Write a resume and cover letter according to the instructions on the attached document
- Write a resume and cover letter according to the instructions on the attached document “Project 1: Job Application Materials”
- Write a reflection using PAIBOC analysis describing your writing process.
Page 1 of 2
Find a job you want
Begin your project by searching for a job or internship ad. Look for a real advertisement for a job
that you might want and for which you might be qualified, now or after you have completed your
degree. You may use an expired job ad if you like—it does not have to be currently open.
Résumé
Write a functional (skills) résumé or a hybrid functional/chronological résumé for the purpose of
applying for this job or internship. Your résumé should be one or two pages long and use
attractive and balanced document design. You may disguise your personal information if you
like. You may list your college degree with an expected graduation date, but do not claim to hold
any degree or qualifications that you do not possess.
Professional Profile
Do not include an objective statement on your résumé. While objective statements were
once common, and even considered essential, trends in many fields have replaced the vague
and generic objective statement with the more descriptive and dynamic Professional Profile.
You can title this section “Professional Profile,” another relevant section title like “Skills and
Achievements,” or you can give it a personal headline like “English Language Arts Teacher.” In
addition to the examples in the textbook, a simple Google search of “professional profile
resume” will return many examples you may find useful.
Tip: A good professional profile can not only enhance your résumé but also build up your
professional identity on social media. Once you have written your profile and received feedback,
consider adding it to your LinkedIn or job board profile.
Write a cover letter addressed to the hiring manager or decision maker for the job you have
chosen. Highlight the attributes that make you a good candidate for the job and offer useful
details beyond what is listed on your résumé. Your letter should be one page long.
Job Application Grading
Criteria
The specific rubric for evaluating this project is on page 2 of this document. Use it as a checklist
for evaluating your own work before you submit it to be graded.
Page 2 of 2
Category & Points
Possible
Criteria
Professional Profile
10 points
• Concisely highlights relevant skills and qualifications
• Incorporates keywords from job ad
Cover Letter
35 points
• Uses business letter format
• Expands on information in resume (not merely repeating it)
• First paragraph identifies position and source of job ad and
forecasts rest of the letter
• Each paragraph expresses a unified idea introduced by a
clear topic sentence
• Final paragraph refers to resume, expresses desire for
interview, and invites future contact
• Is one page long
Resume Content
35 points
• Includes identifying information
• Emphasizes education and job experience in reverse
chronological order
• Describes transferable skills using active verbs
• Contains no irrelevant or negative information
Resume Design
10 points
• Uses attractive and professional design that is easily
readable
• Uses margins, indentations, and white space effectively
• Uses section headings that clearly indicate organization of
document
• Uses appropriate typeface and type size
• Is one or two pages long
Grammar and
Mechanics
10 points
• Clear and correct sentence structure
Free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Project 1: Job Application Materials
Find a job you want
Résumé
Professional Profile
Cover Letter
Job Application Grading Criteria