Candidates must submit the intern application package to Alberta Municipal Affairs by 4:00 pm on January 29, 2010.

Candidates MUST include the following documents in their application package (incomplete packages cannot be considered).  Scroll down the page for more details on each document.

• Municipal preferences list;
• Cover letter;
• Resume;
• Summary of how candidate matches the intern position profile;
• Transcripts from post-secondary institutions attended (photocopies are acceptable); and
• Three letters of reference (e.g. character, work/volunteer, educational). One of each is not necessary.
  

Municipal Preferences List

Your municipal preference list indicates which host municipalities you would like your application sent to (i.e. where you are interested in being an intern). Ensure you have signed the release on the bottom of the page. Which hosts you choose and how many you choose does not affect whether your application is shortlisted. Shortlisting is based on the quality of the application packages only.

Cover letter

Your cover letter provides you with an opportunity to briefly state why you should be considered as an intern. It also allows you to explain your desire to become a senior municipal administrator.  The letter can be either addressed to "Dear Recruiter" or "To the Selection Committee." If you wish, you may submit a customized letter for each host municipality you have selected on your municipal preference list. 

Resume

Your resume should contain such information as educational background, work experience, relevant skills and attributes, and any other information that may be of interest to a potential host municipality. Ensure your resume contains your current contact information, including mailing address, phone number, and email address.

Intern Position Profile

Your intern position profile should briefly, but thoroughly, outline how you meet each of the areas outlined in the intern position profile. Your profile can be written in any format you choose. This is your opportunity to tell the host municipalities your career plan and why you think you should be selected as an intern.  Please keep your profile to two pages or less.

Transcripts

Your transcripts are intended to provide potential employers not only with your course marks, but also with the types of courses you have taken. Official transcripts are preferred, though unofficial transcripts may also be accepted. High quality photocopies are acceptable.

Reference Letters

Your three letters of reference should be relatively current and can be from any source and should be written specifically for the Internship Program when possible. Reference letters provide an additional way for potential employers to verify and assess your skills and personal qualities. Depending on the preference of the referee, the letters can either be sent directly to Municipal Affairs, by mail or by email, or be included in your application package. Originals are preferred. The letters can be either addressed to “Dear Recruiter” or “To the Selection Committee”.


Tips for a strong application:

• Use spell check!
• Space your cover letter equally on the page. (i.e. it should not just be printed in the top 1/3 of the page).
• Do not forget to sign your cover letter.
• Try to limit your resume to 1-2 pages of the most important information about you.
• Use spell check!
• Ensure your name and contact information is on every page of your cover letter and resume.
• Double-check to ensure that you have all of the documents you need in your application package.
• Use your cover letter to highlight or paraphrase key items that are listed in your resume.
• Do not use fancy graphics, fonts, formatting or lots of colour. Keep it simple to make it easy to read.
• Keep your cover letter to one page in length; preferably three paragraphs.
• Keep your resume focused, but also remember to include enough details for the employer.
• Keep your application concise and professional.
• If pieces of your application are to be sent separately, please indicate that somewhere in your application package.
• Use spell check!
• Remember, you are competing for a job and need to convince a potential employer to grant you an interview.
• Do not use abbreviations.
• Have someone proofread all your documents.
• Use the Internet to search for more resume and cover letter tips.

Applications should be sent by mail, courier, or email to:

Valerie Hope
Municipal Internship Program for Administrators
Alberta Municipal Affairs
17th Floor, Commerce Place
10155 - 102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4L4

Email: valerie.hope@gov.ab.ca
Phone: 780-427-2225
Toll Free Service Alberta: 780-310-0000 [and dial 780-427-2225]