op experience in your organization will also help me find out which area, taxes, business advisory, or consulting. I am most interested in and would like to take for my future career.

22 What do you think? First Paragraph of a Cover Letter I am applying for the Technical Analyst (Student) Position with Peace Country Health Region. As a third year Management student at the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan and experienced worker, I would excel beyond other candidates.

23 What do you think? First Paragraph of a Cover Letter With regard to your company s job advertisement, as a third year marketing student, kindly consider me as a candidate for co-op student position. Being one of the students accepted into the Co-op Education Program at the Edwards School of Business I disclose my eligibility for the above mentioned position. Attached is my resume for your consideration.

24 What do you think? First Paragraph of a Cover Letter Peace Country Health and the sterling reputation it holds throughout Alberta have set the standard for health regions in Western Canada. I believe that my current educational skills and my compatible work experience will be beneficial to Peace Country Health and its Integrated Planning & Analysis Division.

25 Review Learn to identify and prioritize skill sets on job postings Check spelling and grammar have friend/family to proofread Understand S-A-R when explaining your experience Begin the process of preparing a databank of paragraphs that speak to specific skill sets Learn quickly how to write concisely and with impact Go to Optimal Resume Cover Letter Examples (optional)

26 Can I find a work placement on my own? You bet, but it must be approved! Finding a placement on your own Co-op is about applying academic concepts to a discipline-specific employment opportunity Most work experience can be adapted to fit the academic and program requirements necessary to be a part of the ECEP A part-time/summer job can be adapted to an 8 month experience (some students did their placement with the same company as previous summer) A past work experience An advertised posting (not on Co-op site) Interest developed through mutual contacts (you and us)

27 Expectations 3 workshops in Keeping in Touch Onus is on you to RSVP for events/workshops, book your appointments, etc. We will start to look at your employer interests along with our interests and market the program this summer That is why it is a team effort, a partnership for us to know what you want your input is critical

28 Enhancing Your Resume If you have not already, make your first appointment to go over your resume Continue to update your resume Today s resume will be different than September What can you do NOW to set yourself apart for the FALL? Participate in a networking event? (ie. NSBA luncheon, CFA dinner, etc.) Volunteer with an organization? Get a different summer job to diversify your experience? Join a professional association applicable to your major? (CFA, SAHRP, NSBA, SCMA, Chamber of Commerce, SPMA, etc.) Remain engaged with Edwards Career Services!

29 Homework #1 Write one cover letter to a position relevant to your major (choose a real job) Look for a posting on Careerlink, Saskjobs, Indeed, etc. If you find a job that is asking for more qualifications than you actually have, then modify it to meet the needs of the assignment E.g. Requires a B.Comm with 3-5 years of experience Change to 3 rd year X major. Experience is an asset On CareerLink, upload cover letter and call it: Cover Letter Draft

30 Homework #2 Log onto Careerlink ECEP Workshop 3 Cover Letters Assignment - Begin on Mar 24 / Complete by Apr 29 Answer all questions and save Book a 15 minute meeting to review the cover letter, ( Book by Wednesday 11:59 pm March 29 th but you have until April 30 th When you come to your appointment, bring a hard copy of the letter and the example job posting.

31 March 31 st HR Professional Q & A May, June, July and August stay in touch Sept 7 th Networking Workshop Sept 8 th Welcome back Workshop Networking Event - Open House What s Next?

32 Next Workshop: Questions? Friday, March 31 th 2017 Moeller Resource Room 8:00am - 9:20am (All Co-op Students) 9:30am 10:15am (Accounting students; anyone taking 321/323 in summer) Topic: Recruitment/Hiring Feedback Employer Q&A Importance of 321/323, Accounting Fall Recruitment, etc.

ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY Career and Professional Development Center. EMPLOYMENT LETTERS- Tip Sheet TYPES AND PURPOSE

ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY Career and Professional Development Center EMPLOYMENT LETTERS- Tip Sheet www.rmu.edu/cpdc careers@rmu.edu TYPES AND PURPOSE Employment letters are important communication tools