SOC401 - A strong cover letter is an accompaniment

SOC401 Crafting the Cover Letter

A strong cover letter is an accompaniment to a strong résumé and is often the key to securing an interview. While a resume goes through ATS programs, the cover letter is read by potential employers and HR professionals. A common error people make in crafting cover letters is mistaking them for mirror images of their résumés. A cover letter should instead reflect your résumé and elaborate on C.A.R. statements, core competencies, and the professional profile sections found in the résumé. In short, your cover letter is an extension of your résumé and, as such, should not merely repeat what is in your résumé.

While your cover letter should be concise, it’s where you will highlight elements of your professional self that make you the perfect candidate for the organization, demonstrating that you meet all requirements and exceed in others. Present yourself in the cover letter as a candidate who can fit in with the organization, meet the demands of the job, and continue to grow in the role.

As with your résumé, avoid templates when writing your cover letter. It should be unique and demonstrate your passion for and commitment to the job you are applying for.

For this reflective journal, you will submit the following four parts in a single document:

• (One-half to one page) A job call/advertisement
  • Include the full job call with the description and a link to the source. This will be copied and pasted.
• (One page) Your cover letter, specifically written to match the job description
• (One to two pages) Your résumé
• (Three to five pages) A reflection that includes
  • why you specifically chose this job;
  • how you’re an asset to the organization;
  • where, how, and why you see yourself growing in the organization;
  • what you elaborated on from your professional profile;
  • what you elaborated on from your core competencies;
  • what you elaborated on from two of your C.A.R. statements;
  • an explanation of how your cover letter is tied to civic engagement and the job you are applying for;
  • an explanation of how your cover letter is tied to social change and the job you are applying for; and
  • an explanation of how your cover letter highlights your ability to address inequality and the job you are applying for.

Journal entries are reflective documents that provide personal, thoughtful analyses. Personal reflection and self-appraisal are part of the concept of journaling and will help you articulate what you learn in class and how and why you take in messages the way you do. This is deep learning because it comes from self-analysis. This thoughtful introspection helps you understand the material and your key learnings from it.

Your journal should be 7–9 pages long; integrate course concepts and provide examples from your experiences that reflect the focus of this week’s journal activity. Use the course materials and cite appropriately.