Employment Portfolio

GBA 321 Employment Portfolio Instructions The Employment Portfolio will consist of four letters and one résumé. Each document is worth 5% of the 25% total weight for the assignment. Letter 1 Letter 1 is a solicited application letter following the AIDA model found in the textbook. The first paragraph should clearly state why you are writing and give the recipient a reason to continue reading. Identify the specific job for which you're applying. Show understanding of the company, and the job's role in positioning the company within its marketplace. The second paragraph presents your strongest selling points, demonstrating how you can benefit the firm. This creates interest in your candidacy and the desire to interview you to learn more. For the solicited letter, ensure your second paragraph addresses each major requirement in the job announcement or ad. Show the reader how some of your key personal characteristics fit the job. The third paragraph asks for a specific action (usually an interview) and a reply to your letter. You can offer to come to the interviewer's office, at his or her convenience or suggest a telephone interview. Include an email address that you check every day and a working mobile telephone number. Today, everyone is expected to have a mobile telephone; ensure you have one. Letter 2 Letter 2 is a request for a recommendation. It consists of three parts: an opening, a body, and a closing. In the opening (Paragraph 1), clearly state the request, being polite and respectful. Assume the reader will comply with your request, but specifically ask for a recommendation. In the body (probably a couple of brief paragraphs), ask the reader to comment on your character, job skills, relevant personal characteristics, etc. In the closing, indicate to whom and to where the letter should be sent by including both a postal and e-mail address. Ask the reader to send the recommendation by a specific date but give the reader sufficient time to respond to your request. Thank the reader for his or her time and effort. Letter 3 Letter 3 thanks the interviewer. The first paragraph reminds the interviewer about the interview and expresses appreciation for the time spent and consideration shown. The second paragraph briefly and subtly reminds the interviewer that the candidate’s knowledge and skills will benefit the organization. The third paragraph emphasizes the cultural fit between the candidate and the organization by briefly and subtly reminding the interviewer of the candidate’s relevant work ethic and personality attributes; close with the request for decision time frame. Letter 4 Letter 4 is the job offer acceptance letter. In the first paragraph, explicitly state you are delighted to accept the position, naming the department and salary. If you negotiated additional benefits outside those usually offered by the firm, confirm those as well. Confirm your start date. In the second paragraph, address any relevant miscellaneous details. In the third paragraph, thank the firm for the job offer, and indicate you are looking forward to making a productive contribution to the firm.

Résumé The résumé is a job-interview-ready document. Your résumé will be no more than 1-2 typed pages in length. Use the chorological-style when creating your résumé. The focus of the résumé must be on a career objective of your choosing (e.g., a position you are seeking, an internship opportunity, or an entry-level position related to your major). Employment Portfolio Scoring Rubric

Letter 1: Job Application

Scoring Criteria (4 points are possible for each criterion: score will range from 0: criterion is virtually nonexistent to 4: criterion is met exceptionally with no errors)

Score

1. The heading, date, inside address, and salutation are complete and properly positioned.

2. The body of the letter is properly formatted, spaced, and logically sequenced.

3. The complimentary close, signature block, and other relevant letter elements are complete and properly positioned.

4. The letter is characterized by proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other relevant writing mechanics.

5. The body of the message contains relevant, sufficient, and timely information.

6. In sum, the letter is likely to accomplish its intended purpose.

Letter 1 Score (out of 24)

Letter 2: Request for Recommendation

Scoring Criteria (4 points are possible for each criterion: score will range from 0: criterion is virtually non-existent to 4: criterion is met exceptionally with no errors)

Score

1. The heading, date, inside address, and salutation are complete and properly positioned.

2. The body of the letter is properly formatted, spaced, and logically sequenced.

3. The complimentary close, signature block, and other relevant letter elements are complete and properly positioned.

4. The letter is characterized by proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other relevant writing mechanics.

5. The body of the message contains relevant, sufficient, and timely information.

6. In sum, the letter is likely to accomplish its intended purpose.

Letter 2 Score (out of 24)

Letter 3: Thanking the Interviewer

Scoring Criteria (4 points are possible for each criterion: score will range from 0: criterion is virtually non-existent to 4: criterion is met exceptionally with no errors)

Score

1. The heading, date, inside address, and salutation are complete and properly positioned.

2. The body of the letter is properly formatted, spaced, and logically sequenced.

3. The complimentary close, signature block, and other relevant letter elements are complete and properly positioned.

4. The letter is characterized by proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other relevant writing mechanics.

5. The body of the message contains relevant, sufficient, and timely information.

6. In sum, the letter is likely to accomplish its intended purpose.

Letter 3 Score (out of 24)

Letter 4: Accepting Job Offer

Scoring Criteria (4 points are possible for each criterion: score will range from 0: criterion is virtually non-existent to 4: criterion is met exceptionally with no errors)

Score

1. The heading, date, inside address, and salutation are complete and properly positioned.

2. The body of the letter is properly formatted, spaced, and logically sequenced.

3. The complimentary close, signature block, and other relevant letter elements are complete and properly positioned.

4. The letter is characterized by proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other relevant writing mechanics.

5. The body of the message contains relevant, sufficient, and timely information.

6. In sum, the letter is likely to accomplish its intended purpose.

Letter 4 Score (out of 24)

Résumé

Part A. The résumé positions the candidate effectively.

Scoring Criteria (2 points are possible for each criterion: score will range from 0: criterion is virtually non-existent to 2: criterion is met exceptionally with no errors)

Score

1. Contact information (name, address, telephone, e-mail address, etc. is properly placed and complete.

2. The job objective is clear and relevant to the job sought.

3. Education is summarized including degree, major, school, (attendance dates), and expected graduation date. (Attendance dates are optional.)

4. Prior work experience is listed from most recent to last position, containing title, dates of employment, and brief job duty descriptions.

5. Professional and/or academic honors are listed.

6. Community and extra-curricular involvement is detailed.

Part B. The résumé is characterized by proper, spelling, punctuation, writing mechanics, and grammar.

Scoring Criteria (Maximum 12 points) Score

12 = Conformance to writing mechanics is exceptional (no minor or serious errors). 10 = Conformance to writing mechanics is very good (a few minor errors; no serious errors). 8 = Conformance to writing mechanics is good (a few minor and 1 serious error). 4 = Conformance to writing mechanics is poor (several minor and a few serious errors). 2 = Conformance to writing mechanics is very poor (several minor and serious errors). 0 = Conformance to writing mechanics is virtually non-existent.

Résumé Score (out of 24)

Total Employment Portfolio Score (out of 120)

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