Ojt infosheet1.2
Transcript of 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?
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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?
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WHAT IS A RESUME?
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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
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HEADER OF A RESUMENameAddressTelephone/Cell phone NumberE-mail address
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Barbara Barista123 Whatever St
Anywhere, B.C. A1A 1A1Home: 604-555-2222 Cell: 778-
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
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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
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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
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SOFT ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS
Uses words and descriptions
E.g. Implemented new employee training
program that dramatically increasedproductivity and morale.
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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
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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
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REFERENCESBob ManagerPizza Hut, Night [email protected]
Rev. Sally MinisterSurrey Central United Church604-333-1122
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Resume
SELF-CHECK 1.2
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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