volunteering in canada: week 3
TRANSCRIPT
Volunteering in CanadaWeek 3
How to write a cover letter for a volunteer position
What we did so far….
Volunteering connects you with others
Volunteering is good for mind and
body
Volunteering can advance your career
Volunteering is a great way
to explore your interests and passions
We discovered what
great opportunities
volunteering can offer.
Surprisingly,the process of applying for a volunteer position is similar to applying for a job.
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5 Steps to write a cover letter
1• Outline
2 • Date and address
3• 1st paragraph greeting and purpose
of your letter
4• 2nd paragraph personal background
5• Final paragraph and signature
1 Outline of a
cover letter
Analyze!Here are two templates.Read them and check:
• What are the parts of a volunteer cover letter?
• What greetings are used?• What typical expressions are used?• What closings are used?
Example 1Dear Ms. Brown,
I am interested in opportunities that may be available to volunteer at the St. John Senior Centre. I have experience working with senior citizens and would be thrilled to continue to do so in a volunteer capacity.
I volunteered as an aide at the Champlain Centre and enjoyed being able to help senior citizens with arts and crafts. In this position, I assisted with projects and accompanied field trips to local musical events and museums.
My schedule is flexible, and I would be available to volunteer at your convenience.I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,Lucy da Silva
Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchemailsamples/a/volunteeremail.htm
Example 2Dear Ms. Jamieson, I am interested in an opportunity to volunteer with the Greenleaf Child Centre. I have experience working with children and would like to continue to do so in a volunteer capacity.I volunteered as a teacher’s aide at the Champlain School and enjoyed being able to help kindergarteners learn during their first experience in a class room. In this position, I assisted with classroom projects and chaperoned field trips.For the past several winters, I volunteered with children on the slopes of a local ski resort, assisting coaches with teaching basic skiing to toddlers and elementary school age children. If the Greenleaf Centre has a need for a dedicated volunteer, I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to assist. My schedule is flexible and I am available evening and weekend hours, as well as during the day.
Sincerely, Lucy da Silva
Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchemailsamples/a/volunteeremail.htm
Standard cover letter has Greetings • Formal
beginning Dear
Typical expression • “in a voluntary
capacity”
Closing • Formal-writing
sincerely
Last paragraph has a concluding sentence, availability and intention for a meeting
Make sure to use the right greeting.
1st paragraph introduces the purpose of the letter.
2nd paragraph will give more details about your background.
For better understanding
Have a look at the following Cover letter.
Language relatedUse adjectives to talk about your skills and interests.
Note:Adjectives are those words which describe a noun (name of person, place, animal or thing)
Examples• I am a dedicated educator.• My creative approach will be an
asset for your company.• As a reliable, friendly and patient
person I would enjoy these duties.• My positive and enthusiastic
approach matches the job requirement.
Remember • If you are not sure about the contact
name of the employer, leave the salutation and start with the first paragraph of your cover letter.
• The last paragraph starts with a concluding sentence. You should mention your availability.
• Use a formal closing (write “Sincerely”) and handwrite your name if it is a mailed letter.
Wrap-up
What was new for you?What was surprising?What can you use right away?What requires more practice?
Questions?