Cover Letter and Reflection
Overview:
Resumés, Cover Letter and Reflection are 2 ways writing is used in the professional world. These documents are often a potential employee’s introduction to a prospective employer and can be key in career advancement. For this assignment, you will identify an employment opportunity you are intereste-d in. This might be a job you are currently considering or a job you hope to obtain in the future. A research element is required for this assignment, meaning you will research potential jobs in an area you would like to pursue.
You will create both a Cover Letter responding to your desired job opportunity and a Reflection about the process you used to gather information about that job and the company. Therefore, this assignment shows how effectively you are able to construct a piece of writing appropriate for a career- or discipline-specific situation. Review the Cover Letter Guide from PhoenixLink resource for appropriate cover letter formatting guidelines. This resource is located also in PhoenixLink’s Career Resources section. Locate a job opportunity that interests you.
Analysis:
Research key information about your chosen job opportunity and the company (e.g., mission statement, hiring manager, past accomplishments, etc.). You may find this information by visiting the company’s website and searching social networking sites (e.g., LinkedIn®) or job boards.
Before you write your cover letter, consider these questions: What duties might this position require? What education or experience is expecte-d of applicants? What is the company’s reputation, goal, or mission? How would hiring you help the company achieve that goal or mission? What salary might you expect? Is it comparable to the same position within other companies? Is there a possibility to grow or advance within this organization?
Summary:
Also consider these questions about your unique qualifications and work history: What makes you an effective employee and person that others want to work with? What qualities, habits, and career skills make you a good candidate for this position? How might your cover letter reflect any of the following traits: curiosity, openness, engagement, creativity, or metacognition (self-awareness)? Also, consider using this resource your instructor has shared with hundreds of students based on interviews with Human Resources personnel:
Dr Annie’s Cover Letter Format.docx
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