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Application Tips

Application Tips

Resume

Your resume is the backbone of your application - often it will be the first thing hiring managers read. If you aren’t clear about your skills, qualifications and experience, you won’t get a chance to tell your story.

Getting started:

  • Keep your format simple and clean
  • Highlight the most important information first
  • Use effective titles and keywords related to your career
  • Be specific about your experiences and quantify your accomplishments
  • If you have leadership experience, explain the role, achievements, and scope of projects
  • If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, include your course work or practicums, explain each placement in detail
  • Incorporate your volunteer work to showcase additional skills, experiences, and interests.

Cover Letter

Your cover letter gives you a chance to show off a little personality before the interview. Use the cover letter to introduce yourself, tell your story and showcase how you fit the position.

Crafting your letter:

  • Combine your cover letter and resume into one document to save space
  • Don’t duplicate your resume – expand on relevant points and give additional insight
  • Be passionate and explain why you want the opportunity
  • Demonstrate your achievements and explain how you succeeded
  • Showcase your knowledge about the company/industry and any current issues

References

References are an often forgotten, but valuable piece of the application process. References can help verify your past work experiences, skill set, and professionalism.

Selecting your references:

  • Confirm with your references ahead of time that they are willing to recommend you
  • Choose carefully - ensure your references can accurately discuss your abilities and experiences
  • Create a separate document with your references to bring to the interview with you
  • Include three or more references with names, titles, and phone numbers
  • After the interview let your references know what position you've applied for and that they may receive a call

How to Apply

This reference guide provides step by step instructions on finding the AHS Job Board, creating a general profile, searching, and applying to jobs.

Helpful Resources

The Government of Alberta’s alis – Careers, Learning, and Employment website offers you a straightforward overview of what you should include in an effective resume and cover letter, as well as, advanced techniques to help sell your skills to prospective employers. Visit your local Alberta Supports Centre, or call their contact centre, for more help on being competitive in the labour market.

The Government of Canada's Job Bank provides an easy-to-use Resume Builder. Create your resume one box at a time and let the Resume Builder do the formatting for you.

If you are a newcomer to Alberta, alis has resources geared to newcomers looking for work which can assist you in all stages of your career. For more career and employment services, as well as family and social supports, visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you, or call their contact centre.

Students and new graduates may also have an opportunity to utilize their post-secondary institution’s career centre. Universities and colleges offer a variety of services including resume review, interview preparation, networking events, and more.