Read the job ad and position description carefully and then conduct a self assessment to determine if you possess the qualifications for the position before you apply.
Take advantage of the many useful resources available on the Internet or at your local library that offer advice on writing job applications and covering letters.
Candidate selection is a competitive process. All applications and covering letters are reviewed and scored against a set of criteria based on the qualifications described in the job ad.
Applicants who best describe how their skills and experience relate to the qualifications will generally receive the highest score. Only the top scoring applications will be considered for a personal interview.
The process that must be followed does not allow for automatic credit or standing for applicants who have worked or are working in a position similar to the advertised job.
It is recommended that your application contain 2 parts as follows:
Part 1 – Covering Letter Containing:
A. General Information
- Identify the competition number
- Your name, address, e-mail address and fax number if you have one
- Telephone numbers where you can be reached during the day and after regular
work hours
B. A Statement of your Skills/Knowledge/Experience as it applies specifically to each of the qualifications of the position
- Detail the scope and level of how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to each of the qualifications stated in the job ad.
- The panel will only consider the information that you provide in the letter.
- The interview panel cannot make assumptions or give credit if you do not provide the details.
- Focus your letter on how your specific strengths relate to this particular position.
- It is up to you to describe what makes you an ideal candidate.
- It is generally better to provide a few very specific examples rather than many unrelated statements.
- Where applicable quantify or give actual examples of your experience as it relates to the qualifications.
- Write in a clear and concise manner.
- Check your spelling and grammar to ensure a professional product is presented for evaluation.
- Format the letter in a way that makes the material easy to read.
- It is easiest to read and evaluate if you type all the qualifications as found on the job ad as a header, and then beneath each qualification state, in bullet points, how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to each qualification.
- It is important to illustrate the depth/level and scope of your skills/knowledge
EXAMPLE:
1) Knowledge of/experience in natural resources/public safety-related legislation.
- Describe/list your skills, knowledge and experience as they relate to the above qualification. Showing that your skills and knowledge have expanded over time with increasing responsibility is often valuable. Avoid listing skills that have no apparent connection to the position unless you can clearly show how they are related to the qualification.
- Continue with the remaining qualifications as listed in the job ad. Cite a variety of examples if possible as it may help demonstrate the depth of your experience.
- Covering letters - You should strive to focus your documents so that the best examples are highlighted. There is no credit given for volume of text.
- Where a qualification identifies the need for a form or certification (e.g. driver’s licence) you must specifically state that you hold the form or certification to receive credit for those criteria during the screening process – remember that the panel is not permitted to make assumptions or read into your letter.
Part 2 – Resume
- Here is where you attach a standard resume, which includes personal information, education, work history, hobbies, etc. Make sure your resume is up to date.
- Three references will be requested/required on a separate sheet provided by the selection panel if you are invited to an interview.
