Cover letters
You should always include a cover letter with your résumé, explaining why you are sending it and how you learned about the position or the organization.
To convince the reader to look at your résumé:
- Call attention to relevant elements of your background.
- Showcase your communication skills.
- Ensure that your letter reflects your attitude, motivation and enthusiasm.
- Provide any information specifically requested in the job posting or advertisement.
A well-constructed cover letter might consist of three paragraphs.
In the opening paragraph:
- State why you are writing and specify the position for which you are applying.
In the middle paragraph:
- Relate your skills, interests, knowledge and abilities to the needs of the employer.
- Point out relevant training, education and previous employment.
- Highlight extra-curricular and volunteer experience.
- Try to convince the employer of your ability, suitability and interest.
In the closing paragraph:
- Use an appropriate closing to pave the way for an interview.
Sample Cover letter
Types of Resumes
There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume.
Chronological Resume:
A chronological resume is the most common style, emphasizing job titles and employers, and describing duties and accomplishments in detail. It is organized by job title, with the most recent position listed first. It is the most effective type of resume if you have continuous work experience and a logical job history, and are staying in the same industry or occupational area.
Functional Resume:
A functional resume focuses on major skills and accomplishments rather than outlining work history in detail. It highlights primary skill areas and accomplishments achieved through paid or volunteer experience, and it can be used to minimize the significance of employment gaps. It is also a good choice if you are trying to enter a new field or make a career change.
Combination Resume:
A combination resume uses the best features of both to create a format that highlights your skills and abilities, while still providing a summary of your employment history. This is a good choice for most job-seekers, since it allows a prospective employer to quickly see the highlights of your experience before reading the more detailed information in the work history section.
Targeted Resume:
A targeted resume is a resume that is customized so that it specifically highlights the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It definitely takes more work to write a targeted resume than to just click to apply with your existing resume. However, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.
Mini Resume:
A mini resume contains a brief summary of your career highlights qualifications. It can be used for networking purposes or shared upon request from a prospective employer or reference writer who may want an overview of your accomplishments, rather than a full length resume.
Resume checklist
Resume Tips:
A resume should be short, easy to read and well organized. It should also be typed and look presentable.
Short usually means one or two pages. It may be appropriate to create a longer resume in some cases. Employers are more likely to read a short and to the point resume.
Easy to Read refers to the content of your resume. The vocabulary you use is very important so that your message is clear and concise.
- Be precise - use specific and accurate words to describe your skills and abilities.
- Be concise - only relevant information is required.
- Avoid big words.
- To make for easy reading use short sentences or point form.
Well organized refers to the format and layout of your resume.
- Organize information under headings.
- Underline headings or type them in bold print so they stand out.
- Use the same format throughout the entire document. For example if you list information on your present job in point form, don't switch to sentences or paragraphs when describing previous jobs.
Attractive refers to the overall appearance of the resume. There are a number of ways you can make your resume attractive.
- Type it in black ink on 8 1/2" by 11" white paper.
- Leave plenty of white space, not crowding your information.
- Leave a one inch margin on all sides.
- Make clear, clean copies.
Interview preparation
Preparation for a job interview is vital. You want to appear confident and capable, and you cannot do that if you are caught off guard by questions you were not expecting. Of course, you cannot anticipate everything the interviewer might ask you, but you can cover the basics.
- If the interview is arranged over the phone, ask what type of interview is planned so that you can better prepare yourself. If you are required to give a presentation, be sure you completely understand what will be expected of you.
- Assess your strengths and determine how you can relate them to SaskTel’s needs and the future success of the company.
- Review your experience and accomplishments, both paid and unpaid, as they relate to the position. We will ask you to recall specific past experiences that can be drawn from all aspects of your life including work, school, your time on a sports team, or volunteer activities.
- Prepare a list of what you do, your strengths, and a summary of your career history (focus on job skills and accomplishments that relate to the position for which you are being interviewed for).
- ReEndecaUI SaskTel and the position. Information about SaskTel is readily available on our website (sasktel.com) and we suggest reviewing the job description in detail to determine the qualities that we are looking for.
- Prepare a list of questions that you can ask about the position — a few well-thought out questions will help to convince the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the organization and in the position. For example,
- I understand that the company is planning to expand. How would that affect this position?
- If I'm selected for this position, what would the immediate priorities be?
- Rehearse verbally and visually your responses to questions that are likely to be asked.
- Prepare extra copies of your résumé to take to the interview.
- Prepare a list of recent supervisory references to leave with the interviewer.
- Make sure you know exactly where you need to go for the interview, and check ahead of time for parking availability, bus schedules, or anything else that could cause you to be late.
- Be on time for your interview, dress appropriately, and avoid wearing perfumes and colognes (as many people have allergies).
During the Interview
The interview is the last phase in the hiring process and obtaining one is an achievement in itself. However, now you must prove to the interviewer in a face-to-face meeting that you have the credentials, personality, experience, and creativity to meet the challenges of the job. Here are some tips on preparing for the interview that can help you to succeed:
- Begin with a firm handshake - First impressions are difficult to break, so display a confident and friendly attitude from the first moment the interviewer appears. Shake the interviewer’s hand in a friendly greeting and let the person guide you into the office where the meeting will take place.
- Maintain eye contact - It is normal for your eyes to wander when you are thinking about an answer to a difficult question; however, it is expected that you will maintain eye contact with the interviewer when you are speaking or when he or she is asking you a question. When being interviewed by more than one person, maintain eye contact with the person who asks you a question. When you have finished your answer, you can then look at the other interviewers to get some non-verbal or verbal feedback.
- Keep answers short and to the point – Avoid providing multiple responses to a question. When asked a question, answer the question directly, add specific detail or an example, and then end your answer. If the interviewer would like more information, he or she will ask for it.
- Sell yourself without being immodest - Do not hesitate to describe your skills and your achievements. Add anecdotes or "stories" about past experiences to illustrate your points. You need to do so if you are to convince the interviewer of your strengths. However, it is expected that you will discuss your abilities and knowledge in a factual and objective manner.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude - Avoid making negative comments about previous employers or about the occupation. When asked about your liabilities, present one or two points sincerely and in such a way as they can be viewed as areas of potential strength.
- Know the contents of your résumé - The interviewer will refer to your résumé and will have prepared some questions based on the experiences and education that you have described on paper. Therefore, know the contents of your résumé well so that you can summarize points, provide chronological accounts, and answer questions that are asked.
- Ask questions and next steps – At the end of the interview there will likely have an opportunity to ask questions. This may be your only opportunity to get information you will need to make a decision if you are offered the job, so take advantage of it. Ask the interviewer for any information that hasn't already been provided about:
- benefits
- hours of work
- vacation
- training and development opportunities
- opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
- job duties (what does a typical day look like?)
In closing, it is always a good idea to ask about the next step in the process and be sure to thank the interviewers for their time.
Sample Interview Questions
Events
Whether you are a recent graduate seeking your first position or an experienced professional in search of a new opportunity, attending job fairs or career related events is one way to network and find job leads. Come out and talk to a SaskTel representative at any of the upcoming career events.
DATE |
EVENT |
LOCATION |
TIME |
March 19 |
Inbound Sales Call Centre Open House – Anyone that is interested in working for SaskTel’s Call Centre is encouraged to stop by to learn about the available positions |
2133 1st Ave, Regina, SK |
4:00 PM - 7:00PM |
March 21 |
myRobot Rumble |
SIAST – Kelsey Campus
Saskatoon, SK |
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM |
April 3 -4 |
The National Job Fair & Training Expo |
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Toronto, ON |
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
April 5 |
In-class Presentation |
George Brown College
Toronto, ON |
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST |
April 5 |
In-class Presentation |
Humber College
Toronto, ON |
4:30 - 5:30 PM EST |
April 8 |
Neil Squire Job Fair for People with Disabilities |
Centre of Kinesiology, University of Regina
Regina, SK |
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
April 10 |
Pasqua First Nation Career Fair |
Regina Performing Arts Centre
Regina, SK |
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
April 29 - May 1 |
Inclusion Works ‘13 |
TCU Place
Saskatoon, SK |
All Day |
May 8 |
Stepping Stones Career Fair |
Credit Union Eventplex
Regina, SK |
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
