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Application Tips

Application Tips

Your online application

The first step to getting the job is completing your application.

Here, you’ll find tips on creating your cover letter and resume, as well as completing your digital application through the AHS job board.

Resume

Your resume is the backbone of your application - often it will be the first thing hiring managers read. Be clear about your skills, qualifications, and experience, so that the hiring manager can see what you bring to the team.

Tips for crafting your resume:

  • 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 display a little personality before the interview. Use the cover letter to introduce yourself, tell your story, and showcase how you fit the position.

Tips for writing your cover letter:

  • 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
  • Don’t duplicate your resume – expand on relevant points and give additional insight
  • Combine your cover letter and resume into one document to save space

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.

Tips for 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

Please review our detailed Reference Guide or quick guides on Creating your Candidate Profile and Applying for a Job Opportunity

Additional Resources

The Government of Alberta’s alis – Careers, Learning, and Employment website offers 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.

If you are a newcomer to Alberta, alis has resources geared to newcomers looking for work which can assist 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.

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.

Students and new graduates can also utilize their post-secondary institution’s career centre. They offer a variety of services including resume review, interview preparation, networking events, and more.