Week 5 Discussion Posts

Due 03/17/2016 by 8:30 pm EST.  Each post must be 250 words minimum with references cited.

1. Cover Letter
    
   As you end this course, reflect on the learned objectives by developing a cover letter for a job application for a marketing management position. Illustrate your understanding by synthesizing your response to the Week 2 Marketing Careers and SWOTT Analysis discussion.
   For this discussion, you will explore the components of a cover letter, reflect on your most relevant skills, and assess what action steps you can take to make your cover letter stronger.
   
   • The Cover Letters resource contains step-by step instructions for creating a cover letter including: formatting suggestions, tips regarding how to  highlight your best skills and qualification and how to tailor your letter for specific job you wish to apply to.
   • For more in-depth guidance for writing a cover letter, please watch the Creating a Compelling Cover Letter pre-recorded webinar (58 minutes).
   
   In your initial post
   
   • First, identify a position on www.indeed.com that interests you as a potential job opportunity. Using the job description, identify three skills or qualifications that match your background and type them out.
   • Next, using the format suggestions from both the webinar and cover letter sample, create a three- to four-sentence paragraph that communicates the three matching skills and/or competencies you would like to highlight for the employer. The goal is to tailor the body of your cover letter to the position you seek.
   • Paste the link of the job description you are interested in and the three- to four-sentence paragraph that you have written for this job application into the discussion forum so you can obtain feedback from your classmates.
   
   Guided Response: Respond to at least two of your peers by providing feedback on how their three key skills will help them to achieve their career goals. In addition, provide at least one suggestion for how they might emphasize their relevant skills. 
    
2. Marketing Control 
    
   Why would an organization implement marketing controls in order to determine whether or not the marketing plan is performing up to expected results? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings.