Cover Letter Workshop

Welcome to the Workshop!

 Let’s chat about you…

Use the chat box or raise hand to share …

• When you last wrote a cover letter
• A challenge or a question you have about cover letters
 Learning Outcomes

• State what employers / recruiters look for in a cover letter

• Describe effective cover letter layout and formatting tips

• Describe what to include in each paragraph in a cover letter

 Question…

Do Cover Letters Matter?

 Cover Letters Matter
• Add value to your application by presenting a cohesive package

• Give context to your resume

• Convey your personality and fit for the role

• Showcase your written communication skills

 Cover Letter Design

✓ Professional Format
• Header (same as your resume)
• Date, your recipient’s name and address
• Left aligned 3-4 paragraphs
• Signature
✓ Concise – 1 page
✓ Consistent font and size
✓ No spelling or grammar errors
Cover Letter Sample Format
 Your Salutation

• Avoid using ‘Dear ____ or Sir or Madam, To Whom it May Concern’

• Do your research and address your cover letter to a specific
person
o Via company website, LinkedIn, contacting company, search for
person in charge of the department
• Default – “Dear Hiring Manager”
 The Opening Paragraph

Are these eye-catching?

• I’m writing to apply for the position
of ____with ___company
• In response to your advertisement
on Career Track, …
• Please find my enclosed resume…
 Attention Grabbers

• Connection you have with the

company
✓ People connection
✓ Value or Interest connection

• Your relevant experience

• Your qualifications, attributes, fit
for the role
 Connection
1. Do you have a network connection?
2. How do you relate to the organization?
Example:
▪ I recently spoke to John Smith, a recruiter from your company, during BCITSA’s Tech Industry
Days in January 2020. After my conversation with John, I am excited to apply for the [job
title].

▪ I learned from [my contact] that [company name] believes that to remain a leading service
provider, employees behind cloud-based networks must be dedicated to continuous learning.
I was very excited to see the Network Analyst position advertised and for the chance to join a
company whose values speak so closely to my own.
 Experience

▪ Tell a story about an experience that taught you how special/unique

they are:
o Have you been a customer of theirs?
o Have you volunteered with them?
Example:
After my experience working as a marketing intern with [company name],
I discovered that I would love to work for an organization that provides a
fun and festive winter experience for locals and visitors to Vancouver.
 Relevant Qualifications

• Indicate how your qualifications can help their company

Example:
As a recent graduate of the Medical Office Assistant Certificate program at
BCIT with over 2 years of experience as an administrator, I am excited to
apply for this opportunity. Your organization’s focus on providing practical
support in an empathetic and respectful way truly matches my attitudes
towards medical service.
Questions?
 Middle (Body) Paragraphs

• 1 - 2 paragraphs, bullets, or a table

• One or two stories or examples that prove how

or why you meet the key requirements of target position

• These stories or examples could provide context for some of accomplishment

or particular work experience on your resume, telling the whole story

• Fill the gaps in your resume- Offer context or explanations for anything that
might be confusing about your application
 How to Write Your Body Paragraphs

• Review your job posting again and pick top 2-3 of the most important skills
needed for the job

• Describe one or two stories, or examples, that demonstrate how or why you
have these skills via your previous work experience, your school project
experience, volunteer, or extracurricular involvement

• Organize your paragraph(s) based on themes or sources

• Use S.T.A.R. approach to describe your stories or examples

 Your Story/Example Format

S: During [time period], I worked as [job title] for [company]

– Discuss specific responsibilities you had in the role, closest to
responsibilities you’d have for this role
T: As a [job role], I was responsible for [Task 1, 2, 3]
A: Discuss your strategies and challenges (giving more context
about your accomplishment)
R: Positive outcomes or recognitions
 Example

Previous employers have been impressed with the precision and problem-solving
style that I applied to challenging situations. S & T: With one company, in
particular, I was assigned to work on overdue receivables. A & R: I was able to
collect over $50000 in overdue receivables after investigating uncleared items by
asking myself “why” and “how” they happened. I also proved my interpersonal
skills and ability to increase interdisciplinary cooperation during the process. In
addition, I set up a follow-up notice system, which resulted in reducing late
payments by an average of 75 %.

.
 No Direct Industry Experience –
Highlight Your Transferrable skills

• Ties ‘additional’ experience and skills useful to this role

• Choose 2-3 skills that are your strong suits to focus on.
Brainstorm projects, academic assignments or
responsibilities to demonstrate your expertise
• Share 1 in-depth experience or a few of smaller examples
 Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Repeat or summarize your resume

• Make general lists of positive ‘self’ statements

• Undersell yourself with:

– “Although I don’t have _____experience…”
– “I know I’m not as qualified, but… Despite my limited
experience”
 Avoid General Statements
Avoid:
“I possess strong sales skills and the ability to increase your profit.”

Try this instead:

“In addition to my studies at BCIT, I was responsible for ad sales in our student
magazine, The Link. I learned how to create, manage, and maintain professional
relationships with business owners around our campus. My direct efforts led to a 10%
profit margin increase over the year, and I believe that these skills can be directly
applied to this position.”
 Avoid Underselling

Avoid:
“Although I don’t have direct experience in accounting, I have an accounting diploma, and
am ready to develop my accounting career with your company.”

Try this instead:

“After more than 3 years of experience in administration, I am seeking an opportunity
to apply my professional training by transitioning my career to that of financial services
assistant. I am interested in offering my expertise as a bookkeeper trainee, leveraging
my talents in accuracy, problem solving, and reports production.”
Questions?
 Your Closing

1. Reaffirm your suitability and interest in the job

– Remind me what you bring to the table … skills, education,
experience, enthusiasm
2. Call to Action (aka interview)
3. Thank you
 Closing Paragraph
Example:
With my extensive customer service background and studies in
tourism management, I am confident that I will make a valuable
contribution and a positive impact to the guest experience at Donald’s
Hotel. I look forward to the opportunity to speak to you further about
how I can be an asset to your team. Your consideration is appreciated.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Before You Send
 Summary

1. Perspective: Think like a hiring manager. Focus on the

company needs, not on what you want
2. Layout: Be concise and professional
3. Content: Tailor your cover letter for each application
• Opening paragraph- Grab your reader’s attention
• Body paragraphs- Your unique stories and examples
4. Proofread!
 Next Steps
• Slides will be emailed to you
• Start it with a job posting! and work on your cover letter
• Book an appointment with a Career Specialist