cover letter bc public service

Sample cover letter for Full Time position at BC public service

BC Ministry of International Trade

Investment Capital Branch

Po Box 9800 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria, BC V8W 9V1

Dear Hiring Manager:

I was pleased to see on the University of Victoria career board that the BC Ministry of International Trade Investment Capital Branch is seeking a Researcher. My relevant education includes my Bachelor Degree of Business Administration in Financial Management at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in China and my Bachelor of Commerce Degree in International Business and Service Management at the University of Victoria.

Through my work experience with Dragonpass International Ltd., I have developed outstanding qualitative and quantitative research skills. With this organization, I was involved with a complex restaurant loyalty service development project. During this project I did research on all potential airport restaurants and opportunities for partnership, at the same time I did customer behavior evaluations on our excessing as well as potential customers to understand the market for this new project.

In addition to my job responsibilities, I used an information management system and created a client management database system to effectively manage our client information. Through these projects, I have gained experience in research data consolidation and management skills. Throughout, I developed a reputation as someone who learns quickly and works tirelessly.Furthermore, I have deep understanding about venture capital and technology sector through my academics and volunteer experience in Discover Tectoria Conference and Collision Tech Conference.

I believe with all of my qualifications I would be a great addition to your team. Please look at my resume for more detail competences. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss my credentials with you and ultimately to learn and grow within this position. Please contact me at your convenience.

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Resume tips from the bc public service.

OLC Admin Follow SFU Staff OLC Editor

There is one basic premise that drives the creation of a good resume and it is this: The resume is a tool to get you to the next stage of selection.

Your resume is merely what can get you in the door to be shortlisted and/or interviewed. Too many people make the assumption that an interview will happen and there they will be able to explain that 6-month gap while they backpacked through Spain or the complexity of the projects they led throughout their academic career.

Do not make this assumption. Until, or if, an interview happens, that one document contains all the information an employer knows about you, so you want to ensure that it clearly articulates why you are the perfect fit for their position. Here are some helpful hints to get you started on a great resume that sets you apart from the pack.

1. Customize

One resume does not work for all positions. While it is a good idea to have a generic resume handy for unexpected opportunities, you want to customize your resume for each position you apply for. It shows that you have done your research and are conscientious.

2. Know your Skills and Accomplishments

Maintain an ongoing inventory of these that you can draw on to customize your resume.

3. Research the Employer and the Position 

Informational interviews, research on the organization’s website, articles and profiles on the Online Learning Community…etc. An introductory understanding of what services the organization provides or the clients they serve are key to communicating how and what you would contribute.

4. Follow the Instructions on the Posting 

It sounds like a no-brainer but you would be surprised how many people proceed without following the instructions that appear on the posting. This does not reflect well on you and creates the impression that you are someone who does not follow instructions. Not the kind of first impression you want to make!

5. Your Resume Should Clearly Demonstrate that you Meet the Qualifications of the Posted Position

The qualifications are found in the body of the posting’s description and in the Job Description, typically, under the headings Selection Criteria and Education/ Experience. If managers are reviewing many resumes, you want yours to be crystal clear that you meet the qualifications they’ve requested.

6. Include Relevant Details

Include the most powerful, relevant statements and eliminate unnecessary information (while remembering to address each stated qualification, any relevant special accomplishments and any needs of the employer you have discovered during your research).

7. Utilize Action Verbs

Start sentences with past tense action verbs – be direct.

8. Showcase Behavioural Competencies

While writing a resume and preparing for an interview, pay special attention to the behavioural competencies listed in the job description. While many – but not all - managers screen resumes on education and experience and test on competencies during an interview, you want to consider the competencies they will be looking for while you are writing your resume.

9. References

Unless otherwise requested, it is recommended that you do not include these on a resume. However, a sentence at the bottom stating that they are available upon request is a good idea. Keep your references current and contact them prior to using them.

Ideally, the length of the resume should not exceed 2 - 3 pages using a 12 point font. However, if more pages are required to demonstrate your qualifications, include them!

11. Cover Letters

A cover letter may not be requested in the posting, but it is a good idea to include one as it demonstrates business etiquette and is an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills.

Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts

DO use the language of the ad

DO research the organization or ministry/branch/program

DO make a list of the skills required

DO match your accomplishments and skills with those required

DO state what you can contribute

DO be available

DON’T summarize the resume

DON’T mention skills you lack

DON’T focus on your needs

12. Have it Critiqued

Ask a “neutral party” to review your resume for accuracy and completeness. Ask “How can I improve this?”

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Write your resume

A well-written resume will help to sell your skills and abilities, giving you the best chance of getting the job you want. It should be clear and well organized. Consider the following tips when putting together your resume.

Personal information — your name, address, phone number and email address.

Include only one phone number and email address to make it simple for an employer to reach you. Don’t include overly personal information, such as your birthdate or marital status.

Work and volunteer experience — previous job titles, tasks and key accomplishments.

Be specific when describing your previous roles and responsibilities. Use the action words guide to identify verbs that best reflect your experience.

Related skills — job-specific skills, certifications, computer skills and trades credentials.

Include skills that might be useful to the position, such as first aid certification or languages you speak. Look at the job posting and use the same keywords or skills listed to describe your own. Streamline your resume by removing skills or certificates that are not relevant to the job you are applying for.

Relevant education — post-secondary credit, and non-credit programs and courses.

Lead with the information that is most relevant to the job you’re applying for—even if that means putting your work experience or a specific training certificate at the top. Not all resumes need to be in chronological order, so a strength-based resume may do a better job of highlighting your important skills.

Awards and achievements — work-related, academic and community awards.

Include those relevant to the job you’re seeking.

Memberships — professional, business-related, school or community groups.

This is a great way to show a potential employer that you are an involved member of your community—which shows that you will make an engaging co-worker and contribute to a positive work culture. Likewise, if you lack work experience, your involvement in local groups or professional organizations can help supplement your resume.

References — former supervisors or colleagues who will confirm your skills and speak positively about the quality of your work.

Unless the employer requests your references upfront, you do not need to include them in your resume. When you do provide them, remember to contact your references for their permission beforehand.

Additional tips and resources

• Although the resume length for a job can vary depending on the field, resumes usually are between one and two pages.
• Maximize space by only including the information relevant to the job posting. Take the time to customize your resume to fit the job; you are more likely to get an interview.
• Use a resume template to get started. Most document editing software have ready-to-use templates. If you are applying for a traditional company job, consider using a simple template; if you are applying for a creative position, consider using a non-traditional template (or even a website or online portfolio) to showcase your work.
• The Government of Canada provides a resume building tool to help guide you through the process.
• Check the job posting to ensure you are including all the requested information. Some employers use an online application tool to screen potential employees instead of using a traditional resume.
• It’s okay to reach out to a potential employer before applying! If you still have questions about the position after reading the job posting, it’s better to connect with the employer before you apply—you save yourself and the potential employer valuable time.

A strong resume is key to a successful job search. Watch the video below:

Create your cover letter

A cover letter is an opportunity to expand on your resume and explain why you are the right fit for the job. However, not all jobs require a cover letter to apply — so always check the job posting before you send one to ensure the employer requested it. When in doubt, include one! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started.

Address your letter to the hiring manager or program leader

Instead of just saying, “To whom it may concern,” look at the job posting or the company’s website to find the hiring manager’s name to include in your letter.

Use an outline

Treat your cover letter like a short essay. Here’s a basic outline for a simple three-paragraph letter:

• Introduce yourself and why you are interested in the position.
• Include a brief paragraph explaining how you meet the specific experience and/or education requirements.
• Finish with a conclusion describing how your unique combination of education, experience and skills make you the best person for the position.

Watch the length

You want your letter to be direct and concise. Aim to have your cover letter no more than one page.

Share concrete examples

Avoid repeating your resume, rather use it to highlight a few key experiences that relate to the job you are applying for. Show your future employer why you are the right fit.

Include keywords

Highlight how you meet the competencies detailed in the posting, using keywords or skills listed in the job posting. Read Skills for the Future Workforce to learn more about the type of skills employers are looking for.

Use active voice and avoid wordiness

Use active language and avoid wordiness—it will improve your writing and save space for the important details. Example of active versus passive language:

• Active voice: “I led a team of 20 employees at X company.”
• Passive voice: “I had once managed 20 employees as the leader of a team for X company.”

Additional resources

• The University of British Columbia provides advice and examples of resumes and cover letters for students entering the workforce for the first time.
• Want to learn more about what makes a winning resume? Take a look at the LinkedIn Cover Letter Feed .

A strong cover letter is key to a successful job search. Watch the video: Building a Resume and Cover Letter .

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Stand Out Through Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate to an employer your fit and enthusiasm for the role. Simply by taking the time to write a tailored cover letter, you are showing the employer that you are an eager applicant. A well-written cover letter will show the employer how your experience and skills connect with the job description.

• Tailor your letter to the position.  Each cover letter should be tailored to the position and organization to which you are sending it. Keep in mind that the cover letter is often a prospective employer’s first impression of you. 
• Be clear. Your cover letters should clearly and succinctly connect 2-3 of your key qualifications to the job description. 
• Show, not just tell.  Use specific examples to show the employer how you gained each qualification.
• Keep it short. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page and should include your contact information at the top, the date, and the organization’s address. 
• Proofread. Proofread your letter multiple times to make sure there are no typos and that details such as the organization name and position title are correct. Have your cover letter reviewed by 1-2 others for both content feedback and another layer of proofreading.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, can be used to enhance your cover letter.  Read our  best practices  for appropriately leveraging AI in your application materials.

How to Write a Strong Cover Letter

Though each cover letter should be tailored to the position and organization to which you are sending it, every letter will contain the same components. The goal is to motivate the reader to invite you for an interview and the best way to do that is to write a unique letter that focuses on that specific position and organization. That said, you will likely be able to reuse examples across letters.

Follow the steps below to write a strong cover letter.  Use this worksheet  to help you plan and develop your resume content. 

1. Review the Job Description

Reviewing and gaining a strong understanding of the job description will help you write a tailored cover letter. Highlight the key skills or qualifications they are seeking that align with your strengths. Ask yourself:

• What skills and qualifications are required for the position?
• Are there key phrases in the job description, organizational mission, or other materials from the company that seem to show up over and over?

Choose 2-3 of those skills or qualifications to highlight in your cover letter.

2. Add Your Header

As this is a professional letter, the header should include your contact information, the date you are sending or submitting your letter, and the recipient’s address block. You may cut and paste the header from your resume to make it look like a personalized letterhead.

Ideally, you would address the letter to the name of the hiring manager, but if you are unable to get a specific name, you may address the letter to “Dear Hiring Manager”. As this is a formal business letter, you will typically address it to the recipient’s title and last name (e.g. “Dear Dr. Brown”)

• If you do have a name but aren't sure of the person's gender or pronouns, we recommend that you include both the first name and the last name in your greeting without a title that reveals gender. (e.g. “Dear Pat Brown”) 
• Even if you know the name and gender of the person to whom you are writing, think carefully about what title you use. If the person has an M.D. or a Ph.D., you should address your letter to “Dr. Lastname.” 
• When you address a cover letter to a female employer, use the title “Ms.”, a general title that does not denote marital status.

3. Write an Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph sets the tone for the letter and should cover the following:

• Explain why you are writing and how you heard about the opening (if applicable). Mention the job title by name. If you have a personal connection to the organization, mention that person’s name.
• In 1-2 sentences, demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and why you want to work there. Based on your research, what is something unique about this organization that appeals to you? 
• Convey your excitement and genuine interest in the organization and the opportunity to work for them.
• Briefly explain why you are a good match—the skills/experiences you bring that you will elaborate on in the next couple paragraphs.

4. Write 2–3 Body Paragraphs

Your body paragraphs will cover the 2-3 skills or qualifications you identified in step 1. This is where you will spend the most time creating content.

Using examples from your resume (without repeating your resume verbatim), tell a brief story about the experiences that best qualify you for the role. Through this content and by using keywords from the job description, the reader will be able to imagine what your working style, skill set, and characteristics might look like in their workplace.

The key here is to directly connect your skills and experience to the role. The more you make these connections for the reader, the less work they will have to do to see that you are a good fit for the role.

5. Write a Closing Paragraph and Sign Off

The closing paragraph is the simplest to write and consists of "call to action" language. To begin the paragraph, restate in one sentence your enthusiasm for the role and how you can add value to their organization. Then write out your calls to action:

• Share how they can contact you (email, phone, etc.)
• Politely request an interview
• Thank the employer for their time
• Let them know to refer to your attached resume 

Following the last paragraph is the closing salutation, often using phrases such as “Sincerely” or “Regards”. Sign the letter with your full name.

Drop-In Sessions

Once you have a draft of your cover letter, stop by our office during weekly drop-in hours for a 15-minute cover letter review. No appointment needed!

Hours: Drop-Ins are not available until the Fall.

Cover Letter Writing Editable Worksheet

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• Healthcare, Nursing, and Counseling
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Formatting Your Cover Letter

Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code Date Name of Person, Title Company/Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code Dear _______: Introduction: Explain why you are writing and how you heard about the opening (if applicable). Mention the job title by name. If you have a personal connection to the organization, mention that person’s name. In 1-2 sentences, demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and why you want to work there. Based on your research, what is something unique about this organization that appeals to you? Convey your excitement and genuine interest in the organization and the opportunity to work for them. Briefly explain why you are a good match—the skills/experiences you bring that you will elaborate on in the next couple paragraphs.

2-3 Body Paragraphs: Cover the 2-3 skills or qualifications you identified from the job description. This is where you will spend the most time creating content. Using examples from your resume (without repeating your resume verbatim), tell a brief story about the experiences that best qualify you for the role.

Closing: Restate in one sentence your enthusiasm for the role and how you can add value to their organization. Then write out your calls to action (share how they can contact you, politely request an interview, thank the employer for their time, and refer them to your attached resume.) 

Sincerely, Your Name Enclosure / Attachment

Career Field-Specific Cover Letter Tips

Creative fields.

If you are applying with a creative resume, your cover letter should also have a creative look consistent with your resume. Consider using the same heading as your resume and the same fonts and colors.

When applying to positions in the federal, state, or local government, make sure that you research the government agencies for which you’re applying so that you can highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to the agency’s mission in your cover letter.

Similarly, if you’re applying to work with a representative (congressperson, state senator, etc.), it is important to communicate your interest in and commitment to supporting the representative’s policy initiatives.

School leaders want to know why you are a good match with their school. It may be that the mission statement of the district resonates with your teaching philosophy or style; or you could focus on grade-level learning software or systems that you have experience with. 

While your resume tells an employer what you have taught and what principles guide your practice, the cover letter offers a better opportunity for you to convey how you teach and how you interact with students in the classroom.

A narrative about a positive classroom experience can make for compelling reading! Be sure to focus on the positive outcomes for your students.

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Resumes and cover letters

You have more experience than you think. Learn how to identify and articulate employable skills through your resume and cover letter.

This guide is written with all students in mind. However, if you’re a graduate student, review the additional career resources specific to you.

Most employers spend less than one minute scanning your resume in their first pass through of job applications. In those few seconds, you need to clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience, education, and characteristics match the employer's needs. Here’s how you can do it.

Customize your resume

Make sure that you have reviewed and tailored your resume to match the job posting and requirements:

Develop a “summary” or “highlights” section at the top of your resume that speaks directly to the top skills, experience, and knowledge the role requires.

Review the statements under each role on your resume and make them relevant to the job to which you are applying. 

Accomplishment statements

Accomplishment statements are the foundation of an outstanding and competitive resume. By the end of the following video, you will:

• Deepen your understanding of how resumes function,
• Be able to identify the components of an effective accomplishment statement, and
• Know how to create accomplishment statements that reflect your own skills, abilities and potential.

Consider how you might apply what you learn from the video to your resume. Here are some questions to consider:

• How have you described your experiences in your resume? Where are you already sharing about your results or the quality of your work?
• What about your experience can be better described with the VERB + TASK + RESULT formula? How might you quantify and qualify your experience even better?
• How can you apply “fast numbers” (e.g., service to over 250 clients, collaborated with a team of four classmates, raised $4,000 dollars, supervised 10 volunteers) to the statements in your resume? These give the employer a better sense of the scope and complexity of your work.

Formatting and readability

It’s important to ensure that your job application documents are professional, consistent, and error free. While some of this can be subjective, make sure to complete the following:

• Review your documents for spelling and grammar
• Format your documents for easy reading. For example, pay attention to fonts and white space.
• Keep formatting consistent across your job application documents, like your resume and cover letter.

Remember, employers have many resumes to review and they can often look similar. Make sure that key elements of your resume stand out in a quick scan. This includes the key qualifications that you believe are going to be most important for the role and the unique assets you bring to the table.

• Resume samples

For undergraduate students

• Bachelor of Applied Science: Integrated Engineering  (pdf)
• Bachelor of Arts: Psychology  (pdf)
• Bachelor of Arts: English  (pdf)
• Bachelor of Science: Biology  (pdf)
• Bachelor of Science: Food and Health  (pdf)
• Bachelor of Social Work  (pdf)
• Bachelors: Dietetics  (pdf)

For graduate students

• Masters: Engineering Physics  (pdf)
• Masters: Political Science  (pdf)
• Masters: Sociology  (pdf)
• PhD: Biomedical Engineering  (pdf)
• PhD: History  (pdf)
• PhD: Immunology  (pdf)
• PhD: Marketing  (pdf)

Get additional tips  (pdf) on how to tailor your application to make a strong first impression.

• Cover letters

Unless the job posting says otherwise, always write a cover letter to go with your application. It personalizes your application and is a chance to emphasize your most relevant qualifications and make a case for why you're a great candidate.

Ideally, your cover letter should fit on one page. Read these  additional tips  (pdf) on writing a cover letter that will help you stand out from other candidates.

Things to put in your cover letter

Contact information and date.

• Include your name, telephone, and e-mail. You do not need to include your mailing address. Keep the format of this section consistent with the header of your resume.
• Include the name of the contact person or hiring manager, as well as their job title, company name, address, and postal code. Try to identify as many of these details as possible by looking at the job posting and the company website. If in doubt, use “Hiring Committee” or “Hiring Manager” in place of the name.
• Add a “RE:” line at the top of the letter that includes the title of the job and a job ID if it is listed on the job posting (e.g., RE: Social Media Coordinator, 544321).
• State the month, day, and year (e.g., May 15, 2021).
• Begin with “Dear” or “To”.
• Address the contact person by their full name (e.g., Santa Ono). If you know that the person holds a professional title such as Dr. or Professor, you may wish to use the full title (e.g., Dr. Santa Ono).
• If you don’t know the person’s name, address the person by their job title, or address your letter to “Hiring Manager” or "Hiring Committee".
• Avoid writing “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.
• Avoid using Mr/Ms/Mrs because doing so can put you at risk of misgendering the employer.

Opening paragraph

Keep your opening paragraph brief with just a few sentences.

• Start with a compelling statement about who you are and why you are applying for the role. Like a good story, this should hook your reader into the rest of your letter. For example, “As a current student in Earth and Ocean Sciences with past experience in event planning I am excited to express interest in the role of Event Planner. I bring strengths in communication, research, and commitment to the David Suzuki Foundation’s mission is to protect nature’s diversity and the well-being of all life, now and for the future.”

Demonstrate knowledge of the position. Mention why you are interested and briefly mention 2 or 3 strengths that make you a strong candidate for the position.

Mention if you have a referral from someone internal to the company. Reference the position you are applying for and how you learned about the job (e.g., through a referral or advertisement). For example, “Jane Chu, Manager of Customer Service, suggested I write you...”.

Follow-up paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your cover letter give the employer more information about just a few skills or experiences that you have listed on the resume. The purpose of this section is to show evidence of your qualifications and convince the employer that you are a good fit for their organization.  

Pick 2 to 3 key strengths or past experiences that have equipped you to succeed in this role. They should be the things you can speak in depth to that are also very relevant to the position to which you are applying.

These can be from accomplishments from paid work, volunteer roles, academic or community-based experiences that show your strengths and skills.

Use the next 2 to 3 paragraphs to explain the strengths or skills you have picked, provide examples of when you have showcased these well, and connect it back to your value to the potential role. Focus on quality, not quantity. One of the most common mistakes we make with cover letters is trying to talk about everything.

Second-to-last paragraph

Depending on the length of your body paragraphs, you may or may not be able to include this paragraph. Either is fine, but make sure you speak to your interest in the employer somewhere in your cover letter. It can be woven into other paragraphs.

• Showcase your knowledge about this organization and explain why you are interested in working for them in particular. This is a very important element of a tailored cover letter. Not including this information puts you at risk of looking like you sent the same cover letter to many employers.
• Indicate the organization’s values, culture, or areas of prospective growth, and describe how these are similar and relevant to you, your previous accomplishments, and interests. Reassert your interest in supporting them to reach their goals.

Closing paragraph

This should be a short paragraph with no more than 2 or 3 sentences.

• Thank the employer for their time.
• Reassert your interest in the role.
• Request an opportunity to interview for the role.
• When appropriate, take a more proactive approach by arranging to call the employer.
• Cover letter samples
• Bachelor of Applied Science: Electrical Engineering  (pdf)
• Bachelor of Arts: Communications  (pdf)
• STEMCELL position  (pdf)
• Race Forward position (pdf)
• Clinical Research Coordinator  (pdf)
• Director of Engagement  (pdf)
• Assistant Forester  (pdf)
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How to prepare for your interview with the BC Public Service

by Heather Croft | Interviews

How to prepare

Read the job profile to understand the role:

• If you need more information about the position, send your questions in an email to the contact person listed in the posting
• Look at the ministry website, press releases and other information
• Research the position and the organization to prepare for an interview
• Some examples include a written component or test, providing samples of your work, preparing a presentation, an oral interview that may have situational and/or behavioural questions and past work performance (reference) checks

The interview can be conducted by a panel, in a round robin format, by phone, in person, or virtually (Skype or MS Teams).

Read more about the BC Public Service hiring process .

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The BC Public Service has been recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 employers and offers outstanding career growth and learning opportunities. Learn more about how you can apply for a position.

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These monthly, one-hour information sessions are for external applicants interested in careers in the BC Public Service.

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Across British Columbia, dedicated individuals make valuable contributions every day to provide outstanding service to the people of our province. When you put your ideas to work with us, you'll have access to a range of career options and unique benefits and experiences that you will not find anywhere else. Use the links on the right hand side to search and apply for job opportunities throughout B.C.

Find out how to view all opportunities or narrow your search to find jobs you're interested in.

Learn how to complete your BC Public Service job application , add and edit your resume, and receive useful tips when applying for jobs. Also view sample resumes and cover letters. 

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.