Resume Assignment
(Resume / cover letter / letter of reference / thank-you letter / answers to interview questions)
(20 points)


Assignment:

  1. Find an advertisement in a newspaper, on the Internet, or through the office of Career Services. Find a position in your field, for which you might be qualified. Write a resume, a cover letter, and a letter of reference in response to the advertisement. Also assume you had an interview with this company and write a thank-you letter to the interviewer. Finally, answer the 10 most commonly asked interview questions. While this resume is a class assignment, you should consider updating your resume to be a process that will be on-going throughout your career. More specific instructions and examples are listed below.

  2. Combine all six parts of this assignment into one Microsoft Word document.
    1. Resume
    2. References (3 to 4) - people who can verify and elaborate on your professional experience
    3. Cover letter
    4. Letter of reference
    5. Thank you letter
    6. Answers to interview questions

  3. Save your work as "resume.doc" or "resume.docx" when you are finished.

  4. Upload this file to YOUR-CLASS-WEBSITE.   Help


Resume   (4 points)

    Length: At least 1 complete page (not including references). Use 12-point font and 1" margins.
References: As part of your resume, include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three or four references. These are people who can verify and elaborate on your professional experience.
Format:
The following list provides some ideas for the content of your resume.
  • Personal Information (name, address, phone number, and e-mail address)
  • Education (major, subjects taken)
  • Skills
    • Technological - computer applications and software
    • Communication
    • Leadership
  • Work Experience
    • Full/part-time work
    • Volunteer work
  • Publications/Presentations
  • Honors and Professional Affiliations
  • Interests and Activities
  • References
It is recommended that you use action verbs to start each sentence on your resume. See the following list of action verbs.


Cover Letter   (4 points)

    Length: At least 200 words.
    Format:
Your cover letter must contain at least the following parts: return address, dateline, inside address, salutation, body, and a complimentary close.

Below is a typical breakdown of the body:

Your first paragraph should include a statement that you are interested in the advertised position and your desire to obtain an interview.

The second paragraph should include any major accomplishments this company would be interested in hearing about. You should also list your overall skills.

The third paragraph should include any specific skills/accomplishments that are listed in your resume, but need to be flushed out for this particular advertisement.

In your final paragraph, tell them that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Your closing should typically be Sincerely.


Letter of Reference (4 points)

    Length: The letter of reference must be at least 200 words.
    Format:
The letter of reference should appear as though someone else wrote it on your behalf. It must contain at least the following parts: return address, dateline, inside address, salutation, body, and a complimentary close.


Thank You Letter (4 points)
Assume you had an interview with the company addressed in your cover letter. Write a follow-up thank you letter to the interviewer. Minimum of 150 words.

Commonly Asked Interview Questions (4 points)
Briefly answer the following commonly asked interview questions. Assume you are interviewing with the company you addressed in your cover letter.   (4 points)
  1. What is your greatest strength?
  2. What is your biggest weakness?
  3. What academic subjects did you like best?
  4. What have you learned from your mistakes?
  5. What led you to choose your field of major study?
  6. Describe your most rewarding college experience.
  7. Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
  8. How do you work under pressure?
  9. Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
  10. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?

A sample of a resume, references, a cover letter, letters of reference, and a thank you letter can be found at the following addresses:
Resume (https://www.billrosener.com/cv/)
References
Cover letter
Letter of reference #1
Letter of reference #2
Thank you letter



Grading Rubric
Required Elements Points Possible Does not meet requirements Meets some requirements Meets or exceeds all requirements Your Score
1. Resume is at least 1 complete page (not including references). The resume includes the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three or four references. Contains no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Uses indentations, appropriate margins, and formatting to improve readability. 4 0 2 4 __/4
2. Cover letter is at least 200 words and contains at least the following parts: return address, dateline, inside address, salutation, body, and a complimentary close. Contains no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Uses indentations, appropriate margins, and formatting to improve readability. 4 0 2 4 __/4
3. The letter of reference is at least 200 words and contains at least the following parts: return address, dateline, inside address, salutation, body, and a complimentary close. Contains no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Uses indentations, appropriate margins, and formatting to improve readability. 4 0 2 4 __/4
4. Thank you letter contains a minimum of 150 words. Contains no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Uses indentations, appropriate margins, and formatting to improve readability. 4 0 2 4 __/4
5. Answered all 10 commonly asked interview questions. Contains no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Uses indentations, appropriate margins, and formatting to improve readability. 4 0 2 4 __/4
Total points __/20