Facilitator Check List COVER LETTER WORKSHOP Facilitator Notes: The facilitator checklist is provided for you to make sure you have all items for the presentation. Facilitator Check List 1

CHECK IN Introductions of group members Individual and group goals for the workshop Ice Breaker Facilitator Notes: Introductions can include name, job positions the individuals are interested in Goals: Each member identifies what they want to learn/accomplish in the workshop and shares with the group. Facilitator writes this down in the “Parking Lot” on the board or flip chart. Definition of Parking Lot: Ideas and topics are written either on a flip chart or white board by the facilitator and are addressed during the presentation. This allows the group to stay focused and discuss the goals they have set as a group or on a one to one basis. At the end of the presentation return to the “Parking Lot” and review and discuss as a group if the presentation was successful and if their goals were met.

Cover Letter Word Search ICE BREAKER!!! Ice Breaker Definition: An icebreaker is a short, effective exercise to engage a group. It may be chosen for its message or so members can learn something new about each other. It also can help to nudge "immovable" participants and improve the atmosphere of the group. For example, during introductions, the facilitator might ask each member to share their name, something they like to do in their spare time or what job there interested in. Cover letter word search: Click on the above link and it will take you to the activity. Divide participants into groups and had them the word search. Ask them to complete the sheet and the group that finishes first is given a prize. The Little known fact: Ask participants to share their name, where they live and one little known fact about themselves. You can also adapt this game by asking the group to something true or a lie about themselves and the group must guess if it’s true or not. The training game link is a website that offers other group icebreakers for you to use. Other links: www.wilderdom.com and www.group-games.com Cover Letter Word Search Training Games

OBJECTIVE To provide the skills and tools for creating and preparing your own cover letter.

AGENDA What is a cover letter? What is the purpose of a cover letter. Contents of a cover letter? Why researching the company is so important. Customizing your cover letter. Key Concepts: Focus on how participants will successfully complete their cover letter worksheet by the end of the session. Highlight that they will leave with enough concrete information to get started working on there cover letter.

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER? Options: Group Discussion Ask the group if they know what a cover letter is and what its used for. Ask the group why the employer may want a cover letter included with there application package. Write there answers on the board. Give a prize to who gets the answer right or who comes the closest to the answer. Potential answers Introduction to employers in your own voice (not in point form).

Cover Letter Worksheet Cover Letter Checklist A cover letter is a formal introduction to your resume and accompanies it when applying for a job. Facilitator Notes: Click on the link to show the group what a cover letter looks like. Introduce the group to the cover letter worksheets and click on the link on the left hand side to show the participants a cover letter example. Cover Letter Worksheet Cover Letter Checklist Cover Letter Example

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER? Facilitator notes: Ask the group what they think is the purpose of a cover letter? Write the participants answers on the board Discussion Helper/Potential answers to the question To allow employer to hear who you are and what you have to offer in your own voice. (Sentences rather than point form) To target your application package To show your interest and fit for that position/company Sets you apart from the pack of applicants Shows your communication skills and style ( written) Show cases your research skills by what you reference/answer the ads

Presents your interest, qualifications, and availability to the employer Its YOUR chance to make a good first impression Facilitator notes: Talk to the group about the importance of making a first impression and presenting there interest and qualifications in the position. Discussion: What are first impressions when writing a cover letter? The layout Correct spelling The presentation of the package Grammar Your qualifications Researching the company Addressing the letter Activity: Do’s and Don'ts when writing cover letters Card game.

Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources ACTIVITY BREAK Optional Activity: Do’s and Don’ts Participants are put into groups of 2-4 (example) and given a set of cards. participants are asked to put the cards in piles under DO’S and DON’TS. Once the task is completed discuss as a group why they picked them. Explain the importance of what to include and not include in a cover letter. This activity is used to stress the importance of First impressions when writing a cover letter and how it may come across to a future employer. Do’s and Don’ts Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

A good cover letter will prompt an employer to look at your credentials. i.e., your resume A bad cover letter or no cover letter is enough to cause an employer to move on to the next applicant.

TYPES OF COVER LETTERS Facilitator Notes: Talk to the group about the different types of cover letters and the importance of understanding the differences between the 3 types. Show participants the 3 types of letters by clicking on the link in the right hand corner or include as a handout. Letter of Application Cover Letter Inquiry T-Zone Cover Letter

CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER Headings Salutation/Greeting Opening paragraph Middle paragraph Closing paragraph Yours Truly/Sincerely Signature and enclosure Options: Ask participants what they think should be included in the sections of a cover letter? Brainstorm with participants and write on board. Activity:

TARGETTING YOUR COVER LETTER Tell the employer why you would be valuable to the company, how you can deliver results. Back up your skills with accomplishment statements relating to the position and company’s goals from your past experiences. Facilitator notes: Discussion: Ask the participants if they have ever found it really hard or have struggled writing a cover letter for a job? Ask them if they have ever thought about the position they are applying for and have them think “ is this position really a good match for me?” Ask the question “ why am I struggling.” Stop, Rest, and Asses the situation and the position you are applying for. Think of that “GUT CHECK MOMENT” 14

TARGETTING YOUR COVER LETTER Address the letter to a specific reader Include your objective, accomplishments, and your interest in the position. This shows you took the time to read and learn about the position. Facilitator notes: Discussion: Ask the participants if they have ever found it really hard or have struggled writing a cover letter for a job? Ask them if they have ever thought about the position they are applying for and have them think “ is this really position a good match for me?” Ask the question “ why am I struggling.” Stop, Rest, and Asses the situation and the position you are applying for. Think of that “GUT CHECK MOMENT”

ACTIVITY BREAK Optional activities: Review Game: Read out parts of a cover letter and have the participants ring a bell when they know the answer. Give each participant a card when they answer correctly. Once they have 3 cards they can pick a prize. Cover Letter Building Cards Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

HEADINGS Your Heading Name Address City, Province, Postal Code Phone number Date Companies Heading Name of Employer Title of Employer Name of Organization Address City, Province, Postal Code Facilitator notes: Have participants fill in there headings on there worksheets. Click on the link in the right hand corner to show examples of matching resume, cover letter and reference sheets. Talk about the importance of branding the cover letter to match the rest of the application package. Cover Letter Examples of Branding

SALUTATIONS/GREETING Preferred Salutations Dear Mr. Dear Mrs. Dear Ms. Dear Dr. Dear Sir or Madam Alternate Salutations Attention: Personal Manager Attention: Name of Organization Representative Facilitator notes: Ask the participants what they think are appropriate salutations to use in a cover letter. Brainstorm as a group and write on the board. Discuss why not to use “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN” Its too generic Doesn’t show your keen interest or you ability to research the contact person Discuss HOW to get the contact person Phone Internet search Reverse phone number Yellow Pages Do not use “To Whom It May Concern” Cover Letter

COVER LETTER OPENING The position you are applying for and the competition number if given Where you saw the posting. Include name and date of publication If you were referred for the position, give the name of that person Express your interest for the position Facilitator notes: Ask the group what they think should be included in the opening paragraph. Brainstorm as a group and write on the board. ACTIVITY: Show examples of different opening paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not. DISCUSSION: the opening paragraph should only be one Speak to the process of the opening State it is always the hardest part but you want to create a “HOOK” to peak the readers interest

OPENING EXAMPLE Please accept my resume in response to the posting for the position of Cashier with ABC Company located in the Vancouver Sun on February 1, 2009. Having been a long time customer of ABC Company and knowing your products and services are ones I can proudly stand behind, I was excited at the prospect of joining your team. As you will see my experience and qualifications are a perfect fit for the position. 20

OPENING EXAMPLE Our Mutual friend, Mr. John Marley suggested I contact you to inquire about possible openings in ABC Company for a Front Line Manager position, as he thought strongly that my experience and qualifications would be an excellent fit for your organization. Cover Letter

COVER LETTER BODY Why you are suited for the job How your skills and qualifications match the specific job requirements listed in the add Include related experience, training, and attributes Try to list at least 2 examples Facilitator notes: Ask the group what they think should be included in the body paragraph. Brainstorm as a group and write on the board. Show examples of different body paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not. DISCUSSION: Could be more than one paragraph, depending on the position Examples: Front line customer service-keep it short. Management, supervisor, director, etc may be longer.

RESEARCH THE COMPANY What makes that company/organization Why are they there? Hiring trends/employment needs The companies history Desired qualifications and skills General job information Facilitator Notes: Ask the participants why they think its important to research the company. Ask participants what type of things they should be looking for when researching the company? DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY How do you research a company? Take participants through an example of researching a company: Look at their website, find their mission statement, Find their career section and read the job postings. Click on the link in the right hand corner to link to Google and search the web for employers that your clients may be interested in applying for. Example of sites: Safeway RBC PCRS Earls McDonalds Red Robin Starbucks Walmart http://www.google.com

BODY CONTINUE TELL THE READER: What makes you well suited to the job or company How your values, work ethic, skills align with the mission, vision and values of the organization. Talk about why you are the right type of person for this job/team or company Clearly explain how you are the missing piece in their employee puzzle. Focus on the EMPLOYER Facilitator notes: Refer to the slide of researching the company and the importance of understanding what the employer is looking for.

BODY EXAMPLE I am confident that my experience along with my educational background and commitment to professional excellence will enable me to serve both you and your clients/customers well. Facilitator notes:

BODY EXAMPLE I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I am a reliable, and energetic individual who enjoys interacting with others. I take pride in building strong customer relationships, and I am client focused. I have been recognized as being honest, responsible, and self motivated. I enjoy working in a fast paced environment and thrive on contributing to a team. I am confident that my positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, and honesty will fulfill the requirements of this position. Facilitator notes: Cover Letter 26

CLOSING PARAGRAPH Restate your interest in the position and mention how you will be an asset to the company State your interest in meeting with the employer for an interview to discuss your skills and passion in person List your contact information and when you can be reached to book your interview Include your home phone number, cell number and or email address. Include an action/next step informing the employer you will be in contact with them. Facilitator notes: Ask the group what they think should be included in the closing paragraph. Brainstorm as a group and write on the board. Activity: Show or read out loud examples of different closing paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not.

EXAMPLES I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent references upon request. I can b e reached at 604-555-5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration. I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment opportunity. You can contact me at 604-555-5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail.com.

CLOSING PARAGRAPHS Best Better OK I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment opportunity. You can contact me at 604-555-5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail.com I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent references upon request. I can be reached at 604-555-5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail.com. I will follow up with a phone call next week to discuss things further. Best Better OK I look forward to hearing from you soon and having the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for the position Cover Letter

COMMPLEMTARY CLOSINGS Yours Truly Sincerely Respectfully

Yours Truly, B Barista Barbara Barista Enclosure: Resume EXAMPLES Yours Truly, B Barista Barbara Barista Enclosure: Resume Sincerely, B Barista Barbara Barista Enclosure: Resume Cover Letter

FINAL THOUGHTS Know and understand what the employer is looking for in their applicants Research the company, visit there website, know there mission statement Speak to current employees, if possible

Any Questions???

CHECK OUT Closing Activity Feedback Forms Resource Packages THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! Notes: Facilitator is to address the personal goals in the parking lot Did the participants succeed? Are there any questions left unanswered? Provide participants with feedback forms to fill out Pass out packages Check out activities: Toy Story Using Lego's, Tinker Toys, clay, log cabins, etc., have each person or small group build a model of the main concept that they have just been presented. After a given time period, have each person or team present their model to the group. They should describe how their model relates to their work or the subject being taught. Encourage creativity! Ball-Toss This is a semi-review and wake-up exercise when covering material that requires heavy concentration. Have everyone stand up and form a resemblance of a circle. It does not have to be perfect, but they should all be facing in, looking at each other. Toss a nerf ball or bean bag to a person and have tell what they thought was the most important learning concept was. They then toss the ball to someone and that person explains what they though was the most important concept. Continue the exercise until everyone has caught the ball at least once and explained an important concept of the material just covered. Process Ball This is similar to the above exercise, but each person tells one step of a process or concept when the ball is tossed to them. The instructor or learner, in turn, writes it on a chalkboard or flip chart. For example, after covering "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs," you would start the ball toss by having everyone give one step in the pyramid of needs, e.g. Safety, Physiological, Esteem, etc