Work Experience Preparation

Self-Assessment and Targeted Cover Letter

DUE: 11:59pm Sunday, January 21.

Course Learning Objectives

 Prepare for initial application to secure a first interview with a potential employer.
 Use inventory tools to conduct a self-assessment.
 Create a cover letter to highlight your key competencies and skills.
 Develop cover letters to target specific industry sectors/employers.
Assignment
Students will be put into Self-Assessment Groups of 2 – 6 students. Each group will be provided with a posting to be selected by Class #2. This
Group Activity will take place over two weeks.
Outputs
 Self-Awareness, Ability and Transferrable Skills Assessments.
 Self-Assessment of qualifications for a target job.
 Targeted cover letter.
 Peer feedback re: cover letters.
Activities
1. Start:
 In Chapter 2 – complete the Self-Awareness, Ability and Transferrable Skills Assessments (3 assessments)
 and/or
 In the Ontario Colleges WIL modules, review these sessions:
Module 2.2 - Employability and Transferable Skills https://www.niagaracollege.ca/modules/WIL2018/2.2/
 Module 7.2 - Translating Your Skills for Future Employment https://www.niagaracollege.ca/modules/WIL2018/7.2/

2. Review the posting provided by your instructor (or chosen with your group).
 Identify the job requirements described in the posting. These requirements may include program-specific skills, other workplace
skills, education and experience.
 Group work: Share your job requirements list with your group members and create one for your group.
 Create a two-column summary of your qualifications for this position.
 List the job requirements in column one.
 List your qualifications for each requirement in column two.
 In Chapter 6 learn about writing cover letters.
and/or
 In the Ontario Colleges WIL modules, review: Cover Letter Writing https://www.niagaracollege.ca/modules/WIL2018/2.4/

3. Write a cover letter targeting the sample posting and share it with your group.
 Group work: Share your cover letter with your group members and give each other feedback.
 Provide written feedback to your group members on their cover letters. Use the cover letter checklist to structure your feedback.
 Remember to be constructive.
 Review the peer feedback you have received about your cover letter.
4. Write a new draft of your cover letter keeping in mind what you have learned about yourself, the job requirements and the factors that
create a great cover letter.
5. DUE: 11:59pm Sunday, January 21.
 Submit the updated version of your cover letter on Blackboard as a PDF for review by your instructor.
 Include the posting used to tailor your cover letter.
 Note that this letter will NOT be sent to employers but may be reviewed by your co-op officer.
** NOTE:
 This assignment has group work components, but your final submission is an individual assignment.
 It is your responsibility to coordinate with your group and connect outside of class time.
 Your targeted cover letter must be uploaded and viewable in Blackboard in order to pass this assignment. Once uploaded, open and
view your documents in the system to make sure they uploaded properly and appear as intended.
 You may NOT book an appointment with CFB staff in GBCareers for the purposes of this assignment.
Successful completion of this and all class assignments is required to pass the Work Experience Prep Course.
Completion of the Work Experience Prep Course is required to register for a Work Term.