Want to include a Cover Letter on that job application?
Here's a step-by-step guide of how to complete a cover letter. Also, what it should and shouldn't entail.
Thread.
A cover letter should be a single page letter that you include with your job application. Thing is, you can always include one, unless the job advertisement clearly says you shouldn't.
Always remember to keep it short because it should be a summary and not your autobiography.
1. Follow The Rules of Formal Business Letters:
Your cover letter should include:
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- The date of the letter
- The name of the hiring manager and their title
- The name of the company you are applying to as well
2. Introduce yourself and the purpose of your letter. It can be as simple as:
Dear. Ms. Amaka,
I am writing to apply for the position of Twitter Manager for XYZ as advertised on your LinkedIn page. I have X years of experience and believe my skills & experience are a good fit.
3. Review the Job Responsibilities & Qualification:
Truth is, most important requirements for a job opening are usually listed in the job description, or highlighted more than once.
What you do here is align your skills, competencies & qualification with the responsibilities.
Simple example
As a data analyst with 3+ years of experience, I am excited by the idea of working at XYZ as a Senior Data Analyst. In my previous roles, I have displayed exceptional computing & mathematics skills as I am fluent in a number of data management systems & software.
Ensure you list as many skills and references as pertaining to the job as possible.
If you do not know how to structure them into a sentence, a short bullet list is fine. But make sure what you have listed corresponds to 90% of the job responsibilities.
4. Sell yourself:
You have to let them know why you are right for the job.
Don't make the mistake of mentioning your skills and competencies without indicating why you are the best fit for the job.
Simple Examples:
- My ability to get along as well as my profound experience in solving complex problems will make me ideally suited for this job.
- I am passionate about XYZ mission and would love to bring my XYZ skills (list the skills) to this role.
In addition to this, you can list your achievements as they relate to the job.
Simple examples:
- Increased company sale by 120% which equaled $900M in Q2
- Trained 25 employees in my role on new company training model
Ensure they align with the job posting and let it be short
5. Conclude your letter and ask them to contact you:
The conclusion can be as simple as:
If you are searching for a competent Training Manager who has the drive to meet company goals effectively, we should speak. You may contact me at +1 (222) 555-9988 or xyz@gmail.com
Here's a Recap:
- Heading (Address and Who you are addressing to)
- Salutation
- Opening Paragraph (Who you are)
- 2nd Paragraph (Your skills and Qua.)
- 3rd Paragraph (Sell yourself and why you are a fit)
- Closing Paragraph (Ask them to contact you)
- Indicate any attachment.
What you shouldn't have on a cover letter:
1. Spelling / Grammar Errors 2. Info Not Related to the Job 3. Negative Comments about your past/ current employer 4. Very long paragraphs 5. Wrong Name of the Contact Person 6. Qualifications You Don’t Have 7. Personal information
In many cases, your cover letter can actually make the difference between getting selected for an interview or not.
Hence, it is a good opportunity and avenue to sell your skills, competencies and qualifications to the hiring manager.
All the best.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
Here are countries that allow International Students or Workers transition to Permanent Residents (PR) or Citizens.
Thread.
It’s not new that many countries allow international students and workers to transition to permanent residency (PR) or citizenship after fulfilling certain conditions.
Here’s a detailed list of some countries where you can transition and how long it typically takes.
1. Canada 🇨🇦
Transition Path:
Canada has several pathways for international students and workers to transition to permanent residency:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Time to PR:
- After graduation, students can work for up to 3 years on a PGWP, and after one year of work experience, they can apply for PR through Express Entry.
Time to Citizenship:
- After gaining PR, you must live in Canada for at least 3 out of the next 5 years before applying for citizenship.
Like I always say, not everyone should, have to, or need to go to Canada. But if you want and have to, then act fast, take the necessary steps and do it the legal way.
P.S: The more you wait, the more points you lose if you are going the Express Entry pathway.
So if you are planning to, it’s a good move and just like every worthwhile endeavor, there are some processes and requirements (IELTS/CELPIP inclusive) that you need to plan for.
I get this question a lot on “Student to Citizenship” pathway for Canada so let me break it down.
When you come Study in Canada for:
- 8 months to 1 year program you get a 1 year Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) after school.
- 16 months (1yr 4 months) masters program without any scheduled breaks, you’d get a 3 year PGWP
- For 2+ years program also gets you a 3 year PGWP.
- Once you work in Canada for one year, you become eligible for Permanent Residency via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Bearing in mind that you must meet other eligibility requirements like:
> Job belonging to the right NOC / Teer
> Having the right Language Proficiency Score
> Evalutaion of your previous degrees outside Canada
> You don't need Proof of funds for the CEC pathway
- Everything being equal and good, you should become a PR between 1 - 2 and half years of completing your education in Canada.
- Once you become a PR, you'd then need to live in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the past five years.
- Also important to note that you can become a PR midway through your studies because many folks automatically choose to study but on getting to Canada realize that based on age, work experience, language proficiency and previous education qualify for Express Entry via the Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) Pathway.
- It takes an international student an average of 8yrs to become a Canadian Citizen. Give or take. Took me 6 years & 7 months.
- Canada remains a great destination for international students looking for alternatives. If you are considering studying in Canada, it’s worth it in the end.