Application Preparation

Preparing an application is an opportunity for you to highlight how your skills, experience, and education meet the requirements of a position in a clear and concise manner. Applications are assessed based on the screening criteria listed in the career opportunity ad. Criteria listed as an “asset” are not mandatory however your resume should demonstrate that you meet all criteria if applicable.

If there is an accommodation or adjustment that may help meet your needs at the application preparation stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@gov.nl.ca, 709-729-0130 or toll free at 1-888-729-7690. Video Relay Service (VRS) calls are welcomed.

The following information will help you prepare a cover letter and resume.

Cover Letter

A cover letter introduces you as a candidate for consideration. This is an opportunity to highlight your qualifications required for the position for which you are applying.

A cover letter should:

• be no more than 1 page.
• be customized for each position you apply for and add a personal touch to your application.
• include the title of the position you are applying for and competition number or Job ID if applicable.
• be concise when outlining why you are an ideal candidate and include why you are interested in the position.
• refer to your attached resume for additional and detailed information on your skills, experience, and education.
• include current contact information including your preferred method of contact.

Resume

A resume is an opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying.

A resume should:

• be factual, current, and include specific and relevant skills, experience and education which make you qualified for the career opportunity for which you have applied.
• include relevant and current contact information such as city of residence, phone numbers, email, and preferred contact method.
• outline your past work experience including title of position, company name, location (city, province) and the dates you started and finished work (month, year). The listing of duties for each position you have held in the past should start with the most relevant and significant duties.
• be free of spelling and grammatical errors. It is always a good idea to have someone proof-read and review your resume prior to submission.
• be easy to read – use a size 12 sans serif font, such as Arial, and use bulleted lists.
• include any relevant volunteer or extra-circular experience, and any related training or supplementary courses that relate to the duties and qualifications of the career opportunity.

Common Resume Types

There are several different formats you may consider when preparing your resume. A summary of three popular resume formats is presented below.

Chronological Resume

• A chronological resume highlights job history and formal education starting with the most recent.
• This type of resume is best used when the career opportunity is aligned with your experience and educational background.

If you use this format, remember to use present tense for your current position and past tense for prior positions. You should ensure that you include information regarding the roles and responsibilities that you have performed that are related to the duties, responsibilities, and screening criteria of the career opportunity for which you are applying. Depending on your length of work experience and number of previous employers, you may also include a subsection entitled “Other Work Experience”.

Functional Resume

• A functional resume emphasizes transferable skills such as “communication” or “analytical ability” instead of chronological work experience.
• This type of resume may be used when you have limited experience and education relevant to the qualifications of the position.

It’s important that you explain how you have acquired and developed the skills or competencies that you have included in your resume.

Combination Resume

• A combination resume may be used to emphasize transferable skills and a progressive work history.
• This type of resume summarizes skills and accomplishments at the beginning, and lists experience in reverse chronological order.

A combination resume combines aspects of both the chronological and functional resume types. It highlights your relevant transferable skills and abilities, as well as current and previous employment history, responsibilities, and accomplishments.