to write a skillful persuasive cover message in the job search that begins indirectly develops convincing reasoning using one or more appeal emotional logical and or character based and closes with goodwill and action

Before you write anything, you should think through the situation and work out a strategy—that is, how you will explain or justify your decision.

Relevant Concepts:

1. Planning Your Communication Strategy Using a Problem-Solving Approach (Chapter 1)
2. Preparing a persuasive/sales cover message for the job search advertisement
3. Gaining attention, selecting the appropriate content, organizing for conviction, and driving for action

Assignment Background:

Problem-Solving Case/Scenario

Graduation is fast approaching, and you are now ready to sell your working ability in the job market. Besides canvassing likely firms with the help of prospecting messages and diligently following up family contacts, you have decided to look into anything that appears especially good in the ads of newspapers, online sources, and magazines. The latest available issues of large city publications and online services yield the jobs listed below.

The Cover Message

The print cover message is much like the sales message (Chapter 7)—you illustrate a need and sell a product (you) to fill the need. Gaining attention in the opening is important because the busy executive has other things to do. You need to use what works best in each case.

Selecting content should be guided by the job requirements. Of course, if you are strong in an area you know is important to any employer, be sure to emphasize those strengths.

Since you are responding to an advertisement, you can address the needs mentioned directly and precisely.

Organizing for conviction means choosing an organizational plan that emphasizes your strengths. You may use a reverse chronological, functional or skills, or accomplishments plan. Conviction is also enhanced by careful word choice and reader-viewpoint language.

Driving for action in the close entails being clear and direct in letting the reader know what action you expect next. Normally, you request an interview, more information, or even an application.

Email cover messages take different forms depending on the document type it introduces. The primary job is to highlight the applicant’s strengths and get the reader to review the resume.

Assignment Instructions:

Read the instructions on attached Chapter 11 – Problem-solving Case carefully before you prepare your cover message for one of the job advertisements listed.

Concentrate on the ad describing the job you would like most or could do best—and then write a cover message that will get you that job. Your message will first have to survive the filtering that eliminates dozens (sometimes hundreds) of applicants who lack the expected qualifications. Toward the end you will be getting into strong competition in which small details give you the superiority that will get you an interview.

Study your chosen ad for what it says and even more for what it implies. Weigh your own preparation even more thoroughly than you weigh the ad. You may imagine far enough ahead to assume completion of all the courses that are planned for your degree. You may build up your case a bit beyond what you have. Sort the qualifications for the job, organize them strategically, and then present them in a cover letter.

1. Once you have chosen a job, study your chosen ad for what it says and even more for what it implies. Highlight the experience, education, and/or qualifications required for the job to help you organize your application documents.
2. Prepare your cover message as the advertisement requires. If the ad asks for an email – prepare it in memo format since memo’s and emails look similar. If a letter is requested, please prepare it using one of the letter formats you learned this semester.
3. Use as much of your real information as possible – such as your degree major, relevant experience, etc. – as if you are REALLY applying for the job. (Real personal contact information is not necessary.)

This is the Grading Rubric

Persuasive Cover Message – Job Search

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDocument Format/Design	10.0 to >7.0 pts Proficient Formatted correctly using appropriate format for delivery (formal letter or email/memo); includes all the appropriate message parts 7.0 to >5.0 pts Competent Two to three formatting issues 5.0 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Three or more formatting issues	10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization-Indirect Plan-Open Paragraph	15.0 to >10.0 pts Proficient Opens with words that GAIN ATTENTION; AND, sets up your strategy using words to set up your appeal (logical, emotional,character-based) 10.0 to >5.0 pts Competent Begins directly OR Does not begin with words that GAIN ATTENTION; OR does not use neutral words to set up strategy 5.0 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Begins directly AND Does not begin with words that GAIN ATTENTION; AND does not use neutral words to set up strategy	15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization-Indirect Plan-Body Paragraph	25.0 to >24.0 pts Proficient Presents the persuasive strategy using persuasive language and the “you viewpoint”; AND, presents points convincingly using appropriate words for effect; AND, makes the request clearly without any negative words 24.0 to >22.5 pts Competent Does not meet one or more of the message plan requirements:does not presents the persuasive strategy using persuasive language and the “you viewpoint”; AND/OR, does not presents points convincingly using appropriate words for effect; AND/OR, does not make the request clearly without any negative words 22.5 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Does not present the persuasive strategy using persuasive language and the “you viewpoint”; AND, does not present points convincingly using appropriate words for effect; AND, does not make the request clearly without any negative words	25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization-Indirect Plan-Closing Paragraph	15.0 to >10.0 pts Proficient Ends with an adapted goodwill comment; AND, with words that recall the appeal; and/or, gives end date for action 10.0 to >5.0 pts Competent Does not end with an adapted goodwill comment; AND/OR, does not end with words that recall the appeal 5.0 to >0 pts Needs Improvement Does not end with an adapted goodwill comment; AND, does not end with words that recall the appeal	15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAppropriate Writing Style/Grammar	10.0 to >7.0 pts Proficient 0 to 9 writing style/grammar mistakes; Sentence/Paragraph structure; word choice; positive tone; correct grammar 7.0 to >5.0 pts Competent 10 to 15 writing style/grammar mistakes 5.0 to >0 pts Needs Improvement More than 15 writing style/grammar mistakes	10.0 pts
Total Points: 75.0

 

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