Assignment

Task

Using the job ad you picked for your Value Proposition Paragraph, you now must write a strong, focused, formal, and professional cover letter. This letter must:

· Clearly target the job ad (i.e., emphasize the strengths, accomplishments, and qualifications noted in the job ad).

· Use specific accomplishments and achievements to make yourself stand out and demonstrate why you would be the best fit for the position.

Cover Letter Structure: Thesis + Topic Sentence(s) + Unified Paragraphs

Remember, in BA2196, all of your writing must have structure. For the cover letter:

· You must organize information with a "thesis." Thus, your first paragraph should end with a thesis-type sentence, asserting the one or two experiences you will highlight and prove with specific evidence in your letter.

· Each body paragraph will begin with a topic sentence.

· All paragraphs must be unified: they must stay ONLY on the topic asserted in the topic sentence - NO TOPIC DRIFT.

Format

· Your letter must be limited to one page, so make every sentence count.

· Your letter is a professional letter of application; any typos, misspellings, punctuation problems, or grammar errors will lower your grade. This letter should be revised, edited, and proofread before you turn it in.

· Your cover letter must demonstrate why you would be a good fit for the position. It should not be written to say why the position would be a good fit for you.

· Your letter must be formatted as a business letter. See the information on proper cover letter format on the next page. Do NOT NEGLECT THE CORRECT FORMAT-YOU WILL LOSE UP TO 25 POINTS FOR INCORRECT FORMATTING. Note that because letters are single spaced, you should add a space between each paragraph, which means you then do not need to indent each paragraph.

What You'll Turn In (please staple or paper clip so you're turning in one packet of documents)

· A cover sheet that includes the following information at the top of the page, right-justified and single-spaced (see example below).

Writing Assignment: Cover Letter

· A hard copy of the job advertisement/announcement.

· Your cover letter.

· Your thank you email (see Thank You Email Instructions)

Your Name

Your Street Address

Your City, State, & Zip

Your Phone Number

Your Email Address

Date

Contact Name and/or Title

Company Name

Company Street Address

Company City, State, & Zip

Dear XXXXX,

Introduction should start by explaining how you heard about the position. You can also establish your status as a Fox student, including your major and year. The intro should end with a thesis statement that asserts your experience/fitness for the job.

Internal paragraph. All internal paragraphs should open with a topic sentence, include specific evidence to prove the claim, and close with a "so what?" statement that explains why you and/or your skill can benefit the employer.

Internal paragraph. All internal paragraphs should open with a topic sentence, include specific evidence to prove the claim, and close with a "so what?" statement that explains why you and/or your skill can benefit the employer.

Closing should reiterate your fitness for the position, state that your resume is enclosed, kindly ask to be contacted, and thank the reader.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Following up a job interview (whether it's a phone, virtual or in-person interview) with a thank-you letter or email is an important part of the job-search process. It shows the potential employer that you are courteous and professional; in fact, many employers say that they screen out job applicants who fail to send follow-up messages after interviews. This is also an opportunity for you to remind that employer of who you are and why you are a good fit for the position you seek. Think of this as your final pitch for why you should be hired (or deserve a second interview).

Assignment:

Assume that the cover letter you wrote resulted in your securing an interview for the job or internship you seek. Your interview went well, and you know that it's important to follow up with a thank-you letter or email to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Sending your message via email will enable you to get your message out immediately (as you know he/she is making the hiring decision soon), and it will remind the employer of why you are a good fit for the position.

Write a brief email that includes the following:

· A subject line saying "thank you" and citing the positon for which you interviewed;

· A personal but professional greeting (such as Dear Ms. XXX); avoid first names or generic greetings (such as "To whom it may concern....");

· An intro sentence thanking the employer for interviewing you and citing the position for which you interviewed;

· A sentence (or two) expressing your enthusiasm for the position based on what you learned in the interview;

· A sentence (or two) asserting how your skills, experience and interests are an excellent match for the position;

· An "action statement" inviting follow-up communication (such as following up a phone interview with "I hope to have the opportunity to meet you in person to further discuss how my skills and experience can best meet your needs." or simply following any interview, "I look forward to hearing from you regarding the XXX position.") This shows that you are assertive and confident.

· A professional and courteous closing such as "Best regards" or "Sincerely);

· A signature block including your name and contact information.

Be sure to edit for grammar, punctuation and style. A concise and professional message will help create a positive impression of you as a credible job/internship candidate. Editing errors will undermine your credibility.

NOTE: You will submit your thank you mail with your cover letter. Please see the Cover Letter Instructions for details.