1

Let’s Talk Cover Letters & LinkedIn

Presentation to Ottawa Ismaili Students Association

April 1, 2015

2

About Me

CyclistPublic Service

& Development

Policy Wonk

Social Media Nerd

‘Asker’ of Questions

3

Why use LinkedIn?

89% of businesses planned to use social media networks for recruitment (2011).

86% of these businesses use LinkedIn as their primary means for recruitment.

79% of hiring managers & job recruiters review applicants’ online information.

65% of companies have successfully hired via social media.

4

Intro to LinkedIn

1. Create a profile

2. Connect with the right people

3. Join & collaborate in groups

4. Endorse and be endorsed!

5. Storytelling - go beyond bullet points

6. Turn off your notifications!

6 Ways to Get Started on LinkedIn

5

5THINGS YOUR COVER LETTERNEEDS NOW

6

1. Storytelling

In business, creating a compelling narrative is invaluable for motivating a team, explaining strategic priorities in a way that’s easy for others to

understand, or communicating complex ideas to customers and prospects. “ “

Lonne Jaffe, chief executive of Syncsort

7

2. Value Proposition

1. Set a clear target

2. Identify your strengths

3. Tie your strengths to your target posi-tion

4. Provide evidence and success stories

Creating a Personal Value Proposition“Based on your values, beliefs, and your

behavior – how you exhibit your beliefs and demonstrate those strengths which make you stand out. This is the essence of your PVP, and it lies at the heart of why people want to work with you, trust you and build a strong, healthy rela-tionship with you.”

““

Andrew CookeGrowth & Profit Solutions

Bill BarnettHarvard Business Review

8

3. Sign Posting

Your cover letter should be one page - that’s not a lot of space! Take the opportunity to point your potential employer to spots on your resume for more information.

9

4. Appearance

• Your resume and cover letter are your personal advertisements - make them look as professional as possible!

• Your cover letter should have the exact same formatting as your resume

• There are plenty of places to find simple templates that can help you find a professional look that works for you

10

5. Technicalities

Technicalities and format issues are there for a good reason - follow them!

• Your cover letter should be one page, and include:

• Left-justified text, your address, your potential employer’s address, and the date

• A first paragraph indicating the position you’re applying for and how you heard about the posi-tion

• Your value proposition as related to the position• A series of paragraphs that expand upon your

value proposition, provide concrete examples of your work, and sign post to your resume

• An action statement that both intrigues the reader and explicitly asks them to contact you

11

ANYQUESTIONS?

Wrapping up