job packege
Task: Create a job package for yourself that contains the following components:
1. Job Advertisement (including source documentation)
Search for a job in an industry of your choice that you might apply for after graduation. This
should obviously be a job in the profession you hope to work in and should be an entry-level
position suitable for a new graduate. Find an ad and print a copy of (or photocopy) the
advertisement that you will attach to your letter and resume.
Hint: the more detailed your job ad is, the easier this assignment will be.
2. Cover Letter (specifically tailored to the job ad of your choice)
Write the letter that would accompany your resume stating that you are applying for the job
and requesting an interview. Follow the directions discussed in class and described in your
handout. Like your resume, the cover letter should be targeted specifically to the situation (job
and organization) you choose. Portray yourself as being uniquely and professionally qualified for
this position. Show how your education and your work experience make you a good candidate.
3. Traditional Resume
Craft a resume that you would use to apply for this job – work with your own real information. If
you have an existing resume, you may use that for starters, but be sure to tailor it for this
specific job. Your resume should clearly show that you are uniquely qualified for the position.
Use keywords from the job advertisement (where appropriate). If you do not have directly
relevant job experience, you might show how course work and part-time work have given you
appropriate experience and skills. The resume format you use is up to you, but it should fit your
existing experience profile.
4. Scannable Resume
A scannable résumé is the same as a traditional résumé, only formatted to be readable using
document imaging technology (optical character recognition, or OCR). This allows employers to
store résumés in databases and search through many applicants electronically. Keep in mind
that the first reader of your scannable résumé will be a computer, not a human. A fancy format
pleasing to the human eye may confuse OCR scanners. Create a scannable resume by modifying
the traditional one for scanning, using simple formatting, fonts/typestyle, headings, and
keywords.
See the attached file for full assignment details and due dates
BCM 3700: Job Package (a “10%” assignment)
Task: Create a job package for yourself that contains the following components:
1. Job Advertisement (including source documentation)
Search for a job in an industry of your choice that you might apply for after graduation. This should obviously be a job in the profession you hope to work in and
should be an entry-level position suitable for a new graduate. Find an ad and print a copy of (or photocopy) the advertisement that you will attach to your letter and
resume.
Hint: the more detailed your job ad is, the easier this assignment will be.
2. Cover Letter (specifically tailored to the job ad of your choice)
Write the letter that would accompany your resume stating that you are applying for the job and requesting an interview. Follow the directions discussed in class and
described in your handout. Like your resume, the cover letter should be targeted specifically to the situation (job and organization) you choose. Portray yourself as
being uniquely and professionally qualified for this position. Show how your education and your work experience make you a good candidate.
3. Traditional Resume
Craft a resume that you would use to apply for this job – work with your own real information. If you have an existing resume, you may use that for starters, but be
sure to tailor it for this specific job. Your resume should clearly show that you are uniquely qualified for the position. Use keywords from the job advertisement
(where appropriate). If you do not have directly relevant job experience, you might show how course work and part-time work have given you appropriate experience and
skills. The resume format you use is up to you, but it should fit your existing experience profile.
4. Scannable Resume
A scannable résumé is the same as a traditional résumé, only formatted to be readable using document imaging technology (optical character recognition, or OCR). This
allows employers to store résumés in databases and search through many applicants electronically. Keep in mind that the first reader of your scannable résumé will be a
computer, not a human. A fancy format pleasing to the human eye may confuse OCR scanners. Create a scannable resume by modifying the traditional one for scanning,
using simple formatting, fonts/typestyle, headings, and keywords.
Hints: use one common font (such as Times New Roman) throughout your résumé. Rather than increasing the size of the font to indicate section headings, use spacing to
break up your Keyword, Education, Experience sections. Avoid using bullets, tables, and visuals in a scannable résumé. Instead, use dashes, left-aligned text, and
simple spacing to format your document.
BCM 3700: Job Package (a “10%” assignment)
Format: all documents must be printed and turned in EXACTLY as you would want an employer to see them (except for the copy of the advertisement). DO NOT use
standardized or “example” wording from textbooks or Microsoft Word templates. Be original, be yourself.
Note: You DO NOT need to use special “resume” paper, folders, etc., for this assignment. Duplex (two-sided) printing is acceptable for this assignment, although it
might NOT be acceptable in a real application.
Resources: Your job package involves attention to many levels of thought and detail, which we cannot cover completely in class. (Your textbook is an excellent
resource.) As you prepare for your job search, consult others – including people in your field. Search job boards locally or in an area where you might wish to
relocate. The HCoB Career Center is an excellent resource, as it the Business Communication Center (both located in Schneider Hall). MLive Careers (Kalamazoo Gazette)
and BroncoJOBS would be good places to start your job search. Try trade publications, other newspaper listings, or websites (Monster, etc.). Also consult WMU’s Career
and Student Employment Services (wmich.edu/career/).
Note: you do not actually have to apply for the position (unless, of course, you want to)
Grading criteria: All grading criteria/aspects of communication matter, especially
“Mechanics/language use” – spelling, grammar and punctuation are especially important. “Audience” includes how effectively you portray your knowledge of the
company you’re applying to. “Organization” includes how precisely your skills match their requirements. “Self-expression” is about credibility and how
effectively you “sell” yourself. “Language use” includes tone and degree of professionalism. “Task/context” is about how realistic and professional your job
package is – make it “real.”
Draft DUE: Thursday, January 26 (Drafts will be critiqued and returned the following session) Final version DUE: Thursday, February 16
