Part 1: Cover Letter
Cover letters are recommended, and in some instances required, for job applications. If you want to stand out from other candidates, you will want to write a unique cover letter for each position you apply to.
Cover letters allow you to clarify, detail, and expand on your most relevant skills and competencies. In addition, a cover letter allows you to showcase your written communication skills.
It is important that you have a compelling cover letter. To write an impactful cover letter, you need to answer the following questions before you begin composing it. Starting with these questions will help provide a clear and concise message for the person reading your cover letter.
• Why are you interested in the position? Consider what makes the position, organization, or company interesting to you.
• What three skills or competencies do you possess that match the skills the employer is seeking in a candidate?
o You can find these skills by viewing the job description. These specific skills are the reason every cover letter should be unique for each job for which you apply.
For this discussion, you will explore the components of a cover letter, reflect on your most relevant skills, and assess what action steps you can take to make your cover letter stronger.
The Cover Letters resource contains step-by step instructions for creating a cover letter including: formatting suggestions, tips regarding how to highlight your best skills and qualification and how to tailor your letter for specific job you wish to apply to.
For more in-depth guidance for writing a cover letter, please watch the Creating a Compelling Cover Letter pre-recorded webinar.
In your initial post:
• There are many different accounting positions that you can pursue. If you are applying for a position, the cover letter needs to address the specifics for that particular job. You may not have any experience in the skills that are required, but you need to address the skills you possess that can lead to a promising career. Click on this link http://www.njscpa.org/index/students/career-path/careers to review a description of different accounting careers. It also contains salary information for different accounting positions.
• Another opportunity is a career in internal auditing, click on this link to review the job description http://www.njscpa.org/index/students/career-path/careers. On the main menu to the left is also a link to job opportunities.
• After you have completed the above, click on Ashford- Career Services link:http://www.ashford.edu/student_services/careerservices.htm and login to your student portal.
• On the right hand side click on My Career: Career and Professional Development Center, then on the top right, click on the Jobs link.
• Search for accounting positions that match your interests as a potential job opportunity. Using the job description, identify three skills or qualifications that match your background and type them out.
• Next, using the format suggestions from both the webinar and cover letter sample, create a three- to four-sentence paragraph that communicates the three matching skills and/or competencies you would like to highlight for the employer. The goal is to tailor the body of your cover letter to the position you seek.
• Paste the link of the job description you are interested in and the three- to four-sentence paragraph that you have written for this job application into the discussion forum so you can obtain feedback from your classmates.
Part 2: Elevator Speech
Include your elevator speech as the second part of your posting
An elevator speech is an excellent way to convey your skills while networking and seeking employment. Typically, an elevator speech is a one-minute summary of who you are, why you are qualified, and what you have to offer the organization or industry. A brief sales pitch will ensure that you are prepared to discuss your career goals whenever the opportunity presents itself. Some examples of where you could use your elevator speech are at a networking event, during a job interview, or in a social setting.
• Watch The Elevator Pitch Career Spots video (3:25 minutes) and design a 1-minute sales pitch that is tailored toward your chosen career path. It is recommended that you utilize one of the following voice recording options to hear your elevator speech and share it with your classmates.
o Voki
o iTalk
o PowerPoint
o YouTube
• Once you have completed your recording, share your pitch with the class by copying and pasting the link of your recording into the body of your initial post. If you are having trouble recording your elevator speech, please contact your instructor immediately.
• Listen to two of your peers’ elevator speeches and comment on how well they presented the following information:
• Who they are?
• Why they are qualified?
• What they have to offer the organization or industry?
Example Elevator Speech:
Hi, my name is Bill and I am a student at Ashford University completing my Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. For the past five years, I have had the opportunity to work for a local CPA firm, while completing my accounting degree. This opportunity has allowed me to gain invaluable experience working directly with clients, preparing tax returns and financial statements. I am seeking to increase my knowledge in the area of forensic accounting. I have excellent computer skills and knowledge of internal controls and I also plan on completing my Master- in Accounting after graduation.
Guided Response: Respond to at least two of your peers by providing feedback on how their three key skills will help them to achieve their career goals. In addition, provide at least one suggestion for how they might emphasize their relevant skills in either their cover letter or elevator speech.
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