cover letters and resumes pd seminar session #1 ...pd seminar – session #1 september 8, 2016 2...
TRANSCRIPT
Geoff Smith
Gordon Jin
Cover Letters and Resumes
PD Seminar – Session #1
September 8, 2016
2
Preamble – Engineering Co-op
Co-op an important part of Eng. education
Co-op – preparation for work after graduation
• Job search/networking experience
• Learn about companies/industries
• Likes and dislikes
200W – fast start; preparation for writing job
applications and presenting self professionally
• Cover letters and resume
• Use of job posting system
• Interviewing
• Professionalism
3
Cover Letters and Resumes
Important skills to learn - immediately
“Sales pitch & fact sheet”
Used for MyMUNLife and other applications
Unique to you but some absolutes apply
• Be easy to read
• Be continually improved
• NO ERRORS
Foundational to job search and success
4
Cover Letters and Resumes
Lots of examples available
Suggested format is what we know the
employers want
• See examples and guidelines in Engineering
Student Co-op Handbook.
Available at: http://www.mun.ca/coop/programs/engineering/enghandbook.pdf
5
Cover Letter
Introduces you and your resume
Summary of skills and experiences -
relevant to the job
Outlines what you can do for them
Basis of employer’s first impression –
may not even read your resume
Must be customized, well written and
error-free
6
Cover Letters
Who are you?
What do you want and why?
What can you do for them? Focus here!!!
What distinguishes you from your peers?
Why should they hire you?
7
The Basics - Structure
1
Name and current address
Phone number and MUN email address
Company name
Company address or location (if known)
Date
Dear Mr. or Ms. Contact Name:
• Dear Contact Name:
• Attention: Contact Name
• Dear Sir or Madam:
8
The Basics - Structure
2
Content (body of your letter)
Closure – Yours truly, Yours sincerely,
Sign the letter
Type your name
Encl.: Resume, Transcript (to indentify
attachments)
Outside MyMUNLife: Attach transcript if
requested or if impressive
Student Name
Current Address
St. John’s, NL
A1X 2Y6
(709) 123-4567
Date
Company Name
Address/Location
Dear Mr./Ms. Smith:
Introduce your term, discipline, work term and duration, and expected year of graduation. State fully the job applied for, location and where the
position was advertised.
State why you are applying for the job. In doing this, emphasize that you have an interest in the company and the industry and state what you
know about the company. This is important because it indicates to the employer that you took the time to do some research and are genuinely
interested in this job and the company. Do not quote vague statements or repeat information from their web site. Information related to current
projects, future plans, etc., is appropriate.
Describe to the employer what you have to offer and why they should read the résumé. This is a good time to read the job advertisement again.
This section of the letter should summarize previous experience and skills that meet the requirements of the advertisement. A good way to start
this paragraph is with a statement like this: “You will see from my enclosed résumé…” then go ahead and tell them something about your career
that will immediately gain their interest. Only provide them information related to required experience or skills, as stated in the job description.
The letter should close with a request for an interview where further elaboration will be made on the interest and qualifications outlined above.
Yours truly,
Signature (Please make sure you sign the letter, if possible)
John/Jane Doe
Encl.: Resume, Transcript
10
Content s 1
Guidelines:
Never more than 1 page
3-4 paragraphs long
Never smaller font than 12 point
Attractive to look at, easy to read
Show interest and enthusiasm
In general, be conservative – cues in job ad
Customize (but can re-use some material)
11
Contents 2
First paragraph:
• Introduce your term, discipline, work term
and duration, expected year of graduation
• Identify the job or jobs you are applying for
• Otherwise use term “work term student”
• How did you hear about the job:
• “…as advertised through the Engineering Co-
operative Education Office at Memorial
University of Newfoundland”
• Other source or personal contact
12
Contents 3
Next or same paragraph:
• Say why you are applying for the job: • “…interested in being involved in
Newfoundland's oil and gas industry …”
• “…looking for experience in a variety of engineering fields …”
• “…planning to go into academia so would like to work in research and development…”
• “…want to learn new design software skills…”
Often one of the initial interview questions!
Be honest but strategic
13
Contents 4
continued: • Say something to prove you know about the
company or department:
• “I saw in The Telegram recently that ABC Company was just awarded XYZ Project and would welcome the opportunity to participate…”
• “ABC Company is a local company with involvement in the mining industry…”
• “CBA Company is a recent startup company in software development for…”
• Do not regurgitate company materials
14
Contents 5
Main paragraph of letter:
• Make them interested in your resume:
• “You will see from my enclosed
resume…”
• Summarize your relevant skills and
experience (where and how gained)
• Experience can be from work, volunteer,
school, sports, clubs, etc.
• Explain how your experience makes you
the best qualified for this job
15
Environment Canada
Location: Gatineau, Quebec
Contact Person: Mr. Need Help
The student will be working in the Transportation Systems Division, assisting in:
-Analysis* of test data for in-use vehicle emissions
-Generation of reports summarizing the test results
-Management of a vehicle emissions prediction computer program
Proficiency on a PC*, knowledge and experience with database programs* and
Word* is essential.
Student must have good verbal and written communications* skills and be able
to work well in a team environment*.
Student must have driver’s licence*.
16
Contents 6
Conclude by : •Thanking the recruiter for his/her time
•Requesting an interview
• If not through MyMUNLife Co-op – provide contact information
•Type your name (and sign if possible)
•Note any enclosures
•Encl.: Resume, Transcript
17
Cover Letter - Final steps
Review job ad: Have you covered all relevant points? • Qualifications, reference numbers, other
requested information?
Proofread: Check the spelling of the company name and the contact name
Proofread: Check all your spelling, grammar, formatting
Have someone else proofread
18
Cover Letter – Employer Feedback
Direct feedback from a federal employer:
“If I can offer some advice for future applications,
please ensure that the details contained within your
covering letter are accurate. This organization is
government owned and therefore is not issued
contracts. I believe that you were referring to the
synchrolift upgrade that happened some years ago
but the panel reviewing the applications were not
sure what you were referring to.”
19
Cover Letter – Employer Feedback
Direct feedback from an out of province employer:
“Both Cover Letters and Resumes had either poor
spelling (i.e., computer sills), poor page formatting,
typos, punctuation issues, different fonts and sizing
and some of you even misspelled the name of the
contact person. The latter is blatant carelessness and
lack of attention to detail, and speaks of the quality of
work expected from you during the work term. When I
see such I typically dump the resume immediately
as such mistakes imply poor quality or lack of
interest.”
20
Cover Letter – Employer Feedback
Direct feedback from a local employer:
“Some Feedback: I was a bit surprised that several of the
resumes and cover letters had poor spelling and typos
given how all the computer software has easy to use
grammar and spelling checkers. When I see such I
typically dump the resume immediately as such mistakes
imply poor quality or a lack of interest….”
21
Resumes
To market and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job
Research has shown that most resumes are looked at for ≤10 sec
The employer sees your resume as a reflection of who you are - who do you want to be seen as?
Write in third person – no “I” or “we” or “you”
Use past tense (if not a current experience)
22
The Basics 1
What They Look For (from Nfld Power)
• Easy to read
• Focus
• Grabs attention
• Visually appealing
• Correct spelling and grammar
• Detailed skills and accomplishments
23
The Basics 2
What They Do Not Appreciate (from Nfld Power)
• Too long/too hard to read/follow
• POor presentation
• Incorect spelling/grammar
• Inconsistent layout
Keep it simple
24
Resume – Personal Information
Use your full name, never a nickname
Contact information: • contact phone number and cell phone number
• current and permanent mailing addresses
• MUN e-mail address
25
Objective and/or Summary of
Qualifications - optional
Objective - Position of interest, relevant
information to position, try and be as
specific as possible
Summary of Qualifications - Highlights
and summarizes your top selling points,
avoid using general statements.
26
Education
Refer to your education in reverse chronological order
Include study term # & expected grad year
All education and training is important and should be included on the resume. It may be listed under your formal education or in another section called Additional Training
Include your Average or GPA if it will help (and specify if your GPA is out of 3 or 4)
27
Work Experience
List in reverse chronological order and list: year, name of employer, city and country, job title
Focus on skills, leadership roles and accomplishments
Start each phrase with an action word: coordinated, surveyed, completed, administered…DO NOT use “responsible for……..”
28
Additional / Optional Sections
Volunteer Experience
Scholarships/Awards and Accomplishments
Conference Attendance
Professional Affiliations
Interests
Presentations
Publications
Additional Training
Skills
Extra-curricular Activities
29
References
Not usually included in resume –
“references available on request”
Seek approval beforehand for every job
competition. References are NOT
meant for life.
Give referee a copy of resume
Provide list, if requested, at interview
30
Additional Resume Hints 1
Include name & page # on top of 2nd page
Be honest but strategic!
Always have someone proofread for errors
Use action verbs to highlight responsibilities and accomplishments
Do not exceed two pages
Leave some white space
31
Additional Resume Hints 2
Do not include: age, height, weight, religious /
political affiliations, or social insurance number
Avoid paragraphs, use bullet statements
Use consistent spacing and formatting
Use your MUN email and check it often
Keep updating your resume
SANDY SMITH
Current Address Permanent Address
12 Any St. P.O. Box 123
St. John’s, NL A1X 2Y6 Any Town, NL A1B 2Y6
(709) 123-4567 (709) 765-4321
EDUCATION
2009 - present Memorial University of Newfoundland
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Enrolled in Academic Term III Civil, Expected Graduation 2012
Bachelor of Engineering Co-op Program
2009 ABC High School, St. John’s, NL
Graduated with honours from Grade 12
2008 DEG School of Arts, St. John’s, NL
45-hour course in Shop Practice
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
• Current academic average 82%
• Engineering Dean’s List, Academic terms 1 and 2
• Pass with Distinction, Work Term 1
• Award of $100, highest marks in Grade 12
• James Moore award, highest marks in Grade 11
WORK EXPERIENCE
May – Sept 2010 HIJ Company, St. John’s, NL
Work Term 1 Student
• Worked extensively with AutoCAD producing sketches and drawings for
survey layout and general construction
• Assisted engineers in underground pipe design and placement
• Completed quantity takeoffs, including concrete, rebar and piping, of
buildings and concrete pipe supports
• Kept accurate records of quantities completed on a daily, weekly and
monthly basis
• Completed design work for valve access platform foundation and sump drip
pans as well as design layout work for main entrance to the site
• Gave oral presentations on work completed
Sandy Smith Page 2 of 2
June – Sept. 2009 Rural Development Association, Paradise, NL
Biologist’s Assistant
• Collected salmon eggs and scale samples for a salmon hatchery project
• Collected data from fishermen concerning the quantity of fish caught in a
specific time period, size and weight of the fish
• Wrote daily, weekly and monthly reports
• Presented reports verbally to the Association
2006 - 2008 Morning News, St. John’s, NL
Paper Carrier
• Supplied papers and flyers to 150 customers
2006 - 2008 Babysitter
• Monitored children during weekend evening hours
SKILLS
• Computer skills include Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, C++
• Familiar with surveying procedures, completed the Civil workshop
• Knowledgeable with concrete inspection techniques
• Familiar with hydrometric data collection and flow instrumentation
• Familiar with the use of lathes, hand-held power tools, welding equipment
and safety gear
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver’s license
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
• Active with Engineering Society A, Memorial University
• Member of the intramural soccer team, Memorial University
• Editor of the student newsletter Advocate
• Volunteer for the Heart and Stroke Foundation
INTERESTS
• Woodworking, reading, skiing, fishing, swimming and travelling
REFERENCES: Available upon request.
36
Need Help?
The Co-op Office – EN4021
• Visit us – drop-in or by appt.
• If emailing - all correspondence should be
professional
• Specific coordinator assigned for each work term
- about a month after start of work term
37
Important to Remember
Next session - MyMUNLife and the job competition process
Go to EN-4021 to fill out WT release form
Jobs posted Thurs., September 15, 2016
Only apply for jobs in which you are interested
But be open to opportunities / locations
Network/connect (personal contacts, LinkedIn)
Protect your reputation (social networking)
Always use student handbook as a reference
38
Assignment # 1
Select one example job on the following slides
Prepare an independent cover letter and resume for one of the example jobs
Submit a HARD COPY of assignment to the Co-op Office front desk, EN-4021
Due Monday, Sept 12 by 9:00 AM (EN-4021)
Assignments can be picked up Sept. 15 & 16. Resubmission may be necessary prior to release into job competition.
Slides and assignment:
http://www.mun.ca/coop/programs/engineering/pd_engineering.php
(see the link “Fall 2016 Sem 1b – Res Cover Letter”)
Handbook: http://www.mun.ca/coop/programs/engineering/enghandbook.pdf
39
Assignment #1, Due 9:00am Monday, September 12th, 2016 at the Engineering Co-op Education Office front desk (EN-4021)
Submit an application, consisting of a cover letter and resume, to one of the following jobs.
Sample Work Term 1 and 2 Jobs
Job # 1
XYZ Technical
Contact: Mr. Whye
Location: Mount Pearl, NL
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
The Customer Solutions Engineering Group is responsible for engineering and implementation of edge core systems including terrestrial
networking and value added services platforms, as well as customized solutions to meet specific customer requirements. XYZ Technical
integrates leading edge technologies over IP satellite networks.
You will be tasked with product evaluations, application and performance testing, and implementation of customized solutions where possible.
The position will require you to develop and maintain technical documents and produce periodic reports.
COMPETENCIES:
The incumbent must be enrolled in undergraduate engineering program or related discipline. Other skills include;
- Understanding of voice & data communication technologies.
- TCP/IP networking protocols, LAN/WAN technologies – Cisco router experience is a definite asset.
- Knowledge of mobile and fixed satellite technology would be an asset, but is not required
- Computer skills including MS Office, MS Project, MS Visio applications
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical ability
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills contributing team participant
- Independent worker that requires minimal supervision
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain a balance of priorities
- Good customer communication ability
40
Job #2
Department of Transportation and Works
Location: St. John's
Contact Person: W.E. Buildit
The Building Design Services group is responsible for the in-house engineering
analysis; mechanical and civil design and construction related to provincial government
buildings in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Duties:
-Investigate and develop a computerized database system and user’s manual for
storage and retrieval of drawings and specifications relating to Government buildings.
-Investigate the feasibility of translation of existing drawings into electronic format
suitable for AutoCAD manipulation.
-Assist in maintenance and management of existing project files, drawings,
specifications and contract documents.
- Assist in drawing and document reproduction required for projects.
- Related engineering design office functions.
41
Job #3
Environment Canada
Location: Gatineau, Quebec
Contact Person: Mr. Need Help
The student will be working in the Transportation Systems Division, assisting in:
-analysis of test data for in-use vehicle emissions
-generation of reports summarizing the test results
-management of a vehicle emissions prediction computer program
Proficiency on a PC, knowledge and experience with database programs and Word is
essential.
Student must have driver’s licence.
42
Job #4
Canadian Coast Guard
Location: Saint John, NB
Contact Person: A. Schipp
Perform a design check on the Coast Guard Standard buoys to verify the centre of
gravity, centre of buoyancy, metacentre and waterplane. The calculations will be
performed and filed in such a way to facilitate future reference.
Verify the accuracy of a consultant’s buoy design computer program being developed
for Coast Guard.
The student must be motivated, capable of working under limited supervision and show
initiative.
43
Job #5
Rio Tinto
Location: Labrador City
Contact Person: Ms. Marie Processe
Discipline: Process, Materials or Chemical Engineering
Under guidance from the Chief Process Engineer in either the Concentrator or Pellet Plant, students will assist the
team in safely improving product quality, production rates, and energy efficiency through the implementation of
various process improvement initiatives. Students will be assigned projects within the primary process areas
including Ore Characterization, Autogenous Grinding, Ball Milling, Gravity Separation, Magnetic Separation,
Flotation, Filtration, Agglomeration, Induration, and Screening. The students may also have added responsibilities
related to daily trouble shooting and process optimization in an assigned area of the plant. You will work with
minimal supervision and be required to interact effectively with field personnel to complete project work. You will
have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
To be considered you must demonstrate excellent conceptual skills with a strong ability to understand and work
with complexity. You must have a strong orientation towards process improvement and have a high degree of
flexibility and creativity to adapt to a constantly changing environment. You are an effective team player .
Please forward your resume to:
Engineering Co-op Office, referring to job number C11-300.
44
Job #6 H.J. O’Connell Construction Ltd
Location: Wabush, Labrador
Contact Person: Mr. Robert T. Builder
Discipline: Civil Engineering
Company Information:
Specializing in heavy civil infrastructure construction, mining applications and energy development, H.J. O'Connell Ltd/LECQ is a
leading supplier to Canada's resource industries. Having been in business for 80 years and offices located throughout Canada,
O’Connell offers a stable and challenging work environment. We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package and
an excellent rotation schedule.
Benefits of working with HJOC/LECQ:
Training/development, Career advancement, Exposure to multi-discipline projects, Opportunities to be entrepreneurial
Qualifications:
The candidate should posses the following knowledge and skills:
•Experience working with concrete structures and earthworks.
•Familiar with using AutoCAD, FPC, Excel, Word and Project
•Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
•Detail oriented and have a strong work ethic
•Excellent organizational skills
•Personal initiative and be able to work with minimal supervision in a team environment
Duties:
The duties associated with this position include but are not limited to:
•Calculating project/estimate take-offs, reviewing specifications, and tracking material quantities.
•Reviewing project drawings and specifications to determine layouts of structures or systems and material requirements.
•Coordinating and scheduling the delivery of all materials required for project construction to satisfy schedule requirements.
•Aiding in the planning/surveying on work sites, and analyzing project details during construction.
•Preparing reports to document project activities and production reporting.
•Reviewing daily records including time cards, weight scale tickets, etc
•Filing project documentations and records
•Assisting the office and field staff with on-going activities as required