cover letters 101 winning

7/27/2019 Cover Letters 101 Winning

1/23

Co-op Boot Camp

Accomplishment Statements

& Cover Letters


2/23

What is an Accomplishment Statement?

Used on resumes, cover letters and in

interviews

Its a statement that describes WHAT you

did and HOW WELL you did it


3/23

Who would YOU interview?

Applicant A:

Served coffee at busy shop

Worked as security guard at specialevents

Filed documents


4/23

Or Applicant B:

Served more than 300 customers per day at thelargest coffee shop in Metrotown Mall

Selected for security assignments at specialevents where tact, diplomacy and personal

judgment were required

Established a new filing system for studentrecords ensuring efficient retrieval by office staff


5/23

The Accomplishment Formula

I achieved this RESULT

...

by doing this ACTION (skill)


6/23

Accomplishment statements

Developed customer loyalty by regularly

greeting clients by name.

Created and designed effective brochures

and flyers utilizing the desktop publishing

system.

Conducted friendly and informative tours

to help students transition university life.


7/23

Accomplishment statements

Are effective because:

They make your application more

compelling and credible

They provide interesting material for the job

interview

Provides a greater understanding of yourexperience to the reader


8/23

Cover Letters

Why do we need cover letters?


9/23

Purpose of a cover letter

To indicate why you are sending your

resume

Highlight your relevant qualificationsShow your personality, interest and

enthusiasm for the position.

Demonstrates written communication skills


10/23

Cover Letter Structure

Date

Company Name c/o UBC Science Co-op

Salutation: Dear Dr. Smith,

The UBC header is NOT required for the cover

letter


11/23

ExampleAugust 28, 2008

ABC Incorporated

c/o UBC Science Co-op

Room 170, Chemistry & Physics building

6221 University Boulevard

Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1

Dear Ms. Smith,

As a 3rd year Chemistry major with a strong interest in pursuing a career in pharmaceutical drug development, I

was excited to learn about the Formulation Technician position available at ABC Inc.

.Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I would be happy to discuss my qualifications for this

position further with you at your earliest convenience. I can be reached through the UBC Science Co-op Office at

604-822-9677.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Jane Doe

Enclosed: Resume, Transcripts


12/23

Cover Letter Structure Introduction

Content:

Who are you? (but not My name is)

What are you applying for?

Why are you interested in this position or company?

Goals:

Get the readers attention

Demonstrate your interest in the employers

research orproducts
http://www.merckgroup.com/en/index.htmlhttp://www.merckgroup.com/en/index.html


13/23

Cover Letter Structure Body

Content:

Technical skills & education

Be specific: names of equipment, analyses, etc.

and provide examplesAnswer the job posting!

Present your most relevant qualifications first

Goals:

Highlight your qualifications and demonstrate how

these qualifications will benefit the employer


14/23

Cover Letter Structure Body

Content: Other experience/desired skills

Soft skills: Team experience, leadership, communication

skills, organizational skills etc.

Provide examples again this is evidence of yourqualifications

Quantify or qualify your results when possible

Goals:Demonstrate a well rounded skill set

Highlight a unique experience to help you stand out


15/23

Cover Letter Structure Conclusion

Final paragraph:

How can you be contacted: through the Co-op

office 822-9677

Additional info re: relocation, NSERC,availability

Thank the employer for their time

Ask for the interview


16/23

Steps to writing a cover letter

1. Dissect the job posting to determine

the employers needs and wants

2. List all desired skills, pick top 3

3. Describe examples of when youve

demonstrated those skills

4. Organize examples in order of priority


17/23

Activity

Review one of the job descriptions:

What are the required skills necessary forthis job?

What are some other skills that would be

nice to have?Develop a 2-3 sentence example that

demonstrates a required skill


18/23

Dealing with vague job postings

Why are they so vague?

Do your research!

Common research skills:Experimental design

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication skills

Time Management


19/23

Questions?


20/23

Tips for success in Co-op

Be realistic about your co-op experience

and your career path

Be efficient in preparing your applications

Get to know your Coordinator


21/23

Applying for jobs

50% rule apply to many jobs

Focus on learning opportunities bigpicture

Be open minded and stay positive

If you apply for a job be prepared toaccept it


22/23

Co-op reminders

Apply to the test job (December)

Lab Safety Training

riskmanagement.ubc.ca/courses

Advising appointments start in December

Resume Review

Cover Letter Review

Mock Interview


23/23

Co-op Reminders

Eighty percent of success is showing up.Woody Allen

Workshops (5) are mandatory.

Get involved and ask questions!

Contact me priorto missing a workshop and if possible, attend anotherworkshop.

Thursdays @ 12:30 1:30 pm COPP 2002

Workshops start January 12th, 2011

Up Next: Lunch! Afternoon session

cover letters 101 winning

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