Grad Transitions
Career and Life Transitions ~ Cover Letters
Purpose
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It is your first introduction to your potential employer and provides an opportunity for you
to sell yourself in addition to your resume – the cover letter precedes your resume and
mentions that it is attached. THIS NEEDS TO BE A PERFECT DOCUMENT!
Proof read, proof read, proof read.
To present your skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to the specific job
that you are applying
To clearly identify to the potential employer which position it is that you are applying forthey often have numerous positions.
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Hints to help “YOU” get the job position you want.
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Find out the name of the person hiring. Do some extra foot work and call the company if
you can’t find the information elsewhere.
SPELL THEIR NAME CORRECTLY!!!!
Phone back company to check spelling – never assume spelling
Address to the person hiring – not Dear Sir/Madam:
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Format
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Write your name and complete address at the top of the letter
Write the date
Write the name of the contact person, their position and the full business address
Opening salutation “Dear Mr. Elton John: “
Paragraph 1 – Address the following: Information about the company, the position
you are applying for, how you heard about it
Paragraph 2 – Sell yourself! What are your skills, qualities, and experiences that are
relative for the position. What can YOU do for the company – how would it benefit
them to hire you.
Paragraph 3 – mention the enclosed resume. Indicate you would like an interview and
include how and when you can be reached.
Closing salutation - “Yours Sincerely,”
Space to sign your name - Type out your name
Write Enclosure at the bottom left corner
See exemplar on the next page.
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Grad Transitions
Career and Life Transitions ~ Cover Letter Template
Your Address
City, Province Postal Code
Email address
Phone Number
(2 return spaces)
Month, Day, Year
(2 return spaces)
Manager or Contact Name
His or Her Position/Job Title
Company Name
Company Address
City, Province Postal Code
(2 return spaces)
Dear (Contact Name):
(1 return space)
Paragraph 1: Tell the person why you are writing. Explain how you heard about the job, whether you
heard from a friend, an advertisement, or otherwise. This is especially important if you’ve been referred
by a mutual acquaintance as it shows you have a connection to the company.
(1 return space)
Paragraph 2: Provide an overview of your skills and experience. This is where you pick the most
relevant elements from your résumé and highlight them – sort of like a sneak preview. Pick the top
three characteristics that make you stand out as a candidate, and support your statements with
concrete examples. Your résumé will fill in the details.
(1 return space)
Paragraph 3: Describe why you want the job. Explain your attraction to the job, the firm or even the
industry. Let them know you know something about their firm. Focus on why the job would be a good
match for you and how your combine skills, experience and interests would make you a perfect
candidate.
(1 return space)
Paragraph 4: Conclude your letter by restating your interest in the position. Mention your enclosed
résumé and confirm your contact details, in particular your phone number. State you’ll be in contact
within a particular time frame or indicate your willingness to meet for an interview.
(2 return spaces)
Yours truly,
(4 return spaces & sign your name in this space)
Type Your Name
(2 return spaces)
Encl.
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Grad Transitions
Career and Life Transitions ~ Resume
Your resume should be ONE PAGE ONLY. It also must be a PERFECT document. It is
known as a “living document”. Make sure you keep it in an easily accessible place so you can
update it and build on it.
What is the purpose of a resume?
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To summarize your skills and qualifications in relation to the position you are applying
for
To convince a prospective employer to interview you for a job opening
To pre-screen large numbers of candidates applying for positions
You should always accompany a resume with a cover letter
Tips on making a resume
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Your resume easy to read and keep it short!
Your name, address, and contact information should be centred and at the top of the
page. Email addresses should be professional—preferably your name. Create a special
account just for job applications.
Make sure it is PERFECT! No spelling, grammar or punctuation errors!
Have a number of people proof read your resume before submitting it.
Employers will spend less than 3 minutes reviewing your resume…errors stand
out…not in a good way!
Use a higher quality paper – no bright colours- keep it professional!
Target your resume: customize your resume to address the needs of each job
NEVER use “References Available Upon Request” – don’t create more work for your
potential employer
Make sure your referees can give you a GOOD REFERENCE - let them know when you
apply for positions and that you used their name
Create different format styles for your resume
Be able to access your resume in printed and electronic form to email resumes and/or provide
a paper version. See template on next page.
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Grad Transitions
Career and Life Transitions ~ Resume Template
Name (Bold 16 font)
Address
City, BC Postal Code
Telephone number
e-mail address (as long as the e-mail address is business-like)
Employment Objective: (Titles in bold – do not underline)
To gain experience in the field of ____________________ which will enable me to utilize and further
develop my skills. My career goal is to become a ____________.
Education:
North Surrey Secondary
Currently enrolled in Grade 11, Co-op Program, (etc.)
Honour Roll student (if currently on Honour Roll)
P.E. Leadership, Peer Tutoring, (etc.)
Attributes and Skills:
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Honest and reliable
Enjoy working with the public
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Computer skills include: MS Word, Excel, Desktop Publishing
Physically fit to do demanding work
Certificates and Awards
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St. John Ambulance First Aid Certificate
Driver’s License
Student Council 2006
Most Valuable Player Surrey Baseball Association 2005
Work Experience: (Start with most recent and work backwards)
April 2006 May 2006
Surrey RCMP
Work Experience Placement
Assisted the general public, prepared paperwork, answered the telephone and
assisted with filing reports.
Feb 2006 March 2006
Sport Chek
Work Experience Placement Priced new items, shipping and receiving, stocked
shelves.
Hobbies and Interests:
Playing Baseball and Hockey
Member of the Crescent Beach Boating Club
Drawing and painting
Page 13
Grad Transitions
References:
Mr. Athletic Director North Surrey Secondary
Teacher
604-595-8890
Mrs. Boss Sport Chek
Sales Manager
604-555-5551
Mr. Red Light-Goalie
Hockey Coach
604-555-5552
NOTE: TRY TO CHOOSE THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF REFERENCES.
REFERENCES CAN BE LISTED ON A SEPARATE PAGE IN ORDER TO
ACCOMMODATE CHANGES. THAT WAY, WHEN YOU ADD OR DELETE PEOPLE
FROM YOUR REFERENCE LIST, YOU DON’T HAVE TO RE-DO THE LAST PAGE OF YOUR
RÉSUMÉ.
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