Find a specific job opening posted online within the last 9 months. You will develop a Job Application Cover Letter (as though you were applying to that position) that highlights and emphasizes why you are the most suitable candidate for this position. For the purposes of this assignment, you can present yourself as a recent graduate if needed.
Complete the cover letter on page 1 of the submission and then include a link to the job posting on page 2 (a copy and paste of the link is acceptable and the link must work). To compose the letter, use the general writing guidelines on pp. 277-278 in the text for structural and content guidance. Note: An example can be found on p. 250, Figure 13.8.
The message should take the form of a business letter; however, you will submit your assignment to the online course shell.
The job letter / application message must adhere to the following requirements:
1. Content
a. Highlight relevant background and job history information specific to the opening.
b. Emphasize significant qualifications and exclude nonessential ideas.
2. Format
a. Follow proper letter formatting techniques per business letter format.
b. Use an appropriate and professional greeting and closing.
3. Style
a. Use professional language.
b. Paragraphs effectively developed and efficient. Note: Six (6) or seven (7) lines when possible.
4. Mechanics
a. Ensure there are no grammar or spelling errors.
b. Eliminate wordiness and unclear sentence construction.
Your assignment must be typed, single-spaced paragraphs and double spaced between the paragraphs, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
1. Plan, create, and evaluate professional documents.
2. Write clearly, coherently, and persuasively using proper grammar and mechanics, and formatting appropriate to the situation.
3. Deliver professional information to various audiences using appropriate tone, style, and format.
4. Develop presentation skills for use in the professional environment.
cover letter
cover letter
Cover Letter Basic Outline
Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Telephone Number
E-mail Address
Month, Day, Year
Mr./Ms./Dr. First Name Last Name
Title
Name of Organization
Street or P. O. Box Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:
Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position,
and basic information about yourself.
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does
(Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a generic letter).
Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to
the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the
employer’s needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do
for you.) This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to
the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a
position.
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk
with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do
to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s
location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to
provide the employer with any additional information needed and give contact information
where you can be reached (phone number and email). Thank the employer for her/his
consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature [on hard copy])
Your name typed
(In case of e-mail, your full contact info appears below your printed name [instead of at the top,
as for hard copy], and there is no handwritten signature)
Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)
Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Telephone Number
E-mail Address
Month, Day, Year
Mr./Ms./Dr. First Name Last Name
Title
Name of Organization
Street or P. O. Box Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:
Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position,
and basic information about yourself.
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does
(Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a generic letter).
Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to
the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the
employer’s needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do
for you.) This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to
the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a
position.
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk
with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do
to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s
location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to
provide the employer with any additional information needed and give contact information
where you can be reached (phone number and email). Thank the employer for her/his
consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature [on hard copy])
Your name typed
(In case of e-mail, your full contact info appears below your printed name [instead of at the top,
as for hard copy], and there is no handwritten signature)
Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)