Career Blog
When applying for a position, you are often, if not always, asked to attach a cover letter along with your resume. Many believe that this is a step of the application process that can be skipped. However, cover letters are not a pass. Far from it.
A cover letter is the best way to personalize an application. As young professionals, we apply for multiple opportunities at a time. Ideally, we should change and tailor our resumé to the position we are applying to, but overall, the changes we can make are somewhat limited. This is why the cover letter is so important: it shows the employer that you are truly interested in the position and that you have taken the time to figure out why you are the best fit for it. In addition, it gives you an opportunity to sell yourself to your employer.
Here are 4 tips that will help you create a strong cover letter.
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Don’t make it about yourself
The goal of a cover letter is not to speak about yourself, but to show that you have the skills and experience required by the employer and that you are the best fit for the position. Take the time to read the job description and identify the skills that you have that would help you deliver on those expectations.
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Don’t hesitate to sell yourself
Though a cover letter shouldn’t be focused on yourself, it doesn’t mean you should let the fear of bragging prevent you from sharing your selling points. In your cover letter, make sure to emphasize your relevant accomplishments.
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Don’t make it longer than a page
Employers do not spend a long time on each application, so it’s important that your cover letter is clear and concise. It should not be longer than one page to respect the time of the employer.
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Finish on a strong note
Don’t be passive with the ending of your cover letter. Be clear with what you would like the next steps to be. Try to be creative and find different ways of saying the often-used ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.
Next time you see the option to attach a cover letter, take the time to write a personalized cover letter using these tips!
To receive professional advice on how to craft the perfect cover letter for a specific application, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with the Career Centre team through Career Launch.
“I’d really love to go abroad for an extended period of time, but I’m just a poor student with no money.”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say that, myself included. It’s almost as if being a student and travelling abroad are mutually exclusive. However, there is a way to get around this barrier. Doing a work term or finding a job in a foreign country! There is hard work involved, but with persistence and motivation, you will be rewarded.
By doing a work term abroad, you’ll have the chance to not only collect work experience, but more importantly make memories for a lifetime! For a long time, I had wanted to visit Germany, but due to CO-OP removing any possibility of a vacation, I had always thought that I would only ever get to go there on exchange and even then only if I received my first choice of university. Thanks to my program (International Management) I am obliged to go on an exchange, which is a fantastic thing, but for a lot of students in other commerce options, that is not an option.
Now, you might be asking, how do I find postings in a different country all the way here from Canada? Simple! Use Google! There are a number of firms which operate in countries all over the globe such as Deloitte, EY and KPMG among many others. For example, when I was looking for potential internship options in Germany, I simply googled, “(Company Name) Deutschland (Germany) Karriere”. If you wanted France, you’d use the same principle but with “France” and “carrière”. I also googled search terms like “Biggest Swiss banks”or “Biggest German companies”. These yielded a lot of results and often the websites of these companies had special options for students looking for an internship.
Following this, you’ll have to sort using parameters so that you find a job in your field of study (ex: Finance). There are usually checkboxes for that. Then, you will have to read over all the job postings and bookmark those that you would like to apply for. Here, you will find potentially the biggest hurdle to your candidacy. A lot of jobs require that you speak the local language and in any case, knowing the language of the country you wish to work in, as well as English is a huge asset. If you know English and French, a number of countries, such as France and the UK, among others, are already fully open for you. If you wish to apply to countries like Spain or Italy, it will obviously be required in a number of positions that you speak either Spanish or Italian to a decent level. If you are willing to put in the work, you would definitely be helping your chances.
After you have found the jobs that are right for you and that you want to apply to, you have to first rewrite your resumé in the accepted format of the country you wish to work in. For example: In Germany, one hardly uses more than a few words for each experience/activity and includes a photo in their resumé. These things are not usually the norm in Canada or in other countries. Therefore it is important to google the accepted resumé format and structure it accordingly. Sometimes, it might be necessary to use the local language for your application and it is quite likely that there will be errors. However, one can find help right at home in Ottawa. Usually, there are a number of exchange students studying at Telfer at any given time, and one can meet them at the events hosted by Telfer International. They can help you with the structure of your résumé and correct any mistakes. The second step is to write a cover letter following the right format and tailored to the job. Again, it would be ideal if you were able to get the help of a local so that your cover letter is ready for the job.
Based on my (German) experience, it is usually also necessary to include proof that you graduated high school and that you’re currently enrolled as a university student. If the country you are applying to requires that you have your résumé written in another language, include your English resumé anyway because of the fact that a lot of the job postings clearly state that good English language skills are a huge asset.
Once you have all the required documents, go ahead and submit your application. I had to wait 1-2 weeks for responses from the companies, so it is necessary to be patient and not dwell on it. It is also important that you be prepared for a lot of rejections. A lot of the times, companies will prefer local candidates or have a host of other reasons for not taking you on. The main point here is that you will most likely not succeed immediately. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Staying persistent and not giving up is key. My personal interview to total job applications submitted ratio was about 1:20. Despite this, I never gave up and I got the chance to interview with Ernst and Young Germany. So remember, keep working hard and you will get the reward you deserve.
Interviews will depend on the position you are applying for, but based on my experience, my interview with EY was quite similar to interviews I had previously had in Canada.
Following the interview, I was notified that I had gotten the job that I had applied for (International Tax Reporting -Transfer Pricing) and I am going to be heading to Germany for my first co-op term in May 2019! I hope my experience was helpful and that it gives you the spark you need to start blazing your own trail in the world!
Foreign students in Canada do not always have an easy time building the foundations for a solid career. Indeed, international students face a number of obstacles when searching for work. This article deals with this subject and provides advice to all international students.
Lack of Canadian job experience
Private and public organizations are reluctant to trust international expertise and to hire applicants who lack work experience in Canada. Therefore, I recommend that international students get actively involved within the University, by volunteering, networking, taking part in work-study programs over the summer, in order to acquire precious Canadian job experience. Students don’t necessarily need to work in an office or in a prestigious position at first: the goal is to gain experience in any field. The skills they develop in any job can be transferred to other fields. In addition, Telfer’s Career Centre organizes many workshops and events, such as Telfer Connects and Telfer Networks, which are ideal for honing skills and finding tools that will help foreign students succeed.
International student status
Ottawa and Gatineau are government towns: since government is one of the area’s main employers, much of the job market is government-based. Unfortunately, international student status greatly limits access to certain positions in government and in private companies that have landed government contracts. I experienced this situation first hand when the CO-OP counsellor informed me that I would probably not be able to undertake a CO-OP placement in a government department, even though I am a permanent resident.
It’s all fine and well to network, meet people, get involved and succeed in your field, but some jobs will always be out of reach for those who are not Canadian citizens. When you’re told “You’re really competent, and we’d love to hire you, but unfortunately, you’re not a Canadian citizen”, you realize that being a foreign student is a real handicap and closes several doors.
Message to international students
Even so, the message I would like foreign students to take away from this article is that even if they don’t have a wide network in a host country, in this case Canada, they shouldn’t give up hope. Foreign students simply need to understand that they will have to work two or three times harder to reach their goals. This type of attitude can tip the scales and by knowing what to expect, students can prepare to face these challenges. I was once a foreign student and I know better than anyone what awaits us in Canada; even though I am now a permanent resident, there are still opportunities that are closed to me.
In closing, Canada is a beautiful country with more and more opportunities: a new Eldorado. The country’s growing immigrant population has increased diversity in Canada, creating an environment that is changing the attitudes and lifestyles of Canadians. Newcomers to Canada just need to work hard and keep hope alive. As is often say: there is light at the end of the tunnel.
LinkedIn has many features which allow users to access new and different information, and as a platform created on the basis of expanding user’s professional network, it is a great place to start your job search.
The following 3 tips will allow you to fully utilize your LinkedIn account during your job search.
1. Keep your profile updated and relevant
Many recruiters use LinkedIn as a tool for finding new applicants in the industry, and to do this they make searches based on key words, experiences, skills, and more. By keeping your profile up to date and featuring all relevant knowledge, experience and skills, you are making yourself more visible to the recruiters in your desired industry.
Keeping your profile updated also means that you can quickly and easily apply for jobs without worrying about outdated or missing information. Then when you find the perfect job with a quickly approaching application deadline, you are prepared and can apply within minutes.
2. Use the Job Search Function
This option is a great tool because it allows users to make their search as custom or as broad as they would like. Search for jobs on LinkedIn by clicking the "Jobs" tab, entering keywords and location. Then, you can further customize your search by using the advanced search option and to search by date posted, experience level, specific location, job function, company, and industry. You can then save your searches and receive email notifications when jobs are posted under your saved searches, so you never miss the perfect opportunity!
3. Use Company’s Profile Pages to Learn More and Find Jobs
Many companies have their own profile on LinkedIn which feature information about their mission and vision, recent news, updates, and more. You can also see many employees who work for the company, and a list of current jobs. This can be utilized during the job search in order to target specific companies you may be interested in and get notifications when they post new jobs.
Have you ever felt that your lack of job experience put you at a disadvantage? Well, you are definitely not alone! Many students have never held part-time or summer jobs and are in the exact same position.
If you think you lack experience – think again! Experience comes in many different forms, including working on a group project, playing on a sports team and volunteering in your community. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need job experience to get a great job.
Here’s how I got my first job in retail banking with zero job experience:
1. Get involved
The more you get involved in your school and your community, the more experience you will gain. Volunteering your time can help you build transferable skills, such as time management and teamwork, that are valuable in any role. In addition, participating in workshops and school events can help you develop your personal image and learn more about the industry that interests you.
Telfer has many clubs and organizations to choose from, including the Women in Management Network and the Telfer Accounting Club. While attending these events, you will meet many like-minded individuals, which brings me to my next point.
2. Network
Leveraging your network can help you land a job with no experience. In fact, 80% of all jobs are found through networking! You can use LinkedIn to find people who work at a certain company that you would like to work for. Try connecting with them to learn more about the culture of the organization and their experience working there. This will also help you gain an insider’s perspective and help you stand out when meeting an employer.
I did not apply for the job that I interviewed for: rather, I had met the manager previously and formed a connection with them. We met at a time when there were no available job openings. It was a few months later that I received a call from them, asking if I was still interested in the position. This highlights the importance of forming and maintaining connections.
3. Be Professional, Polite and Punctual
Employers do not expect students to have much (or any) experience, so don’t worry about not having a job experience section on your resume. However, employers do expect students to be ambitious, determined and keen to learn. Make sure to demonstrate those qualities when you first meet an employer during an event or at an interview. Be professional, polite and punctual. Do your research on the company and don’t be afraid to let the employer know that you came prepared.
By participating in over 30 workshops and events in my first year at Telfer, I was able to practice common interview questions, build my CV, and learn how to dress for interviews. Actually, my first-ever interview was during an activity that featured speed interviews with employers. The interviewers gave me lots of feedback that later helped me during my real interview. Practicing with a mock interviewer or having your CV reviewed (both services offered by the Telfer Career Centre) can help you put your best self forward and feel more confident.
Don’t forget that you have a lot to offer! Stay involved, continue to network and demonstrate your ambition – you will land a job in no time!
I’m not sure if any of you have experienced this, but a thought that has been on my mind since I’ve started thinking about life after university has been whether I want to work for the private or public sector. As someone who has experience in both sectors, I find it even harder to decide, but I have found many opportunities and advantages for both.
The first thing that comes to people’s minds when they hear “public sector” is the government. The fact that Ottawa has a large population of governmental employees definitely contributes to that thought. What I’ve noticed with my experience in the government is primarily how focused they are on recruiting students and incorporating a work-life balance element. With the baby-boomers retiring, it will be our generation that soon will be pulling the reins.
Governmental departments and agencies hire students, and they do this through FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program), internal pools, CO-OP or even word-of-mouth recruiting. I got my job through FSWEP. And yes, it did take a long time to hear back. So for those of you whose applications have been sent to managers and haven’t yet heard back from them, it takes time, so don’t be discouraged!
The government also collaborates with the YPN (Young Professional Network). This network offers many activities and networking opportunities for youths, which allows students working for the government to have exposure to not only other students, but to different employers as well. Furthermore, being a student and working for the government means there is a possibility for bridging, which essentially means that students can be integrated into positions after the completion of their educational program.
The private sector seems to be a popular choice for many, and I’ve often heard from others that depending on the company, there is more room for growth, particularly “career progression.” A lot of private companies are smaller in size, with sometimes no more than 40 employees, which contributes to the idea of faster growth and promotion. In my personal experience, I was able to see career progression put into action. Once my colleagues were comfortable with their job duties and performed successfully, they were given more responsibilities, and within a year, some were promoted.
Organizational culture is also a huge factor that I’ve seen emphasized in the private sector. It’s true that within the sector one will find many different companies, each with their own set of values and beliefs, which makes it easier to determine which one best resonates with you. Interestingly enough, many private sector companies have government departments and agencies as their clients, so there is a level of collaboration between them.
At the end of the day, the public and private sectors offer many things, some very similar, and some very different. It’s important to determine the factors YOU would value in your future job, and use these to guide you to your ideal job. If possible, try to get experience in both sectors. You can also get advice and suggestions from friends, family, career specialists, etc. about which sector to choose, but at the end of the day, nothing beats your own experience. Always be mindful that whether an opportunity you choose works out or not, you will always learn something from it.
I needed a job. That was the one thought that kept coming back to me during my second semester. My justification was that I wanted experience as well as some side cash. However, my main reason was that I was intrigued by the field of finance. I honestly did not know where to start.
There was one day when I did not have class and I decided to just scout out all the major banks within Ottawa. I dressed in professional attire (suit, dress shoes, and dress pants) and brought a folder containing all my one-page resumés I made in high school. So, I made my way across the city travelling to each bank in my suit.
I specifically remember that I would ask the customer service representative if they had any open internships or jobs, and they would just tell me to check their website. By the third bank, this was extremely frustrating to hear. Occasionally, they would accept my resumé, but I never heard back from them. After going to 9 different banking branches, I became tired and just walked back to my residence in defeat.
The next week, I decided to tackle this annoying situation from a different angle. I went to the Career Centre and had my resumé looked over by a few of the ambassadors there. They absolutely destroyed my resumé, but it was so rewarding because they made it so much better. I then sort of pivoted my previous strategy. Instead of physically travelling to these banks in a suit, I decided to call them. Customer service representatives were not helpful, and still told me to look at the webiste. I then realized that I could expand my web search paremeters to include more than just banks, such as “investment firms” and “wealth management companies.” I became more successful when I did this. A couple of people reached out to me, asking me to email them my resumé and then 2 months later, I started working at Exponent Investment Management as an Associate Developer Intern.
There are a couple of takeaways from this experience that I hope you will take note of and possibly implement in your life. The first is that you shouldn’t just apply to major corporations/banks, because they receive a myriad of applications so statistically speaking, you have a lower chance of being selected. Instead, try applying to a couple smaller sized firms or startups. Another takeaway is that you must put in the work.
As my friend always says when trying to find the love of his life, “it’s all a numbers game.” Your chances of landing an interview if you applied to 3 jobs are slimmer than if you applied to 50. So, how do you like them apples? ;)
Justin Abraham
2nd-Year Student |
How do you gain work experience that is relevant to your program of study? Applying for the CO-OP Program is a very common answer that I’ve heard from many people. However, if you were not admitted to the CO-OP Program for some reason, or you are still on the waiting list, do not worry! There are many routes that can lead to success. Besides the CO-OP Program, there are other programs and internship opportunities that allow you to gain relevant work experience during your studies.
Connexions Program
This program is open to students who have completed the common core courses in the first two years of their program. In previous years, students had the opportunity to work at organizations such as Export Development Canada (EDC), Investors Group, Welch Group Consulting, Canada Post Corporation, and many more. These internships offered by the participating organizations are unpaid.
Each work term is one semester-long (12 weeks). Students are required to work a minimum of seven hours per week. By completing the Connexions Program, students will receive 3 ADM units for one of the fourth-year ADM elective courses (ADM 4904). Students are allowed to complete the program a second time with a different organization as another ADM elective course (ADM 4905).
Work-study Program
The Work-study Program is open to all students who are taking at least three courses a semester. This program provides the opportunity for all students to work on-campus part time during the school year and full time during the summer. There is a variety of positions available across different faculties and services at the University of Ottawa such as customer service officer, assistant project officer, and junior information officer.
Telfer BCom Internship Program
This program is open to second- and third-year students who have completed the common core courses in the first two years of their program. Students will have the opportunity to gain work experience at different organizations such as the Department of National Defence (DND), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). These organizations offer paid internship opportunities.
The work terms are 8-month long and, depending on the employer, may be split over two summers. By successfully completing the Telfer BCom Internship Program, students will receive 3 ADM units for one of the fourth-year ADM elective courses (ADM 4903).
Job postings
If you still could not find a position that matches your interest, check out the job postings on the Career Centre website! There are current positions available for all business students posted all year long. But be sure you keep an eye on the application deadlines.
Telfer Connects was a huge success this year. More than 270 students and over 95 employers from 32 companies attended the event. As a third-year Telfer student, this year was my first time coming to the event as a student attendee and at the same time as an ambassador for the Career Centre. I got a chance to see the event from two different perspectives and would love to share my experience with you.
Last Year’s and This Year’s Format
Compared to last year, Telfer Connects has maintained its core structure and interesting additional elements. Students could meet several employers from different industries as well as have their LinkedIn photos taken and get feedback on how to improve their resumés on site by the Career Centre reviser. Even though Telfer Connects has been successfully run as one of the biggest networking events in the faculty, there were some changes implemented to improve the event. This year Telfer Connects’ format was organized in a new way with some additional features. In the room, all the employers had cocktail tables with their company’s names instead of big booths. There was a map at the front of the entrance that showed where each of the employers were standing. This change helped with the flow of students and created a more relaxed atmosphere in the room. Students were less stressed about networking with the employers and could take breaks outside on the couches whenever they wanted.
An Ambassador's Perspective
I came to Telfer Connects an hour after the event started to help out with the event as an ambassador. By the time I arrived, DMS 4101 was full of students and employers. The Career Centre staff and the ambassadors were helping everyone to get their name tags and direct them to the room to start networking. I was welcoming students and assisting them with questions regarding where certain employers were in the room. Every student that approached me seemed to have previous experience in networking. I asked a few of them if they networked prior to that day. Most of them told me that they had attended Telfer Networks during their 1st and 2nd years, which helped them to become more familiar with how to approach the employers at this type of event. Overall, students were well dressed and looked confident. Some of them brought their resumés and were ready to get employer contacts. One of the employers shared with me how he was impressed by how Telfer students present themselves professionally and are able to have interesting conversations.
A Student's Perspective
After my shift, I had some time to network with the employers myself. Even though the room seemed to be crowded, I did not have to stand in a long line to talk to company representatives. I think the fact that every company had at least two representatives helped a lot to meet student demand. It was easy to talk to the employers from the companies I was interested in. I talked with CLV Group, EY, RCGT, BMO and TD Bank, and I asked them all my questions regarding their experiences in their companies and touched on some topics non-related to the companies or jobs. They all were more than willing to share their insights with me and exchange contact information. Of course, at the end of the event I went to get my free LinkedIn photo, which took me 5 minutes.
Overall, Telfer Connects has been improving according to previous year attendees and my personal experience. I like how the Telfer Career Centre is always looking for new ways to innovate the event and offer students and employers an amazing platform to connect. I am excited to see what Telfer Connects will have to offer next year to students and employers.
Are you applying for jobs and having a hard time writing your cover letter? You are not alone. Many students, myself included, find that cover letters can be very tricky to write.
While resumés help present your skills and qualifications, cover letters let you introduce yourself and your intentions when you apply to the company. Even though many students think that their resumés are more important and do not pay enough attention to their cover letters, only a good cover letter can let you stand out from the crowd. Therefore, it is important to start paying more attention to your cover letter now. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Personalize
Your cover letter should be tailored to the position you’re applying for. Most employers want to see why you want to work for their companies and why you are a good fit. They can easily recognize when you use the same template for all of your cover letters.
It is also important that you find out the actual name of the hiring manager to address properly in the cover letter. (Hint: usually listed within the job posting, on the company’s website or LinkedIn) In the case where you could not find a specific person to address to, use a generic salutation.
Do not repeat your resumé
Your cover letter should not repeat your resumé word for word. Since you can write in full sentences, expand on the points that you’ve mentioned briefly in your resumé. Show employers what you have done in the past, and what you can bring to the position. (Show, don’t tell)
Make it ‘short and sweet’
Anything that you’ve mentioned in your cover letter should be relevant to the job posting. Keep your writing concise and interesting. A good length would be three quarters to a page long. Remember: less is more.
Proofraed
Are you thinking that the word ‘proofread’ is misspelled? Yes, yes it is. So make sure you proofread your cover letter for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A simple misspelling, formatting issue or typo can make a bad impression on the person reading your letter.
Are you still unsure about your cover letter before submitting? Book an appointment for a cover letter critique with an advisor at the Career Centre (DMS 1100).