3 - Your Cover Letter

Classroom Component Resource BinderFor Cooperative Education: Pre-placement

Assignment #3 – Your Cover LetterSubmit a copy of your cover letter to your teacher.

Cover Letter: Your First Opportunity to Introduce Yourself

A cover letter is used to accompany your resume when you send your resume to your potential employer. It is used to introduce you and your credentials to your employer.

The following pages include sample cover letter layouts to correspond with the resumes included in the previous Pre-Placement section. When typing your cover letter:

Use the parts indicated on letter sample 1 Size 12 font Double space between parts of the letter Use “Full block” style which means do not indent paragraphs Include “2 Point Punctuation” which means type a colon (:) after the salutation (e.g. Dear Mrs.

Jones:) and a comma (,) after the complimentary closing (e.g. Yours truly,)

When writing your cover letter, include the following sections:

Paragraph 1 - Introduction and purpose for writing Middle Section – Summary of Achievements written as a bulleted list or as a paragraph. Include

personal characteristics and particular abilities or interests. Link experiences or interests to the needs of the placement.

Final Paragraph - Interview requested and how to be reached. Thank you to the reader. Stress how skills will benefit company.

Waterloo Catholic District School Board 2012 J.4.


SAMPLE #1Jessica Alba

22 Sunview Place, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3X5 519-744-2368 [email protected]

Co-op Position at Sunshine Daycare

September 7, 2013

Mrs. Janice DeanDaycare SupervisorSunshine Daycare65 King Street, South Waterloo, OntarioN2K 6B4

Dear Mrs. Dean:

My love of working with children and my experience babysitting and volunteering at various summer camps, has led me to apply for a Co-op position with Sunshine Daycare. I am currently a grade 11 student at St. David Catholic Secondary School hoping to combine my love of sports with caring for children. I am an avid athlete and am taking my Specialist High Skills Major in Sports.

These are some of the highlights of my experiences:

I have a Babysitting Certificate, WHMIS training through my part-time job at McDonald’s and First Aid, CPR training and a Customer Service Certificate acquired through the Specialist High Skills Major program at school.

Since I was 12, I have regularly babysat children from infancy to 6 years of age. Parents often trusted me to look after their children for full days during the summer months.

For the past two summers I have volunteered for several weeks at the University of Waterloo Experience Day Camp, where I helped organize activities for the campers.

I have included a copy of my resume which provides more details about my skills and qualifications. You can reach me at home: 519-744-2368 or on my cell phone any time after 3 p.m. at 519-496-8945 to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,Signature

Jessica AlbaEnclosure


1. Header(Personal Information)

2. Objective

4. Inside Address(Contact Name,Contact TitleCompany NameAddress (street, city, province, P.C.)

6. Body

7. Summary of Achievements

8. Complimentary Closing followed by a comma (,)

9. Typed Name

3. Date

5. Salutation followed by colon (:)

11.Enclosure (indicating attached resume)

10.Signature (leave 4-5 lines)

mailto:[email protected]


SAMPLE #2Steve Student

123 Rose Street, Cambridge, ON, N2N [email protected] (519) 555-1123

September 7, 2013

Ms. PlatskiKitchen ManagerFun Sports Park100 King StreetKitchener ON N2N 2N2

Dear Ms. Platski:

I am currently a co-op student at St. Benedict’s Secondary School and am applying for a placement with your organization. I believe I am an excellent candidate for the position of Kitchen Assistant and would be a great member of your team.

I’ve been spending Saturdays volunteering with the “Out of the Cold” program in the kitchen preparing meals. With the skills and knowledge that I have gained, I am confident that I meet your qualifications for a kitchen assistant.

The kitchen in which I currently volunteer is equipped with commercial-standard appliances. It is also strictly run when it comes to safety. Here are a few highlights:

As part of my Specialist High Skills Major program, I have certifications i First Aid Training, Smart Service and Safe Food Handling.

I have taken the grade 11 and 12 Hospitality courses with a combined average of 86%. My training also extends to the use of kitchen appliances. I have some knowledge

of the using a commercial mixer and stove, as well as the deep fryer and hot plates.

I am well-regarded by the adults who volunteer. One gentleman, who is retired and volunteers regularly, remarked that he was pleasantly surprised by my hard work and willingness to take on any task. My current supervisor who runs the program calls me her “star student.”

My resume contains other aspects of my background that might address other questions. If you find my qualifications suitable, I welcome your call to an interview. In the meantime, thank you for considering my application.

Yours truly,

Steve StudentEncl: resume

SAMPLE #3



Christina Sachs790 Albertville Street

Waterloo, Ontario N2L [email protected] (519) 886-7375

September 7, 20--

Mrs. Donna SamsOffice ManagerWaterloo Animal Hospital124 Hope Street Waterloo, OntarioN3K 8B6

Dear Mrs. Sams:

My experiences looking after a variety of pets has helped me realize I would enjoy a career working with animals. I hope to obtain a Co-op placement at your animal hospital to learn more about the role of a veterinarian.

These are some of the highlights of my experiences and skills:

I am focusing my studies on the sciences and health field through my Specialist High Skills Major in Health and Wellness.

I have always enjoyed Math and Science and excel at both. As part of my SHSM, I have obtained certifications in CPR Training, Customer Service,

Standard First Aid and WHMIS. As a result of working with animals at the Humane Society and a vet clinic, I have received

health and safety training on how to deal with various animals.

Since I have been a child, I have walked neighbours’ dogs and cared for their pets.

Enclosed is a copy of my resume which outlines more details about my skills and qualifications. I am looking forward to meeting you at our scheduled interview time. Thank you for looking over my application. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Christina SachsEnclosure




SAMPLE #4

Alex Smith80 Longfellow Drive [email protected], Ontario N2L 4B7 519-747-5221

Objective: To obtain an Electrical Co-op Position leading to an Apprenticeship

September 7, 20--

Mr. Drew NortonOwner, Lightning Electric Ltd.12 River RoadKitchener, OntarioN2B 5X5

Dear Mr. Norton:

Since I can remember, I have had an interest in becoming an electrician. Over the years I have helped my father install lighting fixtures, wire outlets, and most recently, I assisted my uncle when he rewired his cottage. I am a grade 12 student at St. David Catholic Secondary School seeking a Co-op position as an electrician’s assistant with Lightning Electric Ltd.

Some of the highlights of my experiences include the following:

I have acquired Fall Arrest, WHMIS training and recently have just received my G2 license.

My previous Co-op placement was with Spark Electric Ltd., where I also worked during March Break and this past summer. I have gained some knowledge and work experience with this company and I look forward to learning even more.

I have gained knowledge about the tools and equipment that electricians use. Some of the tasks I have done are: run and pull low and high voltage wire, run PVC and EMT piping, lay out and hang receptacle boxes and junction boxes, tie in boxes, and wire and hang lights.

My resume provides more details about my skills and experiences. If you believe I would be a good candidate, you can reach me at home: 519-746-5821 to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Alex SmithEnclosure




Before You Begin Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter will be sent with your resume as an introduction. These two documents should use a similar layout so that together they look like a professional package. When you typed your resume, you created a “header” or “title”. This header should be copied to your cover letter.

The easiest way to do this is to begin with a copy of your resume file.

To Create a COPY of your RESUME File:

1. Open your resume file.2. Select “File- Save As” and then rename the file, “Cover Letter”.3. Delete all of the information following your contact information.



Cover Letter Assignment

Assignment: Write a cover letter addressed to your potential employer. Refer to the cover letter samples. Use the Cover Letter checklist to ensure the Layout, Content and Word Usage follows the suggested guidelines.

Requirements:

1. Follow the suggested layout including appropriate spacing, fonts and overall appearance.

2. Remember to highlight your strengths. Be sure to refer to points included in your resume.

3. Be clear, concise ad truthful about everything you are writing about.

4. Emphasize your experience and goals while being positive about your accomplishments.

5. When you think you are almost done, double check:

Proofread the entire letter to see if you’ve left anything out. Include contact information (address, email, phone number). Have you spellchecked your work? Have you followed the sample format and included 11 parts in your letter? Once you print, be sure to sign your letter.

6. Proofread and make any necessary revisions. Then have a peer editor proofread your letter, making additional corrections. Make any necessary changes, and print your letter.

7. Submit your cover letter for marking.



Cover Letter Checklist: Self and Peer Evaluation

Name: Peer Editor:

INSTRUCTIONS: Check off each item after you have ensured that your cover letter meets that standard. Ask another student to review your cover letter and check off the items.

SelfPeer

Editor Items to Check

All parts of Cover Letter include:Header/Return Address

Date Inside Address Salutation Body (3 to 4 paragraphs) Summary of Achievements Complimentary closing Signature Typed name Enclosure

Correct layout rules followed: size 12 font appropriate business style font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman) double spacing between parts of the business letter

Correct format for typed letter (Full block – no indentation, 2-point punctuation – a colon after salutation e.g. Dear Mrs. Jones: and a comma after the complimentary closing e.g. Yours truly,)

Paragraph 1 - Introduction and purpose for writing

Middle Section – Summary of Achievements written as a bulleted list or as a paragraph. Include personal characteristics and particular abilities or interests. Link experiences or interests to the needs of the placement.

Specialist High Skills Major – stated Major working towards and included reference to certifications obtained.

Final Paragraph – Interview requested and how to be reached. Thank you to the reader. Stress how skills will benefit company.



Emails in the workplaceMost job postings are listed electronically and you are often required to send your Cover Letter and Resume as a .PDF file (Portable Document Format) via email or post directly online.

Saving files as a .PDFTo save your file as a .PDF:

a) select “File, Save As” b) Under File name, type your last name and a keyword to

identify the file contents (e.g. Smith_resume_Sept12)c) change the file type to PDF (*.pdf)

1. Writing an Email in the WorkplaceSending email in the workplace is quite different than sending email messages to your personal friends.

a) Open your email account.b) When possible, send your email to a contact person. If you don’t know the name of the contact

person, address your email to Dear Hiring Manager.c) Type a message using the following guidelines: Your email account name should be professional – no

nicknames (e.g. [email protected]). Fill in the Subject line . Specify the position you are

applying for. Write in full sentences and paragraphs. Spell check and proofread. Include your name and contact information. Attach all correspondence before emailing.

2. Sending an AttachmentTo attach your file to your email, click Attach File in your email dialogue box. Then browse through your files and click on the name of the file (e.g. Smith_resume.pdf).

To attach another file, click Choose more files.

3. After completing the above, send your Cover Letter and Resume with an appropriate message to your teacher.



Follow-Up and Thank You Letters

Writing a thank you note after an employment interview can be the key to getting a job offer. A follow-up letter is sent to an interviewer expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to meet with him/her and adding anything new that might reinforce your application for the position.

Use Follow-up/Thank You Letters:

to express your appreciation for being able to meet with an employer.

to show your appreciation for being given helpful job search information

to show your continued interest in pursuing employment with a particular company.

as an opportunity to stand out from many other job seekers with the employer.

Remember:

make good notes immediately after a job interview, so that you can refer to them in your letter.

when writing your follow-up letter, remember to express your continued interest in the position for which you are applying.

include any relevant additional information about yourself that was not mentioned in the interview.

make sure to check your spelling and grammar. Ask someone to proofread your letter before mailing it.

in order to make a good impression, you should always have your letters hand delivered or mailed not later than two (2) days after the interview or meeting.

Letters can either be mailed or sent electronically. If you were interviewed by several people, send individual message to each person.

Remember to ask for a business card at the conclusion of each interview - that way you'll have the contact information for you thank you letters.


Jane Smith

35 Weber Street WestKitchener, OntarioN2H 3Z1

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Thank You Letter Format

Your Name Your Personal Information: HeaderYour Address (Copy this information from your Cover Your City, Province Letter and follow the same format.)Your Phone Number Your Email Address

Date

Name Contact Information: Inside AddressTitle (Copy this information from your CoverCompany Name Letter and follow the same format.)Street AddressCity, ProvincePostal Code

Dear (Mr., Ms., etc.):

Thank you for considering me for a Co-op position as an Office Assistant with your company. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with you and have a brief tour of your company.

The high level of creative energy among your staff, as well as their personal pride in the company's products, was obvious and very gratifying to see. With my strong computer skills, outgoing personality and excellent teamwork skills, I feel I would be a real addition to your team. I am always eager to learn new skills, and catch on quickly.

Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me. For my co-op placement I would be very pleased to work as an Office Assistant within your company. As soon as you have reached a decision, I would appreciate hearing from you. I would be happy to meet with you again, if necessary. I can be reached at home in the evenings after 5:00 p.m. at 519-745-5555.

Sincerely,

Your signature

Your typed name

Thank you letter formatting should follow that of a cover letter Word process using the same quality of paper and font as your cover letter Thank you letters, notes or cards can be hand-written For “panel interviews”, personalize for each interviewer Hand deliver or mail as soon as possible!



Evaluation

Edit Cover Letter, Print and Submit to Teacher for Evaluation Email practice message to your teacher (optional)

Summative Cover Letter RubricName: Date Rec’vd:

Criteria LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 4Knowledge/UnderstandingContains: appropriate personal

information 3 or 4 paragraphs to:

introduce and generate interest in candidate

highlight key points from resume

requests interview

Limited required information included

Some required information included

Most required information included

All required information included

Thinking / Inquiry: Links key skills, experience

and education to position desired

Makes limited connections

Makes some connections

Makes considerable connections

Makes thorough connections

Communication: Edited for spelling and

grammar

Effective use of language creates polite and professional tone

Uses language with limited accuracy

Uses language with limited effectiveness to create appropriate tone

Uses language with some accuracy

Uses language with some effectiveness to create appropriate tone

Uses language with considerable accuracy

Uses language with considerable effectiveness to create appropriate tone

Uses language with a high degree of accuracy

Uses language highly effectively to create appropriate tone

Application:Layout and design: formal, readable font on resume paper uses similar format and

spacing as sample letters

Creates a layout and design that is limited in its effectiveness

Creates a layout and design that is somewhat effective

Creates a layout and design that is considerably effective

Creates a layout and design that is highly effective

K/U: T/I: C: A:

Teacher Comments and Next Steps:


3 - Your Cover Letter

Documents

Transcript of 3 - Your Cover Letter