Cover Letter & Resume Writing

Meet Your Career Services and Co-op Thunder Bay Team

Jonah Anderson Caitlin Reeves

Career Services Officer, Employer Relations and
Access and Inclusion Co-op Advisor
 What You’ll Learn Today
1. The Recruitment Process through Job Search Trivia
2. Different types of resumes and which one you should use.
3. Components of a resume
4. The KEY to creating a standout resume
5. Cover Letter Writing
6. Contacting Employers
7. Additional resources
Let’s Learn About The
Recruitment Process
 Job Search Trivia

QUESTION 1:

Most employers use

a software to sort through applications.

True or False?
 Job Search Trivia
TRUE!
• Most employers use an Applicant Tracking System
QUESTION 1:
(ATS)
Most employers use
• Scans for keywords in your application
a software to sort through
applications. • ATS are very picky with colours and formatting – keep
True or False? it simple
ATS Friendly Resumes
ATS – Friendly NOT ATS-Friendly
 Job Search Trivia

QUESTION 2:

On average a corporate job posting

receives how many applications?
 Job Search Trivia

250
QUESTION 2:

On average a corporate job

posting receives how many
Resumes?
 Job Search Trivia

QUESTION 3:

Typically, a recruiter reviews a resume for

how long until they have made a decision?
 Job Search Trivia

QUESTION 3:

Typically, a recruiter reviews a

6 Seconds
resume for how long until they
The top 3rd of your resume is prime real estate!
have made a decision?
 Job Search Trivia

QUESTION 4:

Do job seekers need to write a brand new

resume for each job they apply to?
 Job Search Trivia
QUESTION 4:

Do job seekers need to write a

Yes…and No
brand new resume for each Create a master resume which includes all of your
job they apply to? skills, experiences and training. Then make a copy of
your master resume and customize it to the job posting.
Choosing a Resume Format
 Different Types of Resume
Functional
★ Selling point is Skills
- Skills enhancing resume & not the numbers
of years of work experience
- Focuses on skills and experiences
- Often used by people changing careers or
have gaps in their employment history
· ·
Chronological
★ Traditional this is the most common
type of resume
- List most recent positions first
- Most preferred by employers
Combination- Hybrid
★ · Highlights relevant skills and
provides chronological work history
- Mix of Functional/Chronological resume
- Emphasises what makes you the best fit for
the job, while giving the employer desired
information.
Source: The Balance
SaS

Source: Resume Genius

Components of a Resume
Components of a Resume
❑ Name + Contact Information
❑ Career Summary
❑ Core Competencies (Skills)
❑ Education
❑ Academic Projects
❑ Work Experience
❑ Volunteer Experience (Optional)
❑ Professional Development (Optional)
❑ Interests (Optional)
Key to a Standout
Resume!
 Resume Trivia

What are transferable skills?

 Transferable Skills
▪Communication skills ▪ Computer skills

▪ Teamwork ▪ Leadership

▪ Time Management ▪ Listening skills

▪ Problem-solving ▪ Creativity

▪ Organization skills ▪ Learning skills

 Resume Trivia

What is an example of an action word for

use in a resume?
USE ACTION WORDS
 Effective Bullet Points:
1. “Instructed students in grades 9 and 11 Mathematics”
“Designed and taught grades 9 and 11 Mathematics classes, incorporating a variety of
group based learning strategies”

2. “Evaluated and assessed student performance”

“Assessed students’ learning by using various tools, such as questions/discussions, a variety
of assignments, homework, rubrics, quizzes and tests”

Follow this Formula:

WHAT I DID + HOW OR WHY = RESULT
Consider using the following to make your professional experience
stand out!

Add #s and %s to your experience to show how well you did the job.

Research Assistant May 2017 - August 2017

Lakehead University Thunder Bay, ON
Reporting to the Chair of Civil Engineering, I assisted with the design and set up of laboratory
experiments, as well as analyzed experiment data and conducted internet searches for relevant
literature.
- 90% of experiments were successful
- 9 out of 10 experiment results were positive
 Community Involvement/Volunteer Experience
Fundraiser May - October 2011
Thunder Bay Grammar School Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Raised money in support of local charities in cooperation with Senior Administrators at
the Thunder Bay Grammar School
- Utilized online social media to promote fundraising events
- Successfully led a team of 12 volunteers ensuring a cohesive team environment
- Conducted post event surveys to improve upon
fundraising endeavors

*Is your community involvement/volunteer

formatting the same as paid work experience.
Additional Qualifications, Awards, Certifications
Example:

Additional Qualifications and Certifications

• Career Educator Certificate from Canadian Association of
Career Educators & Employers (May 2023)
• Safe Talk Mental Health Awareness Certificate (April 2022)
• Mental Health First Aid Qualification (July 2023)
 Academic Projects - Additional
You may want to include project work on your resume. This can be done if
appropriate. Format in the following way:

Project Name Date Completed

School Name Location
- Short description of project in paragraph format
- Highlight what project was and key contributions to project

*Do you have relevant project experience?

*Is it shown on your resume?
*How long is it?
 References
Generally, references are not included on your resume
** If the employer wants to see them, it will be indicated in the job posting,
so follow the instructions on the posting **

▪ 2-3 is usually sufficient

▪ “References available upon request” - end of your resume
▪ Use professional references that relate to your work and educational
experiences
▪ Remember - you must obtain permission to use a person as a reference
before including the name and contact info
▪ Bring your references with a copy of your resume to the interview
 Reference Format
Include the following information for each reference:
• Name (include Mr., Ms., Dr., or Mrs.)
• Position/title
• Telephone number
• E-mail address
Cover Letter Writing
 Cover Letter
General Starting Questions:
1. Did you adapt your cover letter to meet the specific job requirements of the
advertised position? TIP: Make a checklist from the job description of what the
employer is looking for and make sure you’ve covered important requirements
2. Did you research the company and include industry specific language?
3. Are you showing how you match the company’s values?

A cover letter is the opportunity to show why you are the best candidate
for the job, by speaking directly to the employer. You should not have
the same cover letter for every job they apply to.
Cover Letter Format
• Professional letter – 1 page
• Contact information
• Date *make sure you change this*
• Companies address
• Use the hiring managers name with
salutation or their job title
• Regarding (i.e. job title/ID)
• Salutation “Dear”
• Content (Intro/Body/Closing Paragraphs)
• Closing salutation “Sincerely”
• Signature and printed name
 Introductory Paragraph
What should you include in their introductory paragraph?
1. What job are you applying for?
2. Why are you interested in the position/company?
3. Why are you the best candidate for the job? (short, 1-2 sentences)
4. Have you declared your program of study? (intro or body)

The first sentence should always have the following - job applying for, company name,
where job was advertised.

Example- “I am writing to apply for the position of Lifeguard with City of Thunder Bay, as advertised
on MySuccess.”

*Why are you interested in the role?

*How does it align with your core values?
 Main Body Paragraphs
Have you declared your program of student?
“As a ____ student at Lakehead University,”

Have you incorporated at least three skills that are relevant to the job description
qualifications?

Formula:
Support Skill + Specific Example

Have you matched your skills to the job requirements?

 Concluding Paragraph
How should you conclude your cover letter?
1. Reiterate your interests/qualifications and your confidence in being the best candidate
2. Invite the employer to contact you for further discussion
3. Thank the employer for their time and consideration of your application

Always ask for an interview!

Example - “For further discussion of my qualifications, please feel free to contact me for an
interview. I can be reached at (telephone number) or (email).”

Closing Salutation:
- Sincerely always works
- Signature and printed name underneath
Contacting a potential employer
 Sending a Thank you email
SUBJECT: Job Opportunity Inquiry
BODY:
Dear (Interviewer’s Name),
Thank you for taking the time to interview me (yesterday/Friday/etc). I enjoyed our
conversation about (specific topic you discussed) and it was great learning about the (Job
Title) position overall.
It sounds like an exciting opportunity and a role I could succeed and excel at. I’m looking
forward to hearing any updates you can share, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have
questions or concerns in the meantime.

Best regards,
(Your First and Last Name)
 Sending an Interest Email
SUBJECT: Job Opportunity Inquiry
BODY:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am emailing to inquire about a possible job position with (company name). I am currently
a 3rd year Electrical Engineering student at Lakehead University and I anticipate to
graduate in May 2024. I am very interested in learning more about (company name) and I
would like to set up a meeting at your convenience to discuss this further.
Please feel free to contact me at (contact details). Thank you for your time and I look
forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Name
Additional Resources
 Resume and Cover Letter tools and resources…
Career Zone: Resources to help with you with all things job search related
Skillsyncer: ATS for job seekers - find out what you’re missing in your resume
Big Interview: AI Mock Interview and resume builder. Free access using your Lakeheadu
email and password.
 Job boards
Jobbank.gc.ca: Labour market information.
LinkedIn: Job searching
North Superior Workforce Planning Board: Job searching in NWO
Company websites: OPG,Enbridge, Hydro One, Linamar, etc.
 Other tools and resources…
O*NET Online: Source of occupational information
LinkedIn: Networking, research.
LakeheadU Alumni: Ten Thousand Coffees
Attend local and virtual events: Chamber of Commerce, CEN-CAN Expo, SHIFT
EngineerHere: Source of information to international engineering graduates looking to
become licensed engineers in Canada.
EngineersCanada: Learn about the Engineering License process and
Career Advising Appointments / Co-op Advising Appointments
Ongoing, in person or online September - July
Students and alumni seeking personalized career advising or support with their co-op experience can book appointments via
mysuccess.lakeheadu.ca.

Career Fair: Science & Environmental Studies, Forestry, Engineering & Computer Science
November 1 & 2 11am-3pm in the Agora
Employer on campus egear to meet student and share their employment opportunities.

Graduating Student Job Finding Club

Times To Be Announced, ORSI Learning Commons (Orillia Campus) and Career Zone (UC 0020-B Thunder Bay); January - April
As they head into their final semester, graduating students are invited to drop in for moral support and job search, interview, and resume
tips! Registration begins in December via mysuccess.lakeheadu.ca

Career Exploration: Employer Spotlights

4-6pm, Every Second Thursday of the month, December - March, Various Locations
A series of panel presentations featuring key employer partners from a variety of industries, this series will allow students to connect with
hiring managers and learn more about opportunities in industries connected to our programs. Find details on www.lakeheadu.ca/careerzone
in early September. Registration required, available via mysuccess.lakeheadu.ca
Questions?
Resume FAQ

Do I need to have more Do I use the same resume

What if I don’t have Should I include my if I am applying to a
than one version of my
work experience? part time job? resume? different role within the
same company?

Do you have any Should I include my

Should I include
strategies for editing my involvement on campus? Should I put my Resume
high school?
resume? (Clubs, volunteering, etc.) on LinkedIn?
Need More Career Support?
Engineering, Computer
Book a 1:1 appointment through
Science & Forestry Career Fair
MySuccess.
Nov. 1st & 2nd Agora
The Career Zone offers many other
services, events, resources and more!

To learn more, please visit our website:

lakeheadu.ca/careerzone