Beard
English 2070
Writing Project II
Writing Project II: Resume and Cover Letter/Reflection
Introduction:
One of the most commonly produced texts among college graduates is the
resume and cover letter. When you begin applying for jobs, a resume and cover letter is
often used to show that you possess specific skills and an interest in a particular job or
position, as well as allowing you a way to showcase your strengths. Both a resume and
a cover letter are types of writing that initially may seem simple enough to compose,
but in fact these documents can require much time and thought. For your second
writing project, you will be composing a resume and cover letter that is geared towards
a specific position, for a specific purpose and goal. **If you’d prefer to gear this writing
project for application to graduate schools, this would be a great opportunity to start
working on these documents.
Assignment:
For this assignment, you will find an advertisement in a newspaper, journal, on the
Internet or some other option, such as a job searching website, like Monster.com. You
should consider looking for positions that are in your field or that you might be
qualified for either presently or in the near future. Please print the job description/ad
out. I will not accept your assignment without the original job posting. While I am
not requiring that you actually apply for the position, you will want to find a specific
posting for this assignment to work with, at length.
After locating a job posting you will write a resume and cover letter in response to the
advertisement you find. This means you will need to print out the job posting, write
your resume and cover letter after carefully considering how best to present yourself as
a potential candidate for the specific job. You will also need to include a one-page
reflection that addresses how your resume and cover letter are tailored to the job you
are “applying” for.
**Although this resume is a writing project for the course, you should consider
continuing to update your resume so you will develop a comfort and ease with this
form of writing. If you currently have a resume, you should expect to revise and tailor it
to fit the job you are “applying” for, as a resume should be a continual work in
progress.
Audience:
Your audience for this assignment will be the individual you would contact when
“applying” for this position. The job posting or description should outline who your
specific audience is, but ultimately your audience will be your potential employer.
Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to help you better understand how to represent your
skills, including your academic and professional literacies in a career-specific setting.
Beard
English 2070
Writing Project II
Knowing how to write a resume and cover letter are both important skills. This
assignment is designed to help you consider questions of audience, purpose, clarity,
brevity, and understanding what future employers may be looking for.
Product:
This project will vary for each student, but more than likely, your final project will be a
1-2 page resume, a 1-page cover letter, a copy of the job posting, and a 1-page
explanation of how your resume and cover letter meets the needs of the posting, or
purpose/goal you are working toward.
Studio Reviews:
For each writing project we do for the course, we will have Studio Review days. During
these scheduled days, bring an electronic copy of your writing project draft to class. I
will ask you to briefly describe your struggles in your drafting process, ask questions
and possible directions you are contemplating. As a class, I’ll ask that you shift seats,
read your peer’s draft, address questions, and offer feedback and suggestions. Time
permitting; we will continue this process until everyone has multiple comments and
suggestions on their draft. During these class days, I’ll ask you to remain respectful and
offer constructive criticism. Therefore, on Studio Review days, you are expected to have
a complete draft of the assignment, otherwise it makes it difficult to offer helpful
suggestions.
Important Dates:
9/14/09
9/16/09
9/21/09
9/23/09
9/25/09
9/28/09
Introduction to assignment.
Bring in 3 job descriptions/postings to class
In-class drafting (Resume and Cover Letter)
In-class drafting (Reflection)
Studio Review during class, bring electronic draft
Writing project II final due in class and on BB