Author: Citi College

Cover letters are synonymous with job applications, and with most online applications, you will not be able to move to the next step without one. Writing a cover letter can be easier than you think, as long as you know what to include and what to leave out. Continue reading below as we discuss the details of what you need to include on a cover letter.

Difference Between A Resume And Cover Letter

A resume is a professional document highlighting your professional history and why you think you would be the right fit for a job.

Depending on how popular the job position is, those hiring will receive sometimes hundreds of resumes before they have to make a decision, so it’s important that your cover letter stands out from the rest.

They need to be able to quickly identify whether or not a resume is worth looking into, and a great cover letter allows them to do just that.

What To Include In Your Cover Letter

Outside of including typical information such as your contact information and previous employment details, an effective cover letter should highlight your accomplishments and skills pertaining to the job you are applying for. See below for what to include:

Work Experience

Your work experience is one of the most relevant things to mention when it comes to applying for a job. Summarize your past work experience within the opening paragraph and how it matches the job posting itself. Include how you would love to be considered for the role and why you think that your previous experience will be useful if you were in this position in the first few sentences.

Work Skills

Summarize any additional skills that you feel would be of benefit for the position you are applying for. Use a second paragraph to expand upon this further, including unique skills that you may not have acquired from past work experience. Some skills to include are:

• Languages you speak
• Administrative or organizational skills
• Unique skills such as quick thinker or photographic memory

Your skills are what make you valuable, and it’s important to highlight them to your potential future employer. While you do not want to come across as overconfident in your cover letter, don’t be shy to let your skills shine through.

Work Qualifications

Your work experience and skills are important, but your qualifications are the backbone of why you might be the perfect hire for a certain role. You can summarize your qualifications in a few sentences outlining what you have done in the years leading up to this role, and how those learnings, courses or diplomas can help you in this new position.

If you are looking to increase your career opportunities and create an impressive cover letter, Citi College is here to help. With campuses in Toronto and Mississauga, our business and management diploma programs, or Informational Technology (IT) diploma programs, make a real difference to your resume and cover letter as they make you stand out next to other candidates.

A Bit About You

With so much information to get across, resumes can be a little impersonal. Cover letters allow you to show more of your personality.

Discussing why you think you’d be a good fit for the role and using elements of your personal life, such as hobbies and interests, can help you come across as someone who would be a pleasure to work with.

Update Your Cover Letter With A Diploma From Citi College

Qualifications can make such a difference in the type of job you can apply for as well as the chances of being hired. Diplomas in unique fields can open up further possibilities for you down the line.

For example, if you have experience as an Office Assistant and are interested in working in the medical world, you could benefit from a Medical Office Assistant diploma course that educates you on the systems and terminology used in this career. We also offer great programs in business, healthcare and even IT diploma courses, so you can land a job in some of the most lucrative industries in Canada.

Based on the broader flow above, a sample resume would look something like this. Comments in (..) are for explanation purpose only, delete them from your actual resume –
[Full name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name] or Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the [open position] at [company name]. I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

As an experienced professional with a proven track record of success, I have developed a range of skills that would be valuable to your organization. I am a quick learner who is able to adapt to new situations and work well under pressure. I am also a team player who is able to collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals.

(Summarize any additional skills that you feel would be of benefit to the position you are applying for. Use a second paragraph to expand upon this further, including unique skills that you may not have acquired from past work experience. Some skills to include are)

● Languages you speak
● Administrative or organizational skills
● Unique skills such as quick thinking or proactive or learnability

In my previous roles, I have demonstrated my ability to work independently or as part of a team and manage my time effectively. I am a detail-oriented person who takes pride in producing high-quality work, and I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge.

I am excited about the opportunity to work for your [company name], and I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Contact our team at Citi College and start your exciting diploma journey today.

The decision to pursue higher education is a big one. It’s a choice to invest in yourself and study something you’re truly passionate about. It can also boost your career prospects greatly and open doors in a number of potential industries for you.

Being fortunate enough to be able to fund this adventure independently isn’t always the case. Most students who are looking to further their education will need financial support.

You may be wondering “How do I apply for government funding for higher education in Ontario?”. In this article, we will explain how to apply for educational funding and what needs to be considered when applying for a government-funded post-secondary education.

What Is Government Funding for Higher Education?

Canadian universities and colleges receive funding from two primary sources: tuition fees paid by students and government grants. Similar to this, students can fund their higher education through loans and grants from the government via their territory or province.

When it comes to financial aid in Ontario, there may be a number of options available to you depending on your own personal situation.

These include options like the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and the Better Jobs Ontario initiative. OSAP is designed to assist students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. On the other hand, Better Jobs Ontario aims to make education more accessible and affordable for individuals looking to upgrade their skills or pursue new career paths.

Each will differ depending on several factors, including whether you have dependents, you’re course type, and whether you have disabilities. If government funding is something that you need, it’s important that you research what’s available for you.

Available Types of Government Funding for Higher Education in Ontario

There are many different government funding options for you. These primarily come in the form of a loan or a grant. Here’s a quick explanation of the two:

Student Loans

A government higher education loan (or student loan), like the OSAP, is similar to any other kind of loan where you’re given a sum of money under the agreement that you’ll pay this back after a specific amount of time. For student loans, this time period is six months from your graduation.

Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you have to pay back every cent borrowed immediately. Typically, you can pay back your loan via a payment agreement in monthly installments until you’ve paid the full sum. The six-month period begins from when you graduate, leave your course, downgrade from full to part-time or take a leave of absence.

Government Grant For Higher Education

A government grant differs significantly, and instead refers to handing over a sum of money for your higher education studies without the expectation of paying this back. Student grants might not cover all of your education expenses, but it’ll provide a set amount designed to alleviate some of the pressure.

For some, this can be up to $6000, but this will depend on several factors. In Ontario, students may qualify for specific grants based on their income, family size, course type, or if they have dependents or disabilities.

For example, if you’re from a family of five and your income is below the government’s estimation for suitable annual income, you may be entitled to a large grant to cover a portion of your expenses.

How To Apply For Government Funding for Higher Education Courses in Ontario

Here’s a guide on how to apply for government funding for higher education courses:

Choose a Plan

First, you’ll need to choose a plan that fits your criteria. Primarily, you’ll need to assess whether a loan with a grant is more suitable for your family and economic circumstances. If you believe that you meet the criteria for a government grant, then you can select from:

• grants for full-time students
• part-time students
• full-time with dependents
• part-time with dependents
• grant for students with disabilities
• grant for services and equipment for disabilities

When you apply for a student loan, you’ll automatically be assessed for grant eligibility, but we recommend doing some research on these types before applying.

Find Out How Much You’re Eligible For

Before sending an application form, you’ll need to use the federal student aid estimator to find out how much you’re entitled to. This estimator takes family income, province or territory, dependent status, living expenses and disabilities into consideration when making an estimation. It’s important to use this estimator before you send an application, as this will help you manage any discrepancies in payment agreements after the application process.

Apply With Your Province Or Territory

Federal funding is split provincially or territorially, meaning you’ll need to contact your local student aid offices to apply for funding. Each website will offer a step-by-step application process for both first-time and returning users. It’s important to find the student aid office for your exact location, as they will manage your payments and student aid accounts directly.

For Ontario students, you’ll need to apply through the OSAP or the Better Jobs Ontario initiative. Remember, you’ll need to complete this application for each academic year.

Confirm Your Enrolment

The final stage to applying and receiving federal support for grants or loans is to confirm your enrollment at Citi College. You won’t be able to start receiving any payments before you secure your place. To confirm your enrollment, you’ll log into the National Student Loans Service Centre as soon as possible!

Discuss Your Financial Aid Options with Citi College in Ontario

Citi College is an approved and accredited college by the Ministry of Education Ontario, making many of our programs eligible for government funding.

We understand that navigating finding the right funding can be quite confusing, but Citi College’s dedicated service can help you demystify the higher education financial aid process. Our department can help you understand everything from student lines of credit to payment plans, lifelong learning plans and much more!

Our team of expert financial advisors based in Ontario can help guide you through OSAP applications and maximize your funding opportunities. For those not eligible for government funding, we offer flexible self-funding options allowing you to pay for your education at your own pace. We also provide information on payment plans and financing options tailored to your needs.

Get The Right Diploma For You With Citi College

Citi College offers diploma programs in different industries such as business, information technology and healthcare. All courses are taught by industry professionals who use their working knowledge to give you the qualifications you need to become a successful, job-ready candidate.

A Citi College diploma can truly make a difference in terms of the types of jobs you can apply for and how you stand out compared to your competitors. With campuses in both Toronto and Mississauga, you have the choice of two incredible locations.

If you are interested in one of our diploma programs and need financial support, visit our student financial aid page for more information or contact us directly to find the best option available to you.

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for people to move to in the world, and it’s no wonder why. The people are famously friendly, the land itself is incredibly beautiful, and the job market can be great.

If you have recently moved to Canada and are in search of a new job, it can be difficult to know where to start. Getting a job in Canada is much like any other job you are applying for in countries all over the world; it requires a great resume to start.

Writing a resume isn’t always easy, especially when you are not sure what employers in your new country are looking for in particular. Keep reading, as we provide useful tips on how to write a great resume as a new immigrant in Canada.

What Is A Resume?

A resume is a formal document that most job applications require in order to get a good idea of your qualifications and experience. On top of all this information, they will also include contact information such as your phone number and relevant email address.

Creating a resume is all about making yourself stand out and letting your potential future employer know why you’re the best person for the job.

Writing The Perfect Resume

If you have recently gone through the Canadian immigration system and are looking for a Canadian job, you may want to create a new resume and might not be sure exactly what to include. Resumes should include the basics such as:

• contact information
• qualifications
• experience
• personal statement

But it’s what you do and don’t include within these categories that matter most. Here are the top features to include in your new resume.

Focus On Your Experience

Finding a job can be a struggle, especially in a new country. It’s for this reason that focusing on any relevant experience is vital for creating a great resume. Your relevant work experience and the skills you acquired from that experience should be a central point.

Take a look at the job posting that you’re interested in and think back to your previous work. Anything relevant to the position is important to include as it lets the employers know that you are a right fit for the role.

This is exactly why tailoring your resume to each role you’re applying for can really make a difference in how successful you are in these applications. Customizing your resume for each job application before sending it off to another potential employer, can go a long way.

Highlight Your Skills

Highlighting specific skills that are directly related to the job you’re applying for, can be especially important when creating your resume.

For example, if you have worked as a Medical Office Assistant in another country, this skill would be important to medical centres or hospitals that are looking to fill this role. As an immigrant to Canada, being multilingual can also be an incredible asset to potential employers and should be highlighted.

Showcase What Makes You Unique

There are likely many other potential candidates applying for the same job positions that you are. These candidates may have a lot of the same qualifications and experience as you. Showcasing what makes you unique is a great way to have your resume stand out from the other applicants.

If you’re struggling with what to include, below are some suggestions you could include.

• volunteer experiences
• hobbies you enjoy
• places you have lived or travelled to

Finding The Right Job For You

Moving to a new country, even one as welcoming as Canada, can be a lot to take in. Adding in the job hunting process on top of this can just feel like added pressure. As part of Citi College’s career service, you can get access to valuable support to help alleviate some of the stress of finding the right job.

Look back at your past experience and consider what parts of those jobs you enjoyed and excelled at the most as this can give you insight into what type of career you want to step into next.

Add A Diploma To Your Resume With Citi College

Your experience and skills will go a long way on a resume, but having a diploma in the field you want to work in, can make all the difference. Citi College is based in Toronto and Mississauga and offers a variety of unique diploma courses to help you get the Canadian job of your dreams.

With subjects such as business and management diploma programs, IT diploma programs and healthcare industry diploma programs, there are endless opportunities to expand your knowledge!

Your new career path awaits! Register with Citi College today or contact us for more information.

Job interviews are just a part of life, and though they may be daunting, everyone will have to go through at least one at some point.

A much more recent phenomenon is online interviews. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, companies are able to interview potential candidates via video call. They may never need a face-to-face meeting, especially in roles that offer remote work.

This often means that they can hire from all over the world, which opens up more opportunities for your career.

If you have been invited to one of these interviews, you may be asking yourself how to prepare. From general interview tips to those specific to a virtual job interview, we explore the best ways to prepare for an online interview.

Research The Company

You probably know a bit about the company and job role already, as you applied for the role and were accepted for an interview, but it’s important to do as much additional research as you can.

Not only will this give you a better idea of the business that you will, hopefully, be working for one day, but it also shows the interviewers that you know your stuff. Though you might not need to use everything that you learned about the company during your interview, it’s certainly better to be prepared. Having a working knowledge of the business and the role can help you understand some of the more difficult questions they may throw your way and help you feel more at ease.

LinkedIn is a great tool to use when you want to research about the company, beyond what’s written on its website. You will also be able to see who the key people are within the organization, read their latest company posts and get an understanding of the company’s key objectives. This information works magically when the interviewer asks you, “Why do you want to work with us?”

Know Your Background Inside And Out

When you apply for a position at a company, you might send your resume and maybe a cover letter too. These two documents outline your experience and why you could be the ideal candidate for the position they have available.

Depending on your experience, there might be a lot for them to go through and questions on specific areas they may have. For this very reason, it’s crucial that you know your own experience inside and out. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Roles you had at other companies (especially if they were in similar categories)
• The years you were in each position
• Your core strengths and shortcomings (and an example where you used any of your core strengths)

While you naturally have a good idea of all of this, as you were the one who lived through it, it’s not a bad idea to brush up on your personal timeline.

Find The Right Location

One of the primary advantages of not having in-person interviews is the absence of the stress associated with locating the designated venue, having to find a parking spot or even waiting for a lift. However, an essential consideration to keep in mind when invited to a remote interview is determining the suitable location within your home.

If feasible, find a quiet area in your house that lacks any distracting background elements. This will ensure that the interviewer’s sole focus remains on you, without any unusual objects in the background. It is beneficial to choose a blank wall and if you have to explore the available virtual backgrounds, make sure to choose a non-distracting background.

Just because you are at home does not warrant being excessively informal. Dress professionally and ensure that you are not interrupted by factors such as family members or pets.

Make Sure Your Device Is Interview Ready

When you attend an interview in person, you often just have to show up and do your best. However, online interviews require the following:

• A good internet connection
• The right conferencing app or site
• Test the interview link at least 10 mins prior to the call as at times you might have to download a web app or extension to be able to join the call
• A fully charged device or access to a power source

Without all these requirements in place, you may not be able to attend your interview. In order to avoid this at all costs, it’s a great idea to make sure your device is set up a couple of hours before the interview.

A pro tip when it comes to online interviews is to have a backup device ready should anything happen. Often, the same apps or conferencing sites can be used on a smartphone. This means that you can jump onto your smartphone and back into the interview if a problem arises.

Use Engaging Body Language

Although the world of virtual communication has come a long way, it’s still nothing compared to an in-person conversation. There is just something so much easier about speaking to someone face to face, especially as you get a much better idea of their facial expressions and body language.

It’s not as simple over a computer screen. With this in mind, it’s beneficial to make sure that you are using as engaging body language and facial expressions as possible. Keep eye contact, sit up straight, maintain good posture and use vocal cues to let them know you’re listening.

Get The Experience You Need With A Diploma From Citi College

There are a number of ways to prepare for an interview, but few things will work as well on your side during these interviews as a private college diploma in the relevant field. The right qualifications under your belt will be an invaluable asset in any job interview, in person or online.

Citi College is a private career college in Toronto and a college campus in Mississauga that can prepare you for a number of business fields, healthcare careers and beyond. Our career services include helping you refine everything from your resume to your interview strategies, so get in touch today to find out more. Our campuses are situated in both Toronto and Mississauga, with unique and in-depth subjects aimed at supporting students in their future goals.

College is an exciting time for anyone. It’s a chance to focus on your interests and hone your skills for the future career that you want. There can be a lot to think about when it comes to applying for college. One of the biggest considerations is where to study.

During this decision-making process, you have likely come across two types of colleges, public and private institutions. If you’re wondering whether to choose a public or private college, we look at the key differences so you can find the right one for you.

What Is A Private College?

Private colleges are independent, meaning they don’t rely on government funding. Instead, their sources of funding come from costs and tuition fees alone. The cost of attendance varies between each private college, but you can expect higher tuition fees than at a public college.

Private colleges are most likely the types of colleges that you are familiar with, and there is a reason for that. Some of the best colleges in the country are private, and they offer certain benefits that can’t be found in more public institutions. Unique degree programs, smaller class size and interesting extracurricular activities to name just a few.

Though you can get a quality education at a public institution, private colleges on the other hand, really tailor their experience to you. These institutions, like Citi College, were designed to get students career-ready as their streamlined courses focus on practical and industry-focussed skills that can be applied to many relevant roles.

A private college will offer diploma programs that may not be as easily found elsewhere.

Private colleges are certainly worth attending if you have the means, but that doesn’t mean that those who attend a public college aren’t receiving a great education.

What Is A Public College?

A public college is open to the public as it’s funded by the government. This often means lower tuition fees and more available financial aid.

Though there may be larger class sizes and fewer programs to choose from, public colleges are a fantastic option for students looking to get a great education but can’t afford to study privately.

Public colleges have often been subject to stereotyping in a number of popular movies and television shows but these often couldn’t be further from the truth. Public colleges are a great choice for those who want to study there.

For those that still have their heart set on a private college, public colleges can act as a great pathway toward a private course. They can help you bridge any gaps in your qualifications that you may have and therefore make you more eligible for the private course you’re interested in.

Making The Decision

Not only do you have to decide which course to choose, a choice that will impact your career for years to come. You will also need to decide which college is the right choice to help you reach those career goals. If you’re weighing up the benefits between a private and public college, there are some key things to consider.

Cost

Public colleges are often much cheaper. However, if you do have the means to go to a private college that you’re interested in, it may not be worth the savings to miss out on this opportunity. Keep in mind, private colleges also offer financial aid.

Though tuition fees and college costs are the main factors, there is also the cost of living to take into consideration. Perhaps the private college is nearer home and you won’t need to find somewhere to live, maybe the public college is in a city that’s cheaper to live in than the one you’re currently looking at.

Location

When considering going to college and living away from home, you want to make sure you’re in the right location for you.

Could a private college in Toronto be perfect for you because you’ve always loved the city? Maybe you’re more about rural life and want a public college in a smaller town. Whatever you prefer, you shouldn’t disregard the location over other aspects. After all, you’re the one that has to live there.

Subject

As mentioned above, subjects that you can study at a public college may be more limited, but it all depends on what it is you want to do.

For example, if you just want to study business as you aren’t one hundred per cent sure about what you want to do as a career, then most public colleges will have you covered. However, where private colleges truly shine is with a wider variety of more in-depth courses and the career services that are provided to help you find a job.

It’s unlikely that you will find a niche business degree at most public colleges, so this might be all you need to know when asking yourself whether to go public or private.

Find The Right Course For You With Citi College

Though you may have a public college in mind and are enticed by the price, it’s important not to rule out private colleges altogether.

Citi College understands the Canadian career market and can propel you into a number of interesting and high-paying careers. With programs in healthcare, business and much more, you can find lucrative career opportunities with Citi College.

With campuses in Toronto and Mississauga, you can study an exciting course in an amazing city. Contact a member of our team today and find out more.