Application Assignment #8: Cover Letter & Behavioral Interview Questions -- DUE 10/27

Introduction

This assignment takes you through the next steps of the job application process and will prepare you for the mock interview that you’ll be doing with me next week. You will select one job or internship position from the two you found last week. You will write a cover letter for this position and you will prepare answers to interview questions that you might be asked. You will submit these documents along with a transmittal memo that includes a brief description of your work. 

Part I: Analysis

Choose one of the jobs or internship postings that you found for Application Assignment #7. Conduct an analysis of your audience (the people who may want to hire you) using the Cover Letter Worksheet. If you think you will really apply for the job, take the time to find the name of the person you should contact. You may need to contact the employer’s human resources department. They will be glad you called. 

Part II: Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Write a letter of application (cover letter) following the guidelines. There are additional guidelines, a sample letter, and tips on pages 11-12 in the NMC Student Success Center Guide. A successful letter does the following:

• Limits length to one page. 
• Builds on, rather than repeats, resume information.
• References the specific position and its requirements. 
• Addresses a specific person. If a name is unavailable, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Selection Committee.”
• Uses direct and clear wording.
• Follows the conventions of Standard English.

The letter will communicate multiple messages, directly or indirectly, to a prospective employer.  These messages include the following: 

• I know your organization.
• I know what kind of help you need.
• I have the skills and experience that will help you.
• I want this job.
• I know how to conduct myself in a professional manner.
• I take care to do my work correctly.  

Part III: Behavioral Interview Question Responses

Choose three questions from the “Top 10 Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers” article. Write a response to each of the three questions using the S.T.A.R. Method to organize your response. Use the labels “Situation”, “Task”, “Action”, and “Result” in your response. Your response to each question should be approximately 200 words, single-spaced.  Be sure to indicate which question you are answering.

Assignment submission -- Transmittal Memo

Turn in all parts of the assignment with a transmittal memo. The memo should include a short paragraph that explains why you chose this position, address whether you will actually apply for this position, and describe the snags and successes you experienced in preparing this material. Include a link to the job posting in this memo. If you cannot link to the job posting take a screenshot of the posting and submit it as an attachment with the assignment. The memo should list all attachments. Here are the parts of the assignment:

• Cover Letter Worksheet
• Cover Letter
• Behavioral Interview Question Responses (in the S.T.A.R. format)