OPS Resume & Cover Letter Guide | Ontario Shared Services
Learn how to write a professional resume and cover letter for OPS applications. Includes tips on the 5-page limit, action verbs, and accomplishment statements.
Cover Letter & Résumé Writing Guide
Tips, Tools and Resources for OPS Applications
Ontario Shared Services | Human Resources Service Delivery Division
Table of Contents
Preparing Your Application
Research the Job First
Writing a Good Cover Letter
Writing a Good Résumé
Work Accomplishment Statements
Résumé Language & Action Verbs
Top 10 Résumé Tips
Common Errors to Avoid
Key Update: Five-Page Limit
All OPS applications (cover letter + résumé combined) should not exceed 5 pages
Tips on writing concise, focused applications
New sample cover letter and résumé templates
Summary of common errors and how to avoid them
Focus on information most relevant to job qualifications
Preparing Your Application
Ask Yourself These Key Questions
Are You Really Interested?
Research the ministry, branch, and specific position to determine genuine interest
What's In It For You?
Does the job match your values and career goals?
Work Environment Fit?
Consider commute, schedule, team dynamics, and business goals
Research the Job First
Read the job advertisement thoroughly - focus on "What We Are Looking For"
Review the "View Job Spec" for additional requirements
Check "View More Info" for work environment details
Research ministry websites, publications, and news articles
List your transferable skills relevant to the position
Include relevant extracurricular activities and volunteer work
Writing a Good Cover Letter
Purpose of a Cover Letter
Supplement your résumé information
Emphasize knowledge and skills relevant to the position
Convey unique qualities in narrative format
Add a personal touch to your application package
Ideal Length: 1-2 pages
Cover Letter Structure
Header
Full name, address, email, phone numbers
Subject Line
Reference Job ID, job title, and ministry name
Opening Paragraph
Get reader's attention, identify what you offer
Mid-Section
Emphasize relevant skills with specific examples
Closing Paragraph
How you add value, best contact method, thank you
Writing a Good Résumé
Be Concise
Factual presentation of accomplishments, strengths, employment history and education
Tailor to Qualifications
Emphasize skills and experience relevant to the job advertisement qualifications
Proofread Carefully
Ensure no spelling, typing, or grammatical errors in your document
Ideal Length: 2-3 pages
Chronological Résumé Structure
Contact Information
Name, address, email, phone numbers
Summary of Qualifications
Snapshot of key skills and accomplishments
Work History
Listed chronologically with duties, knowledge, accomplishments
Education & Training
Degrees, certifications, professional development
Work Accomplishment Statements
Focus on results, achievements, and successes that added value to your organization
What was the situation or problem?
What action did you take?
What were the results?
"Coordinated all training requests for the ministry and met provincial service standards by processing 2400 training requests within a 24-hour turnaround."
Action Verbs for Your Résumé
Management
Analyzed, Coordinated, Delegated, Directed, Evaluated, Led, Managed, Supervised
Communication
Authored, Collaborated, Drafted, Mediated, Negotiated, Persuaded, Presented, Wrote
Administrative
Administered, Compiled, Implemented, Organized, Prioritized, Processed, Streamlined
Accomplishment
Achieved, Expanded, Improved, Launched, Pioneered, Reduced, Resolved, Transformed
Top 10 Résumé Tips
Be concise - 5 pages max for cover letter + résumé
Be selective - focus on relevant, marketable information
Keep it current - update for each application
Organize logically with clear descriptions
Be honest and accurate - false statements hurt
Proofread thoroughly for errors
Follow application instructions precisely
Format properly - Arial/Times New Roman, 10-12pt
Use professional language throughout
Include a skills summary or profile section
Common Errors to Avoid
Listing Duties Without Demonstration
Simply listing skills without showing how you applied them in the workplace
Listing Courses Without Context
Adding training without explaining how it developed relevant skills
Vague or Unclear Statements
Using generic phrases like "support functions" without specific examples
Irrelevant Information
Including experience not tailored to the job qualifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What font should I use?
Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana, or Garamond in size 10-12
What tense should I write in?
Past tense for previous jobs; present tense for current responsibilities
What if I have gaps in work history?
Include volunteer work, training, or education during gap periods
What file formats should I use?
MS Word (.doc), PDF (.pdf), Rich Text (.rtf), or Plain Text (.txt) under 1MB
Key Takeaways
Keep your application concise: 5 pages maximum for cover letter and résumé combined
Tailor every application to the specific job qualifications listed in the advertisement
Use accomplishment statements that show situation, action, and results
Proofread carefully and use professional formatting throughout
Good luck in your future endeavours!
Ontario Shared Services | Human Resources Service Delivery Division
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