This document provides an overview of a tutorial on cover letters for a COMM 202 class. It includes an agenda that discusses why cover letters are important, the differences between resumes and cover letters, key elements of an effective cover letter like formatting, branding, opening, skills matching, and closing. Examples of cover letter components are provided and best practices are outlined, such as using the STAR method and linking experiences to the specific job. Students are reminded of assignment due dates and encouraged to sign up for workshops. The lesson closes by emphasizing being present.

1. Welcome to COMM 202
T26 & T33
Tutorial 3
Week 5: Cover Letters
Austin Smith
Disconnect from technology please

2. Breathing Exercise

3. Through it all, we
attempt to bring
balance to the present
moment,
understanding that in
patience lies wisdom,
knowing that what will
come next will be
determined in large
measure by how we
are now.”
Jon Kabatt-Zinn
Opening Lesson

4. StrengthsQuest
Skills Matrix
Job Research
Cover Letter
Resume
Interviews
Where are we at?

5. Today’s Key Learning's
Agenda
Cover Letters
Activity
Action Items

6. Cover Letters

7. Why?
1. SHOWS YOUR INTENTIONS & INTERESTS IN THE JOB
 SHOWS SINCERITY AND RESEARCH
2. DEMONSTRATES ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE & WRITE PROFESSIONA
3. OPPORTUNITY TO ELABORATE ON YOUR EXPERIENCES
 DRAWN FROM YOUR SKILLS MATRIX
4. LET’S YOU SHOW A LITTLE
PERSONALITY!

8. Resume vs. Cover Letter
What’s the difference?

9. Resume is about YOU
Cover Letter is about THEM

10. 6 Elements of Cover Letter
FORMATTING & INTEGRATION
BRANDING TO COMPANY
OPENING
SKILLS MATCH
CLOSING

11. Dear ,
My name is , and
I applying to .
Opening

12. Dear ,
My name is , and
I applying to .
Opening

13. Opening Take-Aways
 Expresses keen and genuine interest and/or passion for position
 Makes a clear expression of the skills/experience matching the job
description
 Genuine and unique primary and secondary research indicating interest in
company (Make sure the research you show is tied to your interest)
 Name Drop (where applicable)
 Be unique!

14. You need a hook!

15. Another Example

16. Another Example
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:

17. Your turn!

19. Skills Matching

20. Skills Matching
 Skills
 From job descriptions & skills matrix
 Experience
 Best relevant experiences
 Education
 How you’ll leverage your BCom
 Matching Qualifications
 Any other qualifications
If it doesn’t belong, don’t include it!

21. Skills Matching – Bullet Point Style

22. Skills Matching – Paragraph Style

23. Skills Matching Takeaways?
 Use STARL to your advantage – Action and Link!
 Each line proves you have the necessary skills &
aptitudes to perform on the job
 Always link to the company/position if not obvious
 Use skills listed in the job description
 Sometimes, don’t be afraid to take risks

24. 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.”

25. Closing – My Example
What could I have done better?

26. What to add in your closing?
 Make a good final impression
 Show your passion
 Restate skills with a different wording
 Give genuine thanks
 Leave a call to action
 Tie to previous examples/stories

27. What to add in your closing?
Address the elephant in the room
 Bad Grades
 Relocation

28. Closing Examples

29. Closing Examples
 Make a good final impression
 Show your passion
 Restate skills with a different wording
 Give genuine thanks
 Leave a call to action
 Tie to previous examples/stories

30. Branding?
 Consistent throughout the
Cover Letter
 Fits with the company’s
values & yours
 Good impression
 Use Research Assignment

31. Integration?
 CL & Resume use SAME
formatting
 Stand Out!
 CL reflects & expands on
resume
 Be mindful of spacing

32. Cover Letter Formatting (Address)
Date
Contact Name
Their Title
Company
Address
City, Province Postal Code
Re: Position Title
Dear Mr. / Ms. Their Last Name OR Hiring
Manager
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

33. Example - Address

34. Cover Letter 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 Candidate 2016
These spaces
are important

35. Example - Closing

36. CAN you do
the job?
Do you
WANT
the job?
Are you
the right
FIT?
CAN. WANT. FIT

37. BCC News 202 Reminders
 Skills Matrix due
Friday, February
12h on Turnitin at 2
PM!
 Job Posting
Research
Assignment due
Sunday (February
7th) via Turnitin
 Sign up for Office
Hours!
 Tutorial next week!
 Sign up for
Workshops to get
your 3% bonus!
 Telus and Best Buy
Trek Programs

38. Closing Lesson
“Through it all, we attempt to
bring balance to the present
moment, understanding that in
patience lies wisdom, knowing
that what will come next will
be determined in large
measure by how we are now.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn

39. Be present