For this part of the Job Acquisition Project, you will be creating a professional cover letter, which is intended to introduce yourself to an organization, demonstrate your interest in the company or a specific vacancy, draw attention to your resume and motivate the reader to interview you. You will complete this assignment using Microsoft Word. Be sure you have read and studied the information in your digital text “Cover Messages.”
This assignment is worth 40 points and is due in the designated dropbox by the date in the course schedule in the Getting Started module. Please read and/or print the instructions that follow.
Please follow the instructions below:
- Use the internet to locate an actual job listing/position from a company in your area of interest and based on your selection, you will create a job cover letter. (Don’t forget to copy and paste the actual job listing and URL).
- For the assignment, you will choose where you will apply, conduct minimal research regarding your target company, and analyze your own capabilities and assets.
- Assess the employer’s needs and your skills. Then try to match them in the letter in a way that will appeal to the employer’s self-interest. As much as possible, tailor your letter to each job opportunity. Demonstrate, if possible, some knowledge of the organization to which you are applying.
- Your cover letter must be designed and directed toward your job listing/position. Referencing the information that you have gleaned from the company’s website, will help you speak to these elements in your cover letter. It will also prepare you for a future interview. This is invaluable information!
- In a single page, you will write a letter of application for a job based on the Cover Letter Guidelines (Located in Module 14). Please follow proper business formatting, as outlined below. In addition, use the information in your textbook and the examples from Figure 15.16 and 15.17, to assist with business letter format.
The cover letter is your first and maybe only chance to make a good impression, so be sure to provide all the most important details. Using the information found in the job ad, target your letter specifically to that company and that position.
Formatting:
- Margins are 1” all around
- Full-block style (all paragraphs and lines begin flush left, except letterhead).
- Blank line between each paragraph
- Font should be Times New Roman 12pt (except for your name in the letterhead)
Structure:
- Letterhead (Design a professional-looking letterhead with your name and address using fonts of your choice)
- Date
- Name, title, and address of the recipient
- Salutation
- Introductory paragraph
- Body of letter
- Conclusion (asking for an interview)
- Complimentary close (“Sincerely,” followed by 3 blank lines) Signature and typed name
- Use your professor’s name and the following address as the potential employer only if you’re unable to locate a contact name and address for your job listing/position: Name of Company, 3715 N. Valdosta Road, Valdosta, GA 31602.
- If you are not familiar with correct business letter format, click on the link below for specifics (scroll to the bottom for an example). Business Letter Format: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/653/01/
Save the file as Cover Letter – Your first and last name (Ex: Cover Letter – Jane Doe).
Because cover letters with even one minor spelling error will most likely land in a trash can somewhere, you must proofread carefully and correct ALL errors before submitting this document.
Before attaching and submitting this document, print your cover letter and make sure it is attractive and sends the image you would like for people to see. Make any necessary corrections.
Reminder: You are required to turn in a copy of the job ad and/or position for which you are applying. You will submit your cover letter (Page #1) along with a copy of the actual job listing and URL (Page #2) in the designated Dropbox.
This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on the date identified in the course schedule.
