Every student at UBC has probably heard about WorkLearn (WL), the university’s work-study program. It allows students to participate in part-time work on campus for 10 hours during the winter terms and 20 hours during the summer. WL positions can range through a multitude of positions, from administrative to marketing to research work. These positions are highly coveted by students, as they are few in number and offer competitive pay.
I unsuccessfully applied to WL positions last fall and didn’t end up getting any. While I was somewhat discouraged, I knew it was because my skills were lacking and that there were most definitely more qualified candidates for the position. During that academic year, I picked up some part-time work tutoring and involved myself as a junior editor at an undergraduate journal. I was also lucky enough to pick up some skills with the help of my classes in the Bachelor of Media Studies program, such as writing, social media management, as well as photo and video editing. When I applied to WL positions again the following summer, I got invites for three interviews and ended up getting one position! I was incredibly excited and grateful.
Here’s what I did to make myself stand out to WorkLearn employers:
- Read the position description thoroughly
A mistake that I made in my first round of WL applications was reading position titles and assuming I was qualified for them. It is vital that you read through the qualifications and hard skills that the positions require, and see if you can meet most of them. If there are a few smaller things that you think you are not yet qualified to do, indicate in your cover letter that you have a desire to learn those skills.
- Be strategic with your resume
When you submit your resume, make sure it is formatted in a neat and simple manner. Most employers don’t care for colour and fancy layouts. When they skim it, the most important information should stand out, which will be your key skills and action words from your experience. In addition, adjusting your work experience listing according to what the position description calls for will also be helpful. Ideally, you should be able to fit everything in one page, two maximum.
- Submit a tailored cover letter
Most positions on the CareersOnline portal will say cover letters are optional, but I would always recommend providing a cover letter. In addition to a strong resume, writing a cover letter explaining your experience in detail and why that experience makes you an asset to their team will be useful. Picking out keywords from the job description and slipping them into your cover letter shows that you have been thorough in your application. Make sure also to address the letter to the person who has listed that position. (Pro tip: look up the job poster to see if you can find their official position in that department and address it to them specifically. It shows that you have taken the extra step to do some research about them!)
Apart from this, employers also value prior experience at UBC. This could be through involvement in a club, undergraduate society or even part-time work on campus. They like to see that you have been involved in the community and have a desire for further involvement.
I had a great experience in my WorkLearn position over the summer! It taught me a lot of vital skills that have been useful in my classes and clubs thus far. I’ve also just started a new position that I am very excited about!
This in no means a comprehensive guide in applying to WL positions, but some useful guidelines that might help you present yourself as a more well-rounded candidate. I hope you can make use of these tips in your applications. Good luck and Tuum Est!