Connecting By Email

Your email needs to be short and to the point.  Spend time polishing your email before you send it.

Things to Note:

1. A Direct and Clear Subject Line -  “Co-op Student Inquiry - [Your Name]”

2. Who are You?: Start with who you are and why you chose them.

   • “I’ve lived in this neighborhood for years and always admired your shop...” or “I’m really into [Subject] and want to learn from the best...”

3. Co-op Times: Mention your specific hours and the fact that you are fully insured by the school board (TDSB).

4. Resume Attachment: Always attach your resume as a PDF - Never use a Word doc or a Google Link (they might not be able to open them).

5. Follow-Up: If they don't reply in 2–3 days, send a follow-up email or make a phone call

Subject: Co-op Placement Inquiry – Tania Hanna (Earl Haig SS)

Dear Ms. Chen,

My name is Tania Hanna and I’m a student at Earl Haig seeking a Co-op placement for the upcoming semester. I am reaching out to you because I am an aspiring veterinary technician with a specific interest in the exotic pets and reptiles you treat at your clinic.

Between owning a corn snake and volunteering at the Humane Society, I am very comfortable handling animals and am eager to work hard to support your daily operations. I wanted to mention that since this is a school program, my WSIB insurance is fully covered by the TDSB, so there is no cost or liability risk to your clinic for hosting me.

I am available to work weekday mornings from 8:45 am to 11:30 am, starting September 15th through January 15th. I have attached my resume and would love the opportunity to meet and discuss how I can help your team.

I can be reached at (416) 123-4567, or you can contact my teacher, Ms. Thorpe, at (416) 111-1111 for more information about the program. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Tania Hanna

Subject: Co-op Placement Inquiry – [Your Name] ([Earl Haig Secondary School])

Dear [Name of Manager or Owner],

My name is [Your Name] and I’m a student at [School Name] seeking a Co-op placement for the upcoming semester. I am reaching out to you because I am very interested in [Field/Industry] and I have always admired the work done at [Company Name].

I am a hard worker and a quick learner, with a background in [mention 1-2 relevant hobbies, classes, or volunteer roles]. I am eager to work hard and support your daily operations however I can. I also wanted to mention that since this is a school program, the TDSB covers my WSIB insurance, so there is no cost or liability risk to you for hosting me.

I am available to work [Mornings/Afternoons] from [Start Time] to [End Time], starting [Start Date] through [End Date]. I have attached my resume and would love the opportunity to meet and discuss how I can help your team.

I can be reached at [Your Phone Number], or you can contact my teacher, [Teacher's Name], at [Teacher's Phone Number] for more information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Your Key "Selling Points" (Keep these in your head!)

When you are communicating with a potential placement, make sure you mention these three things. They are the "hooks" that get you the spot:

• "No Cost to You": Remind them that the TDSB covers WSIB insurance and that this is an unpaid learning position. It's a "free" extra set of hands.

• "I am Passionate": Employers don't want a student who just sits in a chair. Tell them why you like their specific business.

• "I am a Hard Worker": Tell them you are there to work, not just watch. Mention you are happy to do the "busy work" (filing, cleaning, organizing) to prove your value.