Prepare A Targeted Résumé And Application Letter For A Job

Prepare a targeted résumé and application letter for a job in financial forensic accounting

This assignment involves creating two professional employment documents: a targeted résumé and a compelling application letter, aimed at a specific job opportunity in the field of financial forensic accounting. The goal is to effectively showcase your education, skills, and experience to persuade a prospective employer to offer you an interview.

First, locate a relevant job opening for which you are qualified or a company in which you are interested. You may search online through platforms like Monster.com, check local newspapers, or other media outlets. The focus is not necessarily on securing your dream job but on practicing the process of applying for employment and preparing yourself for entry into the job market.

Part One: Creating Your Résumé

Your résumé should be tailored specifically to the job opening you have selected in the field of financial forensic accounting. It is essential to determine and highlight your education, skills, and work experience that align with the requirements of the position. You may choose either a reverse chronological format or a functional résumé format, as discussed in Lannon (pp. 409-410). The résumé should be clear, precise, and truthful with specific dates and detailed descriptions of responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your contributions where possible to demonstrate your capabilities effectively. Follow standard workplace letter formatting as outlined on page 417 of Lannon's textbook.

Part Two: Writing an Application Letter

The application letter should be addressed to the prospective employer or human resources department. Unlike your résumé, this letter should not repeat your career history but rather interpret and expand on how your education, skills, experience, and interests meet the specific needs of the employer. It should serve as a persuasive sales pitch, convincing the reader to consider you as a candidate worth interviewing. Clearly articulate how your background and professional aspirations align with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their success.

Guidelines for Both Documents

• Ensure accuracy and truthfulness in all submitted information.
• Be specific about job responsibilities, skills, dates, and accomplishments.
• Use professional language and a respectful tone throughout.
• Ensure your documents are well-organized, free of errors, and follow standard formatting conventions.

Objectives of the Assignment

This exercise aims to develop your ability to craft professional employment documents tailored to specific job opportunities. It will help you evaluate your qualifications against industry standards, identify areas for professional development, and improve your overall job application skills. Completing this assignment will prepare you to approach real-world employment opportunities with confidence and professionalism.

References

• Lannon, J. (2017). Writing with a Professional Tone and Style. Cengage Learning.
• Lannon, J. (2017). Resumes and Application Letters. Cengage Learning.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Crenshaw, A. (2018). Effective Resume Writing: Strategies for Success. Journal of Career Development, 45(3), 221-230.
• Smith, R. (2019). Crafting Persuasive Cover Letters. Harvard Business Review, 97(5), 45-50.
• Kelly, J. (2020). Resume Formats and Their Uses. Career Planning and Adult Development Journal, 36(2), 34-41.
• Harrison, D. (2021). Professional Communication in the Workplace. Journal of Business Communication, 58(4), 383-402.
• Brown, T. (2019). Trends in Forensic Accounting. Forensic Accounting Review, 8(2), 112-125.
• Gordon, S. (2018). Effective Job Search Strategies. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 29(4), 629-642.
• O’Neill, M. (2021). Developing a Targeted Resume for Specialized Fields. Journal of Career Development, 48(1), 69-76.