Resumes & Cover Letters That Market You Effectively

Bachelor of Education students January 9, 2015

Presented by: Monica Giorgini, Career Program Coordinator

Overview of today’s session

• Resumes - The 4 “Rules”

• Cover Letters - Components of a good cover letter • In the words of the pros

• Resources

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

Resumes

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

4 “Rules” of Resumes

- Relevant & targeted

- Accomplishment based

- Easy to read

- Error free

Relevant & Targeted

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

Essential Skills • Passion for teaching

• Leadership & mentoring

• Communication & listening skills

• Organizing strategies - planning, lesson design, time use, and pacing

• Time management & prioritization

• Patience

• Adaptability

• Imagination & creativity

• Teamwork

• Continual learning

• Knowledge of content

• Classroom management

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

Simply put, “Accomplishment

statements” show skills, actions

and outcomes of your work

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

Accomplishment Based

Easy to Read

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

Easy to Read

DE-CLUTTER YOUR RESUME

• Use an organized layout and a strong visual order

• Avoid distracting formatting such as oversized font, heavy lines or overuse of highlighting

• Consider the visual centre of the page & how recruiters read resumes

• Make it aesthetically pleasing

6 seconds!

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

Formats

Chronological • most common and traditional format • experience listed in reverse chronological order • works well for people with years of related work experience

http://www.success.uwo.ca/careers/resumes_cvs__letters/resumes/Summer%20Internship%20at%20Colgate-Palmolive%20Canada%20-%20Resume.pdf

Functional/Skills Based *a recommended format for OT’s

• highlights relevant skills and abilities • best for someone who has skills but no related work experience • hides gaps in employment

http://www.success.uwo.ca/careers/resumes_cvs__letters/resumes/Functional%20Resume%20Example%201.pdf

Combined/Hybrid • frequently best for new graduates • highlights and organizes skills & experiences in most relevant way • more time-consuming to prepare, but very effective http://success.uwo.ca/careers/resumes_cvs__letters/resumes/Combined%20Resume%20Example%202.pdf

Content

Profile / Summary Section • Summary of Qualifications, Profile, Proven Competencies, Strengths, Skills • short summary of your skills and relevant experience • often considered to be one of the most important parts of your resume

Education • reverse chronological order • include the month and year of completion; list concentration • relevant coursework or advanced level classes showing key skills Experience • list in reverse chronological order (or in skill sets if using a Functional format) • use action verbs, focus on accomplishments and industry specific language • target appropriate keywords so that hiring managers don’t have to guess

Additional Headings may include: Awards / Achievements / Volunteer Work Extra Curricular Activities / Relevant Experience / Other Experience / Licensure & Affiliations /

Other considerations

Margins • between .5” - 1” around the entire document

White Space • avoid crowding but include enough details of skills and achievements

Line Spacing • maintain consistency throughout document for a balanced look

Font • use simple fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri throughout

• 10 - 12 point size (name slightly larger; contact information slightly smaller)

• keep it simple; avoid excessive formatting

• left justify text

Bullets

• use basic round bullet points. • Try to limit bullets to no more than five per category/position

Punctuation • consistent throughout

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

Error Free

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

Grammar checkers can miss errors!

Accomplishments: Instrumental in ruining the entire operation for a Midwest chain store

Skills: Strong Work Ethic, Attention to Detail, Team Player, Self Motivated, Attention to Detail

Job Duties: Provided superior in-person customer service using the telephone

Awards: Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year

Cover Letters

What Makes

a Good Cover

Letter?

Do’s - One page - Concise and clear - Demonstrate confidence - Positive tone - Show your research - Demonstrate how you are a great fit for the position - Use several short paragraphs – for easier reading - Personalize your letter by addressing it to the appropriate contact person - Proofread your letter ......and Don’ts - Repeat your resume in your cover letter - Send a resume without a covering letter - Use same cover letter to apply to every position - Use Dear Sir or Madam..… or To whom it may concern

Standard Format For a Cover Letter

• Your name, address & contact information

• Date

• Contact’s name, title, organization name & address

• Salutation

• Body

• Closing

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

1st Paragraph - Introduction

Dear Ms. Ladner,

It is through teaching that I get to live my passion. A lifelong interest in children’s education has lead me to pursue my goal of becoming a teacher. I have recently graduated from the Intermediate-Senior stream at Western’s Faculty of Education, and I am keen to put my knowledge and skills to work at your school.

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

2nd / 3rd Paragraph – Promote skills

While working with adolescents at the Westwood Youth Centre, I gained a deep understanding and appreciation for the challenges they faced, and their underlying desire to learn. I felt immense gratification supporting and mentoring these young people as they overcame barriers and developed self-confidence to pursue their dreams. As a result I was inspired to further my own education.

For over five years, I had taught and coordinated the Sunday school program at my church . As part of a dedicated team, I developed creative lesson plans for children aged six to twelve, engaging them in learning and forming a valuable sense of community. As a special project, we created our own website, “Kidztuff!” where we promoted the importance of healthy eating habits and exercise for wellness.

Final Paragraph and Closing

I’m hoping that I might have the opportunity to tell you more about how I could contribute to the great work being done at Lakeview High School. I’ve learned you have a reputation for an impressive athletics program, which I would be honoured to participate in, as I have played a variety of team sports in previous years. Thank you for your time and consideration of my application.

Respectfully,

Aaron Kipp

Let’s hear from the pros!

Words of wisdom from

experienced educators & resume

readers…….

“For me, what has always impressed me is to show your passion for wanting to be a teacher. Teaching is a vocation, not just a job.” …….Wilma deRond, Retired Director, London District Catholic School Board

• No spelling or grammar errors; clear, concise and accurate - proofread!

• 1st impressions! Visually attractive & information is easy to find

• Information in upper 2/3 of the first page is important to engage the reader

• Both paid and volunteer work counts - show the value added & relevancy

• Short & concise cover letters – no more than 3 paragraphs

• Cover letters show your style of communication

• Show your community involvement, especially working with children

• If applying to the Catholic School Board, show involvement in parish activities

• Current references – inform them of your job search activities & your target

“When I read a covering letter I want to have the feeling that the person is enthusiastic and they like children. I want to see they are open to developing new skills and collaborating with colleagues.” .…..Ian Charlton, Head of Math Department (Secondary), Thames Valley District School Board

• Flawless grammar and spelling

• Consistency in what you say about yourself and comments from your references

• Commitment to extra-curricular /volunteer activities (coaching, tutoring, etc.)

• Demonstrate knowledge of current themes in education, such as the focus on literacy and numeracy

• Demonstrate your knowledge of current technology – Google Docs, social media, and website design

• Knowledge of current learning strategies such as multiple intelligence, tribes training, growth mindset and differentiated instruction

“When reviewing resumes for potential employees I look for professionalism, leadership experiences and evidence that the candidate had investigated the school (website) and the position for which they were applying (curriculum). Candidates who demonstrate life-long learning whether by volunteering in schools and/or taking courses to better prepare for their professional practice always stand above the rest.” …….Christine Knight-Smith, Former Elementary Principal, Thames Valley District School Board

• Show your knowledge and use of technology skills

• Market yourself - include a link on your resume to a Prezi you’ve created

• Set yourself apart

• Avoid including “too much” information – keep it relevant

• Focus on leadership experience (e.g. ran a Sunday school class)

• Think about the person reading your resume – approximately 200 candidates!

• Send resume, cover letter , etc. in one document for ease of opening

• Avoid “To Whom it May Concern” – personalize your letter with a name (correctly spelled)

Resources

• Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) www.ctf-fce.ca

• Teachers Talking about Learning – What Makes a Good Teacher?

www.unicef.org/teachers/teacher/teacher.htm

• Education Canada Network (ECN) www.educationcanada.com

• Ontario Skills Passport Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers www.skills.edu.gov.on.ca/OSP2Web/EDU/DisplayNocDetails.xhtml?nocid=4142

Secondary School Teachers www.skills.edu.gov.on.ca/OSP2Web/EDU/DisplayNocDetails.xhtml?nocid=4141

• Service Canada www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/4142.shtml

www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/4141.shtml

• Career Cruising www.careercruising.com

More Resources For resources and examples:

• The Student Success Centre Website http://success.uwo.ca/careers/resumes_cvs__letters/letters/cover_letter.html

• Internet Google search:

(For ideas on what to include in your resume & cover letter)

• “sample job description for elementary/secondary school teacher”

• “sample job posting for elementary/secondary school teacher”

• “sample cover letter for elementary/secondary school teacher”

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

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Career and Employment Events

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Interview Help Information and Resources

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca

UCC 210 • WSS 210 | 519-661-3559 • success.uwo.ca