Did you know that when you apply for positions on the AWE Job Board, you are representing the University of Alberta, the Faculty of Arts and Arts Work Experience? Cutting corners throughout the appliction and selection process projects a lack of professionalism for both you and the University.

It is critically important to meet with your Work Experience Coordinator (sometimes multiple times), not only ensure that you have the strongest application possible, but also to feel comfortable and confident in crafting strong work search documents for future applications. 

The AWE team has noticed some concerning trends that we want to flag: 

• Applying for positions before seeking an initial resume review. It can be tempting to start applying for positions immediately after being admitted to AWE, especially with so many exciting summer opportunities popping up right now. But an initial resume review is mandatory before applying for your first AWE job for a reason. If you have not discussed your resume with your Work Experience Coordinator, do so as soon as possible - they will help you craft competitive, polished and professional documents.

• Applying for multiple positions using the same, or nearly identical application documents. Employers can tell when generic documents have been submitted and will turn their attention to other applicants who have demonstrated a clear understanding of the position and organization.

• Addressing a cover letter to the wrong employer. If your cover letter is addressed to a totally different organization, an employer will be sure to exclude you from their shortlist. Applying for a lot of positions can be tedious, but take your time to ensure that the right documents are submitted for each application. 

• Applying for specialized positions that don’t quite fit qualifications. Although AWE students are encouraged to apply for positions that complement their skill sets and not necessarily their specific majors, some employers do require applicants to be in specific majors/specializations, depending on the nature of their work. Read each posting very carefully and ask your Work Experience Coordinator for clarification if you have any concerns before applying.

While it can be tempting to take shortcuts or speed through the application process, taking any of the above actions will almost certainly exclude you from any competitive job opportunity. Luckily, your Work Experience Coordinator has a wealth of information to support you. Additionally, please reread the AWE Student Handbook (especially the Job Search section) and check out the Tip of the Week Archive where you find some great job search tips featured in previous newsletters. Thank you for being a great U of A ambassador while searching for exciting opportunities!