Creating an Effective Cover Letter
- Due No Due Date
- Points 35
- Submitting a file upload
In addition to a well written resume, cover letters are an integral part of the application process. In a competitive landscape, a cover letter detailing your passion for the organization and interest in the position can set you apart from other candidates. While cover letters are not always mentioned in an application, savvy candidates know it is a tool that can greatly increase the chance of landing an interview. This assignment will give you tips on how to create a persuasive and concise cover letter.
Before completing this assignment, read and review the cover letter section of the University Career Center website Links to an external site. which describes the characteristics of effective cover letters and provides a few samples.
Instructions:
Step 1: Find a position for an internship or a job that are interested in applying for.
Step 2: Identify and write down three skills within the position that you possess and would like to highlight in the cover letter.
Step 3: Develop a one page cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for the position using three skills and providing examples.
Step 4: Compile and upload your work in ONE document in the following order:
- Page 1 - The position description used for the cover letter
- Page 2 - The three skills that you have identified
- Page 3 - Your one page cover letter
Evaluation:
In order to receive full points for your this assignment, you must:
- Identify three skills or qualities that are detailed in the position description and that you possess and provide at least one concrete example for each skill/quality.
- Include a copy of the position description and list the three skills you plan to discuss.
- Draft a cover letter that should include an introduction and concluding paragraph along with the three skills/qualities. Cover letter should be written clearly, concisely, and free of grammatical errors.
- Upload and submit one document that has the position description, the identification of the three skills, and the final cover letter.
For more information and additional resources, visit: careers.umd.edu Links to an external site.
Rubric
Find Rubric
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Position Description
The student included one position description for an internship or job they are interested in applying for.
threshold:
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Skills Identification
The student identified three skills they possess and wanted to discuss in the cover letter. Students will receive one point for each skill identified.
threshold:
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Introduction
Student addressed why they were applying to the position and their interest in the position and organization. May have included their major and how they heard about the position.
threshold:
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Body
Student identified three skills needed for the position and gave concrete examples of either how their prior experience related to those skills and to the position OR their genuine interest in learning those skills through the experience.
threshold:
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Conclusion
Student concluded with a summary statement of their genuine interest in the position and working for that organization. May have included a statement regarding next steps such as interviewing or following up.
threshold:
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Organization
Student wrote a one page cover letter with at least three substantial paragraphs to include an introduction, body and conclusion.
threshold:
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Format
Cover letter is written in business format and includes a mailing address, has a formal salutation, and closing signature.
threshold:
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Spelling and Grammar
Writing is free of spelling-errors and grammatical mistakes.
threshold:
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Total Points:
35
out of 35
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