10. Opening - Key Takeaways
o Expresses keen and genuine interest and/or passion for
position
o Makes a clear expression of the skills/experience matching
the job description
o Genuine and unique primary and secondary research
indicating interest in company (Make sure the research you show
is tied to your interests)
o Name drop where applicable
o Be unique!
11. Opening – The Hook
The most important lesson I’ve learned from years of marathon
training is that results are directly linked to effort put in. This is
an attitude that has led me to Boston-qualifying marathon times,
achievement on the UBC rowing crew, winning finishes at triathlons,
and placement on the Dean’s Honour Roll. Accounting works
much the same; the only path to excellence is through hard work
and persistence. This attitude of persistence and teamwork has
carried me through my previous challenging work experiences and is
one that I have found aligns with PwC’s core values of
excellence, teamwork, and leadership. Some of my applicable skills
gained from those previous positions include:
12. Opening – The Hook
How fast can you change four tires? One hour? Ten minutes? A few years
ago I witnessed a Formula One team do it in 2.7 seconds. They said
a perfect run would be just one second. In everything that I do I strive to
reach that one second – that perfect test score, that perfect
presentation, that perfect career. After speaking with Jake Woodson, a
recent hire, Dion Chen, and other industry professionals, I know that
my personality and passion lies in sales and trading. Through my
unique athletic background and passion, I will provide competitiveness
and drive that will set a benchmark for future interns. I cannot wait to sit
on a trading floor, execute trades, and engage in research while receiving
mentorship from the most world-renowned investment bank. A career
with Goldman Sachs is my one second and this is how I will help
Goldman reach its own one second ideal:
15. Skills Matching
Skills – from job descriptions & skills matrix
Experience – best, relevant experiences
Edu-action – how you’ll leverage your BCom
Matching qualifications – any other qualifications
If it doesn’t belong, don’t include it!
18. Skills Matching - Takeaways
o Use STARL to your advantage – Action and Link!
o Each line proves you have the necessary skills & aptitudes to
perform on the job
o Always link to the company/position if not obvious
o Use skills that you discovered in your Job Posting Analysis
worksheets
20. Closing
“Thank you for looking at my application. I hope that I
have shown you that my interpersonal skills, my
leadership skills, and my ability to perform on a team
make me a perfect fit for ABC position. Thank you
very much and I hope to hear from you soon.”
21. Closing
“Thank you for looking at my application. I hope that I
have shown you that my interpersonal skills, my
leadership skills, and my ability to perform on a team
make me a perfect fit for ABC position. Thank you
very much and I hope to hear from you soon.”
22. Tips for a Strong Closing
Make a good final impression!
o Show your passion
o Restate skills with a different wording; tie to previous
examples/stories (especially if you have a unique hook)
o Give genuine thanks
o Leave a call to action (“I would love the chance to meet with
you and further discuss my interest and fit for…”)
23. Tips for a Strong Closing
o Address the elephant in the room
o Bad grades
o Relocation
o Year of Study
While I understand that my academic record may not be as competitive as other applicants, I firmly believe
that the time I dedicated to varsity athletics developed my skills as a dynamic team player beyond that of
my peers. As a firm that values inspiring and leading others as the defining characteristics of leadership in
business, I sincerely hope that you will view my unique experience and skillset as a valuable asset to your
firm. Thank you for your time and consideration of me as a prospective summer associate for PwC
Calgary in 2014. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
25. Branding – Key Takeaways
o Consistent throughout Cover Letter
o Fits with the company’s values and your own
o Makes a good impression
o Utilizes the Research Assignment
What do you
know about us?
26. Integration – Key Takeaways
o CL & Resume use SAME formatting
o Helps you stand out!
o CL reflects & expands on resume
o Be mindful of spacing
28. Formatting - Address Line
Date
Contact Name
Their Title
Company
Address
City, Province Postal Code
Re: Position Title
Dear Mr. / Ms. Their Last Name OR Hiring
Manager
[Opening Paragraph]
These spaces
are important
If unknown,
this can be
omitted
AVOID:
“To Whom it May
Concern”
“Dear Sir or Madam”
Country is typically
unnecessary unless
applying outside of
Canada
No indented paragraphs in
a business letter
30. Formatting – Sign off
Sincerely,
Your Name
BCom Candidate 20XX
Sauder School of Business
Attached: Resume
Regards,
Best,
Written signature
optional (provide
more space if
including)
Attached: Resume, Transcript
Use “Enclosed: …” only if
sending application by mail
BCom BTM Co-op Candidate
2016
These spaces
are important
32. Can. Want. Fit.
CAN you do
the job?
Do you
WANT
the job?
Are you
the right
FIT?
33. Action Items
Skills Matrix due February 12th @ TurnItIn
2 Hard copies of Cover Letter Draft
due next Tutorial! (also bring the job posting)
Job Posting Research Assignment
+ Think Like an Employer + Your Chosen
Job Posting due on TurnItIn @ Sunday
Sign up for office hours on COOL
