Essential Business employment portfolio, writing homework help

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)