i Work Search Basics Government of Alberta, Human Services

Work
Search
Basics
Identify your skills
Find job opportunities
Write a strong resum
Succeed in interviews
ii Work Search Basics Government of Alberta, Human Services
Catalogue Item # 761230
This publication is available to view or order online at
alis.alberta.ca/publications. Copies can also be ordered
from the Learning Resources Centre by telephone at
780-427-5775 or by fax at 780-422-9750.
For copyright information contact
Alberta Human Services
Career and Workplace Resources
Telephone 780-422-1794 Fax 780-422-5319
Email info@alis.gov.ab.ca
2013 Government of Alberta, Human Services
This material may be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted
for non-commercial purposes. However, Crown copyright is to
be acknowledged. It is not to be used, reproduced, stored or
transmitted for commercial purposes without written permission
from the Government of Alberta, Human Services. This publication
is not for resale unless licensed with the Government of Alberta,
Human Services. Every reasonable effort has been made to identify
the owners of copyright material reproduced in this publication
and to comply with Canadian copyright law. The publisher would
welcome any information regarding errors or omissions.
Government of Alberta, Human Services publications may contain
or reference publications, trademark, patent or copyright held by
third parties (third party material), identifed with a credit to the
source. This does not grant the user a licence or right to that third
party material. Users who wish to reproduce any third party material
in this publication should seek permission from that third party.
Information in this publication was accurate, to the best of our
knowledge, at the time of printing. However, legislation, labour
market information, websites and programs are subject to change,
and we encourage you to confrm with additional sources of
information when making career, education, employment and
business decisions.
The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the
Government of Canada to provide employment support programs
and services.
Career Practitioners
Work Search Basics is for people who are looking for their frst job or who have been
in the workforce but have limited experience searching for work. It helps them to do the following:
identify their skills and accomplishments
research occupations
explore the skills used to fnd worknetworking, gathering information and interviewing
explore the tools used to fnd workresums, cover letters, portfolios and applications
identify ways to stay positive and handle rejection
connect with further information and resources
This book replaces A Guide for New Job Seekers: For Youth and Newcomers to the Workplace. Job seekers with
more work search experience or post-secondary education should refer to the publication Advanced Techniques for
Work Search. It provides more in-depth information and exercises on identifying skills, using the Internet to search for
work, developing a resum, gathering information and preparing for an interview.
03/2013102.5M
All photos in this booklet are for illustrative
purposes only. They are not actual photos of
any individuals mentioned.
ISBN 978-0-7785-8853-5
40 Work Search Basics Government of Alberta, Human Services
A cover letter is a businesslike way to introduce your resum or
application form. It is your chance to get the employers attention
by explaining how your qualications t the employers needs. An
effective cover letter must highlight skills and accomplishments that
are relevant to the particular job you are applying for.
This section includes
what to put in your cover letter
a cover letter outline
sample cover letters
Cover Letters
41 Work Search Basics Government of Alberta, Human Services

Cover Letters

Check the letter carefully for any spelling,
punctuation, grammar or typing errors. Ask
a friend to check it too if you are not sure.

Print on the same good-quality paper as
your resum, with the same fonts. The
two documents should match and look
professional. Use a printer that produces
a clean, clear copy.

If you promise to contact the employer to
follow up, do it!
On the following pages, youll fnd a cover letter
outline and sample letters:

general outline on page 42

cover letter for an advertised position
on page 43

cover letter for a non-advertised position
on page 44

cover letter for a referral-based position
on page 45
When youre writing your cover letter, keep the
following in mind:

Always tailor your letter to show how your skills
relate to a particular employers needs. Dont
just send the same letter to every employer.

If youre responding to an ad that includes a job
reference number, include the number on your
cover letter.

Make the letter brief and to the point.
Use simple and direct language.

Show your awareness of the types of things the
company is doing and its objectives. Google
the employer or search the employers website
for information.

Dont just repeat the facts from your resum.
Stress how the employer will beneft from
hiring you and how you think you will beneft by
becoming a part of the company. It is important
to anticipate the readers questions and provide
answers. Make it easy to see where you would
ft in.

Personalize your letter. It should refect your
personality. However, be careful to avoid
appearing pushy, overbearing or too familiar.
This is a business letter, so humour is generally
out of place here.

Mention that you are available at the employers
convenience for an interview or to discuss
opportunities. Give a phone number (either
home or cell) where you can be reached.

After your name, include the word Enclosure,
which means that your resum is enclosed
or attached.
Cover letter content

Options for emailing your cover letter
If you are sending your resum as an
email attachment, you can put your
cover letter in the body of the email,
include it in the same le as your resum
or attach it as a separate le.
If you attach the cover letter to the email,
write a brief message in the body of the
email to say that your resum and cover
letter are attacheddont just leave the
email blank!
42 Work Search Basics Government of Alberta, Human Services
Your address
City, province, postal code
Date
Name of recipient
Recipients position title
Company name
Street address or box number
City, province, postal code
Re: Position Title (Job Reference Number, if applicable)
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name
Address a specifc person, not Sir/Madam. If youre not sure whether the person is male or female,
dont use Mr./Ms. and use the persons full name insteadfor example, Dear Pat Walker.
First paragraph
Explain your reason for writing. If you are applying for a specifc job, say so and state how you heard
about the opportunity. If someone referred you to the employer, name that personfor example, Joe
Davis, your customer service manager, suggested I write to you. If youre not applying for a specifc
job, just say that you are interested in working for this organization.
Middle paragraph(s)
Explain what makes you a good ft for this position or type of work. Point out any key experience
(including volunteer or school experience) that qualifes you for the position. Keep your paragraphs
short. If you are responding to a job posting, explain how your skills and experience match those
described in the posting.
Last paragraph
State that a resum or application is enclosed for more information. Offer to provide additional
information, if needed. Request an interview. If appropriate, let the reader know you will be checking
back to set up an appointment.
Sincerely,
Your Name
(If youre sending your resum in hard copy, leave three lines for your signature before your name.
If youre sending it electronically, you dont need to leave space before your name.)
Enclosure

Cover Letter Outline
43 Work Search Basics Government of Alberta, Human Services

Sample Cover Letters
Cover letter for an advertised
positionexperienced
tradesperson
See Bradleys chronological
resum on page 31.
80 Smalls Avenue
Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 1M6
July 4, 2012
R.C. Jacobson
Construction Superintendent
Allied Construction
Box 2323
Grande Prairie, Alberta T5V 4Z3
Re: Journeyman Welder Position (Job Reference Number 999999)
Dear Mr. Jacobson:
am interested in the journeyman welder position that you advertised this
week in the Daily Herald Tribune.
recently completed my journeyman certifcation with Smythe Manufacturing
in Fort McMurray. have experience in the construction industry as
worked for three years on a variety of construction sites in Grande Prairie.
My schedule is fexible, so am available to work morning, afternoon and
evening shifts as your ad describes. also meet your requirement for
WHMS certifcation.
My resum is attached. look forward to meeting with you to discuss my
qualifcations.
Sincerely,
Bradley Roy
Enclosure
44 Work Search Basics Government of Alberta, Human Services

Sample Cover Letters
Cover letter for a non-advertised
positionhigh school student
with no paid work experience
See Sbastiens functional
resum on page 34.
324 Wildthorn Drive SE
Calgary, Alberta T2J 1Z2
September 14, 2012
Ms. Hanna Brodyk
Human Resources
Calgary Public Library
Calgary, Alberta TIK 7G4
Dear Ms. Brodyk:
The next time the library has an opening Ior a student page, I would like to be considered
Ior the position.
Because I already have library experience Irom volunteering at the school library, I
will be able to learn the job quickly and work eIfciently right Irom the start. My strong
academic record, volunteer work and dedication as a musician show that I`m responsible
and motivated, so you can count on me to arrive Ior shiIts on time and do the work
careIully. I get along well with people oI all diIIerent ages and backgrounds at school, on
sports teams and as a coach, and I will enjoy working with library customers and staII.
As a volleyball and soccer player, I`m also in great shape Ior liIting and shelving books!
My resume and the completed application Iorm that I downloaded Irom your website are
enclosed. I will call you next week to fnd out when it would be convenient to discuss my
qualifcations.
Sincerely,
Sebastien LeBlanc
Enclosure
45 Work Search Basics Government of Alberta, Human Services

Sample Cover Letters
Cover letter for a referral-based
applicationexperienced worker
returning to workforce after
a long absence
See Anns combination
resum on page 37.
1456 Saylor Drive
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 4X7
May 13, 2012
Mr. Li Cheng, Manager
Riteway Foods
456 Main Street
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7G4
Dear Mr. Cheng:
Rita Stobbe, my neighbour, suggested that contact you. would like to be
considered for a full-time cashier position.
My experience as a food and beverage server has taught me how to deal
pleasantly and effciently with customers, even when working under pressure.
take pride in being able to remember items and prices and handle cash with a
high degree of accuracy. The enclosed resum briefy describes my experience.
will call you on May 22 to arrange a meeting, if have not heard from you by then.
Sincerely,
Ann McKinney
Enclosure