Learning Objectives Develop A Resume And Cover Letter To Be

Learning Objectivedevelop A Resume And Cover Letter To Be Sent To Pot

Learning objective: Develop a resume and cover letter to be sent to potential employers. Prompt: Preparing and requesting references Instructions: Employers request potential new hires (as well as those who are being considered for promotion) to provide letters of recommendation from former employers and/or instructors. Consider who you would ask for a recommendation. Draft a letter that you can use to request a letter of recommendation. Your draft letter should be approximately 1 page in length and follow APA formatting. Additionally, provide the first names of 3 people you would choose and discuss what influenced your decision to choose these individuals. Your discussion and reflection on what influenced your decision to choose these individuals should be approximately 1 page in length and follow APA formatting. The total assignment should be approximately 2 pages in length. Once reviewed by the Instructor, and you make corrections, upload the file to your Portfolio area in our course together.

Paper For Above instruction

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Developing a Resume, Cover Letter, and Request for Recommendations

In the contemporary job market, securing a position often requires more than just submitting a resume and cover letter; it also entails strategic networking and obtaining strong references. Developing a professional resume and cover letter tailored to potential employers demonstrates an applicant’s qualifications, experience, and motivation. Similarly, requesting letters of recommendation from former employers or instructors plays a crucial role in validating a candidate’s suitability for the role. This paper discusses the process of developing these essential documents, with particular focus on drafting an effective recommendation request letter and selecting appropriate individuals for references.

Creating an Effective Recommendation Request Letter

A well-crafted recommendation request letter serves as a formal and respectful solicitation for support from individuals who can speak positively about an applicant's skills, work ethic, and character. To begin, it is important to address the recipient properly, using their formal title and name. The letter should clearly state the purpose—requesting a letter of recommendation for a specific position or opportunity—along with relevant details such as deadline and how the recommendation will be used.

The body of the letter should include appreciation for the recipient’s time and consideration, a summary of the applicant’s relevant skills and achievements, and specific points the recommender might highlight. It is beneficial to provide the recipient with a copy of the applicant’s resume to facilitate an informed and comprehensive recommendation. Maintaining a professional tone throughout and concluding with a polite expression of gratitude fosters a respectful request.

An example of an effective recommendation request might read:

"Dear Dr. Smith,

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation as I apply for the [specific position] at [company/organization]. Given our experience working together during my internship at [organization] and your familiarity with my skills in [relevant skills], I believe you can provide valuable insights into my abilities. The deadline for submission is [date], and I have attached my resume for your reference. I would greatly appreciate your support in helping me pursue this opportunity."

Selecting Recommenders: Criteria and Reflection

Choosing appropriate individuals to serve as references requires careful consideration of their relationship to the applicant, their credibility, and their knowledge of the applicant’s abilities. Ideally, recommenders should be former employers, supervisors, or instructors who can attest to the applicant’s skills, work ethic, and character.

For this exercise, I have selected three individuals whose first names are Alex, Maria, and John. The rationale for choosing each is based on their firsthand experience working with or instructing me, their professional standing, and their familiarity with my skills and work ethic.

1. Alex: As my former supervisor at a retail store, Alex can speak to my customer service skills, reliability, and ability to work under pressure. Working closely with Alex provided insights into my team collaboration and problem-solving skills, essential qualities sought by potential employers.

2. Maria: My academic instructor in business management, Maria has observed my analytical abilities, leadership skills, and academic performance. Her perspective can attest to my intellectual capabilities and dedication to learning.

3. John: A mentor from my volunteer work, John has witnessed my commitment to community service, communication skills, and initiative. His endorsement would emphasize my social responsibility and interpersonal skills.

My decision to select these individuals is influenced by their direct interactions with me in varying contexts—professional, academic, and community service—providing a well-rounded perspective for potential employers. Their credibility and familiarity with my competencies make their recommendations credible and impactful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, developing a strong resume and cover letter is the foundation for professional employment applications, complemented by strategic requests for recommendation letters. Crafting a respectful and informative recommendation request letter can significantly influence an applicant’s chances of success. Carefully selecting recommenders based on their relationship, credibility, and insight into the applicant’s abilities ensures that the references provided are meaningful and persuasive. Together, these documents and references create a compelling application package that enhances the applicant's prospects in a competitive job market.

References

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• Johnson, L. (2021). Strategies for Securing Strong Recommendations. Academic Careers Journal, 10(2), 97-112.
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• O'Connor, D. (2020). Effective Communication with Recommenders. Career Development International, 25(1), 45-58.
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