Cover letter and Informational interview questions.
Task Rationale:
A cover letter is your first opportunity to make an impression with professionals in your industry. The aim is to engage the reader, to convince them to continue reading your letter, and to inspire them to want to learn more about you. Most jobs you apply for will require a cover letter or a cover email, so in the future it will be useful for you to have a ‘template’ or a ‘master’ of your letter to refer to. Writing a letter of this nature is also important practice for developing your professional communication skills.
You will be required to submit a copy of the role / position being advertised with your application (note: this should be in text format, submitted with your letter i.e. not a link to a position).
Task Description Coverletter:
In this task you research and find a graduate position you might potentially apply for or this can be the letter for the informational interview. You will prepare a tailored, one-page cover letter directed to the organisation. Your letter should follow formal conventions, and include the ‘five’ key elements for an effective letter:
Formal layout, salutation and closing
Why you are writing
Why you are interested in this organisation (or role)
Some information about your background and skills and how they might align to a role within this organisation: discuss the skills of roles in this industry and skills you have, including transferable skills
A ‘call to action’ (what you would like the reader to do next).
Questions for informational interview
There should be 5 to 10 questions that are focused on the career and steps for progression in the career. Questions should require more than a single word response.