9. • Express a genuine interest or passion for the
position
• Clearly expresses the skills/experiences
matching the job description
• Utilizes unique primary and secondary research
in the company (Make sure research shown is
tied to your interest)
Opening Takeaways
10. 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
How tomake it better: The Hook
11. 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
15. Skills Matching
Skills From Job Description, Job Research
Assignment, & Skills Matrix
Experience Your best relevant experiences
Education How you will leverage your BCom
Matching Qualifications Any other
qualifications
16. Skills Matching Takeaways
• Use STAR(L) to your advantage – Focus on Action and Link
• Each line proves you have the necessary skills & aptitudes to
perform the job
• Always create a link to the job/experience if not obvious
• Use skills listed in the job posting or implicit to the
responsibilities
18. 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.”
19. Closing Takeaways
• Make a good final impression
• Show your passion again
• Restate skills in a different way than originally
worded
• Give genuine thanks
• Leave a call-to-action
• Tie to previous examples or stories throughout the
letter
20. Closing Takeaways
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,
Address the Elephant in the room…
• Bad Grades
• Relocation
22. Branding Takeaways
• Consistent throughout Cover Letter
• Fits with the company’s values and your own
• Makes a good impression
• Utilizes the Research Assignment
23. Branding Takeaways
• Consistent throughout Cover Letter
• Fits with the company’s values and your own
• Makes a good impression
• Utilizes the Research Assignment
27. • Left Aligned
• No INDENTS on paragraphs
• Bullet Points vs. Paragraphs
• 2-3 Relevant Skills!
Formatting
28. Addressing the CL
Date
Contact Name
Their Title
Company
Address
City, Province Postal Code
Re: Position Title
Dear Mr. / Ms. Their Last Name
OR Hiring Manager
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
29. Sincerely,
Full Name
Bcom Candidate 20XX
Sauder School of Business
Enclosed/Attached: Resume
Bottom Formatting
These spaces
are important!
Other Options:
Best, Regards
Co-op Students:
BCom BTM Co-op Candidate
2016
Written Signature is
OPTIONAL
Attached: Resume, Transcript
Use “Enclosed: …” only if sending
application by mail
30. Can I do the
job?
Do I want the
job
Am I the right
31. Resume E-module & Quiz due
before next Tutorial
Sign up for Office Hours!
Job Posting Research
Assignment due Sunday
Submit to Turnitin
Skills Matrix due February 12th
Submit to Turnitin
- Week6 -
ACTION ITEMS
