For this assignment, you will write a cover letter in which you’ll develop clear, convincing reasons why you are well qualified for an available position in your chosen field of expertise.

Requirements:

Please turn in a single typed paragraph in proper business-letter format.  In a developed and organized paragraph, introduce yourself, state your topic sentence, share three main points explaining why you’re well qualified, include specific detailed examples, and conclude your letter on a positive, enthusiastic note. 

Directions:

Imagine you’ve earned your desired certificates and/or degrees, you’ve gained plenty of work experience, and you’re searching for a full- or part-time position in your field of expertise.  Most likely you’ll need to do some preliminary research about your future career and the qualities you’ll need to land the job of your dreams.  To gather information about your chosen career, visit the Career Center here on campus, interview people in the field, and/or talk with your professors.

Then, for an imaginary position in your field, write a one-paragraph cover letter, explaining to your future employer why you are best qualified for the position.  To write a persuasive letter, consider the following points of persuasion:

 Your education: school(s), degree(s), certificate(s), coursework, grade point average, etc.

 Your work experience: internship(s), part-time jobs, full-time jobs, etc.

Your communication skills: writing skills, interpersonal skills, experience in giving presentations, etc.

 Your managerial skills: organization, ability to manage others, etc.

Your personality: attitude, commitment, integrity, etc. 

Choose three of these points to support your main idea—that you are highly qualified for the position, and be creative when developing specific details and examples to illustrate the three points.  Aim high, and keep in mind that this is your time to brag about your accomplishments.  If you don’t brag, someone else competing for the job will.  Yes, this is a competition, and you need to prove to your future employer that you are the best candidate from the pool of applicants.  It’s your job to convince your reader to hire you.

 Possible Career Choices

 business administrator                                                 corporate lawyer

marketing/agribusiness manager                                 computer programmer

restaurant manager                                                      biologist

nurse                                                                            engineer

psychologist                                                                forensics agent

pharmacist                                                                   high school teacher

elementary school teacher                                           FBI agent

graphic designer                                                          police officer

automotive technician                                                 entrepreneur

pediatrician                                                                 radiologist

accountant                                                                   chemist

physical therapist                                                        pharmacist

social worker                                                               manager

fashion designer

Checklist for Required Work:

All of the work listed below must accompany your final draft.  Identify each section of work at the top, and, using the Preliminary Work Checklist, place the items in the proper order. 

Prewriting                                                       _____                          _____

Outline                                                            _____                          _____

Two In-class peer evaluations                         _____                          _____

Two carefully edited typed drafts                  _____                          _____