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Transition, part 3: Draft Job Letters

The Assignment

After drafting your résumés in the "Transition, part 2" assignment, draft at least 2 different job letters and submit them on Blackboard.

Once you have you have created your résumés, now you're ready to write your job letters. This step follows résumé creation logically, as the cover letter should complement and expand upon the résumé.

• Draft a template for 2 different job letters. This will serve as a foundation for future job applications. You may then customize these template letters as needed.
• Address the letter professionally and briefly introduce yourself.
• Pair the letter with one of the résumés you created in the previous assignment.
• Explain your interest in the position or organization and how your skills align with their needs.
• Follow the advice shared by our guest speaker.
• Please read all instructions carefully.
• Reach out for help if you have any questions!

Associated Assignments

• Transition, part 1: Research Potential Careers
• Transition, part 2: Draft Résumés
• Transition, part 3: Draft Job Letters
• Transition, part 4: Explore Job Databases
• Transition, part 5: Reflection

The Rubric

15% Professional Introduction:

• Insufficient: The cover letter lacks a professional and engaging introduction, failing to make a strong first impression.
• Adequate: The introduction is somewhat professional, but it may lack engagement or fail to grab the reader's attention effectively.
• Strong: The cover letter begins with a professional and engaging introduction that immediately captures the reader's interest.
• Outstanding: The introduction is exceptionally professional and compelling, creating a strong and memorable first impression.

20% Alignment with Résumé:

• Insufficient: The cover letter does not effectively align with the résumé, leading to inconsistencies or contradictions.
• Adequate: The cover letter shows some alignment with the résumé but may contain minor discrepancies.
• Strong: The cover letter aligns seamlessly with the résumé, providing a consistent and coherent representation of the candidate's qualifications.
• Outstanding: The cover letter demonstrates perfect alignment with the résumé, reinforcing the candidate's qualifications and showcasing a unified professional profile.

20% Persuasive Explanation of Interest:

• Insufficient: The cover letter lacks a persuasive explanation of the candidate's interest in the position or organization.
• Adequate: The cover letter provides some explanation of interest but lacks depth or persuasive elements.
• Strong: The cover letter persuasively explains the candidate's interest in the position or organization, demonstrating a strong connection.
• Outstanding: The cover letter offers an exceptionally persuasive and compelling explanation of the candidate's genuine interest, making a strong case for their suitability.

25% Alignment of Skills with Positions/Organization:

• Insufficient: The cover letter fails to effectively align the candidate's skills with the specific positions or organization.
• Adequate: The cover letter somewhat aligns the candidate's skills with the positions/organization but may lack depth or specificity.
• Strong: The cover letter demonstrates a clear and convincing alignment of the candidate's skills with the positions/organization.
• Outstanding: The cover letter showcases an exceptional alignment of the candidate's skills with the positions/organization, highlighting a strong fit.

20% Correct Format for Business Letter:

• Insufficient: The cover letter does not follow the correct format for a business letter and contains significant formatting errors.
• Adequate: The cover letter attempts to follow the correct format but may contain noticeable formatting errors.
• Strong: The cover letter adheres to the correct format for a business letter with minimal formatting errors.
• Outstanding: The cover letter follows the correct format for a business letter flawlessly, with impeccable formatting.