3065.2.1 : Communication Process
The graduate applies effective communication techniques and principles to business environments.
3065.2.2 : Business Writing
The graduate applies the principles of business writing to communicate in a business environment.
3065.2.4 : Written Messages
The graduate composes multiple types of business messages in response to scenarios.
3065.2.5 : Business Research and Presentation
The graduate applies business research and writing skills to present information in a business environment.
3065.2.6 : Employment Communication
The graduate creates professional communication documents for employment and career advancement opportunities.
INTRODUCTION
In today’s business environment, you will have many opportunities to apply to various positions of interest. It is important to use effective communication techniques and principles of business writing in order to stand out among other candidates applying for similar positions. In this task, you will apply these techniques and principles to create a cover letter and resume.
REQUIREMENTS
Your submission must be your original work. No more than a combined total of 30% of the submission and no more than a 10% match to any one individual source can be directly quoted or closely paraphrased from sources, even if cited correctly. The originality report that is provided when you submit your task can be used as a guide.
You must use the rubric to direct the creation of your submission because it provides detailed criteria that will be used to evaluate your work. Each requirement below may be evaluated by more than one rubric aspect. The rubric aspect titles may contain hyperlinks to relevant portions of the course.
Tasks may not be submitted as cloud links, such as links to Google Docs, Google Slides, OneDrive, etc., unless specified in the task requirements. All other submissions must be file types that are uploaded and submitted as attachments (e.g., .docx, .pdf, .ppt).
A. Write an academically appropriate cover letter (suggested length of 1 page) for a real or fictitious job posting, using business writing techniques, to justify why you should be hired. Include at least two of the following topic areas:
• Why is this position of interest to you?
• What qualifies you for this position?
• Why are you a good fit for this specific position?
• Why are you a good fit for the company as a whole?
Note: Refer to the web links provided below as resources while creating your cover letter. Your cover letter should clearly highlight your education, professional experience, and personal or professional accomplishments related to the position of interest. You may contact the career services department with the “WGU Career and Professional Development” web link below to further assist with your cover letter, including but not limited to scheduling an appointment with a WGU Career Advisor, access to helpful videos, cover letter samples, and more.
B. Write a resume (suggested length of 1–2 pages) using professional formatting that includes each of the following components (real or fictitious):
• name, contact information
• education
• professional experience
• skills
Note: Refer to the web links provided below as resources while creating your resume. Your resume should clearly highlight your education, professional experience, and personal or professional accomplishments related to the position of interest. You may contact the career services department with the “WGU Career and Professional Development” web link below to further assist with your resume, including but not limited to scheduling an appointment with a WGU Career Advisor, access to helpful videos, resume samples, and more.
C. Acknowledge sources, using in-text citations and references, for content that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.
D. Demonstrate professional communication in the content and presentation of your submission.
File Restrictions
File name may contain only letters, numbers, spaces, and these symbols: ! – _ . * ‘ ( )
File size limit: 200 MB
File types allowed: doc, docx, rtf, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, odt, pdf, csv, txt, qt, mov, mpg, avi, mp3, wav, mp4, wma, flv, asf, mpeg, wmv, m4v, svg, tif, tiff, jpeg, jpg, gif, png, zip, rar, tar, 7z
RUBRIC
A:COVER LETTER
NOT EVIDENT
A cover letter is not provided.
APPROACHING COMPETENCE
The submission includes a cover letter but is not academically appropriate or includes fewer than 2 of the given topic areas, or does not clearly use business writing techniques to support the justification.
COMPETENT
The submission incudes an academically appropriate cover letter that includes at least 2 of the given topic areas, and clearly uses business writing techniques to support the justification.
B:RESUME
NOT EVIDENT
A resume is not provided.
APPROACHING COMPETENCE
The submission includes a resume that is not professionally formatted or is missing 1 or more of the given criteria.
COMPETENT
The submission includes a resume that is professionally formatted and includes each of the given criteria.
C:SOURCES
NOT EVIDENT
The submission does not include both in-text citations and a reference list for sources that are quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.
APPROACHING COMPETENCE
The submission includes in-text citations for sources that are quoted, paraphrased, or summarized and a reference list; however, the citations or reference list is incomplete or inaccurate.
COMPETENT
The submission includes in-text citations for sources that are properly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized and a reference list that accurately identifies the author, date, title, and source location as available.
D:PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
NOT EVIDENT
Content is unstructured, is disjointed, or contains pervasive errors in mechanics, usage, or grammar. Vocabulary or tone is unprofessional or distracts from the topic.
APPROACHING COMPETENCE
Content is poorly organized, is difficult to follow, or contains errors in mechanics, usage, or grammar that cause confusion. Terminology is misused or ineffective.
COMPETENT
Content reflects attention to detail, is organized, and focuses on the main ideas as prescribed in the task or chosen by the candidate. Terminology is pertinent, is used correctly, and effectively conveys the intended meaning. Mechanics, usage, and grammar promote accurate interpretation and understanding.
WEB LINKS
WGU Career & Professional Development
Stand Out! With a Cover Letter
Cover Letter Guidelines
Cover Letter Help
Bullet Cover Letter Template
Cover Letter Template
Resume Resources
Resume Self-Review Checklist
Healthcare Resume Sample
