Post on 19-Jan-2017
COMM 202W05: Cover Letters
T35 & T36
No Laptops or Phones please :)Name-cards out.
Tutorial 3
Agenda
1. Cover Letters
2. Hook Activity
3. Action Items
Interest
Communication Skills
Elaborate on
Experiences
The Resume is about
The Cover Letter is about
YOU
THEM
5 Elements of a Cover Letter
FORMATTING & INTEGRATION
BRANDING TO COMPANY
OPENING
SKILLS MATCH
CLOSING
Opening
Opening
Dear ___________,
My name is ________, and I’m applying to _________.
Opening (no bueno)
Dear ___________,
My name is ________, and I’m applying to _________.
Opening - Key Takeaways
o Expresses keen and genuine interest and/or passion for position
o Makes a clear expression of the skills/experience matching the job description
o Genuine and unique primary and secondary researchindicating interest in company (Make sure the research you show is tied to your interests)
o Name drop where applicableo Be unique!
Opening – The Hook
The most important lesson I’ve learned from years of marathon training is that results are directly linked to effort put in. This is an attitude that has led me to Boston-qualifying marathon times, achievement on the UBC rowing crew, winning finishes at triathlons, and placement on the Dean’s Honour Roll. Accounting works much the same; the only path to excellence is through hard work and persistence. This attitude of persistence and teamwork has carried me through my previous challenging work experiences and is one that I have found aligns with PwC’s core values of excellence, teamwork, and leadership. Some of my applicable skills gained from those previous positions include:
Opening – The HookHow fast can you change four tires? One hour? Ten minutes? A few yearsago I witnessed a Formula One team do it in 2.7 seconds. They saida perfect run would be just one second. In everything that I do I strive toreach that one second – that perfect test score, that perfectpresentation, that perfect career. After speaking with Jake Woodson, arecent hire, Dion Chen, and other industry professionals, I know thatmy personality and passion lies in sales and trading. Through myunique athletic background and passion, I will provide competitivenessand drive that will set a benchmark for future interns. I cannot wait to siton a trading floor, execute trades, and engage in research while receivingmentorship from the most world-renowned investment bank. A careerwith Goldman Sachs is my one second and this is how I will helpGoldman reach its own one second ideal:
Show me your Hook!
Co-op Program
Skills Matching
Skills Matching
Skills – from job descriptions & skills matrix
Experience – best, relevant experiences
Edu-action – how you’ll leverage your BCom
Matching qualifications – any other qualifications
If it doesn’t belong, don’t include it!
Skills Matching - Bullets
Skills Matching - Paragraphs
Skills Matching - Takeaways
o Use STARL to your advantage – Action and Link!
o Each line proves you have the necessary skills & aptitudes to
perform on the job
o Always link to the company/position if not obvious
o Use skills that you discovered in your Job Posting Analysis
worksheets
Closing
Closing
“Thank you for looking at my application. I hope that I
have shown you that my interpersonal skills, my
leadership skills, and my ability to perform on a team
make me a perfect fit for ABC position. Thank you
very much and I hope to hear from you soon.”
Closing
“Thank you for looking at my application. I hope that I
have shown you that my interpersonal skills, my
leadership skills, and my ability to perform on a team
make me a perfect fit for ABC position. Thank you
very much and I hope to hear from you soon.”
Tips for a Strong Closing
Make a good final impression!o Show your passiono Restate skills with a different wording; tie to previous
examples/stories (especially if you have a unique hook)o Give genuine thankso Leave a call to action (“I would love the chance to meet with
you and further discuss my interest and fit for…”)
Tips for a Strong Closing
o Address the elephant in the roomo Bad gradeso Relocation o Year of Study
While I understand that my academic record may not be as competitive as other applicants, I firmly believe that the time I dedicated to varsity athletics developed my skills as a dynamic team player beyond that of my peers. As a firm that values inspiring and leading others as the defining characteristics of leadership in business, I sincerely hope that you will view my unique experience and skillset as a valuable asset to your firm. Thank you for your time and consideration of me as a prospective summer associate for PwC Calgary in 2014. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Branding & Integration
Branding – Key Takeaways
o Consistent throughout Cover Letter
o Fits with the company’s values and your own
o Makes a good impression
o Utilizes the Research Assignment
What do you know about us?
Integration – Key Takeaways
o CL & Resume use SAME formatting
o Helps you stand out!
o CL reflects & expands on resume
o Be mindful of spacing
Formatting
Formatting - Address Line
Date
Contact NameTheir TitleCompanyAddressCity, Province Postal Code
Re: Position Title
Dear Mr. / Ms. Their Last Name OR Hiring Manager
[Opening Paragraph]
These spaces are important
If unknown, this can be omitted
AVOID:“To Whom it May
Concern”“Dear Sir or Madam”
Country is typically unnecessary unless applying outside of
Canada
No indented paragraphs in a business letter
Formatting - Address Line
Formatting – Sign off
Sincerely,
Your NameBCom Candidate 20XXSauder School of Business
Attached: Resume
Regards,Best,
Written signature optional (provide
more space if including)
Attached: Resume, Transcript
Use “Enclosed: …” only if sending application by mail
BCom BTM Co-op Candidate 2016
These spaces are important
Formatting – Sign off
Can. Want. Fit.
CAN you do the job?
Do you WANT
the job?
Are you the right FIT?
Action Items
Skills Matrix due February 12th @ TurnItIn
2 Hard copies of Cover Letter Draft due next Tutorial! (also bring the job posting)
Job Posting Research Assignment+ Think Like an Employer + Your Chosen Job Posting due on TurnItIn @ Sunday
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