Bus 303 module 5 case assignment: Improving Skills

To access readings found in ProQuest, click ONLINE LIBRARY found on the left column in CourseNet.  This will take you to the Trident University OnLine Library.  Click PROQUEST CENTRAL.  Copy the title of the article you wish to access and paste it in the search field on the ProQuest page where you will be directed to the article for reading.

In this assignment, you will read about, “skill gaps”, (the skills people have as opposed to the skills that employers need to fill available jobs), writing a resume and cover letter, find a job opening that looks interesting, and then write a resume and cover letter for that job. Start by reading the following scholarly articles in ProQuest and below. The readings explain how to write an effective resume and cover letter that includes your abilities to acquire new skills.

Read the case information about “skilling-up” below: 

“Skill Up" to Land that Job”

News abounds about a "skill gap," or the difference between the skills people have as opposed to the skills that employers need to fill available jobs. The job resource Web site Quintessential Careers offers this advice to help close an individual's skill gap.

1. Look at certification or technical training programs as ways to acquire new skills. Professional associations or community colleges are excellent resources for building competencies.

2. Become an apprentice. Some professions such as electronics, plumbing, or machining offer paid apprenticeship programs.

3. Volunteer at a nonprofit. It's a great way to gain knowledge about how to use databases, build Web sites, and learn accounting procedures that you can transfer to a paying position.

4. Freelance. Expand your skills on the Internet as a freelancer, a contractor, or a "micropreneur."

Remember that old saying: Anything that's worth having is worth fighting for. Be ready to fight to land that job.

Critical thinking and discussion: How can you leverage your current talents to earn money while you look for a job in your chosen field? Besides learning new skills at an unpaid position, what else can you gain from volunteering? Why is it important to constantly update your skills?

Hinton, S. (2011, Nov. 7). 4 ways

6 Resume Writing Tips for Business School Grads 

Jada, A. G. (2012, 6 résumé writing tips for business school grads. U.S.News & World Report, , 1. Retrieved from http://search(dot)proquest(dot)com/docview/1015365544?accountid=28844. http://www(dot)usnews(dot)com/articles/education/top-business-schools/2012/04/11/6-resume-writing-tips-for-business-school-grads.html

Resumes, applications, and cover letters

Khoo, V. (2012). How to... write winning cover letters and résumés. Charter, 83(5), 44-45. Retrieved from http://search(dot)proquest(dot)com/docview/1023445351?accountid=28844

Assignment Instructions:

After reading the information about “skilling up”, go to an employment website (such as Monster.com, usajobs.gov, etc.) and find a job opening that interests you. Following the guidelines from the above readings, write a resume and a cover letter applying for the job. Hand in the job ad, the resume and the cover letter. Remember and apply what you've learned so far on persuasion and writing letters. Your resume and cover letter will be graded on how much and how well you apply ideas from the readings.

Submit your assignments by the module's due date.

Assignment Expectations:

A copy of your job advertisement, a well written resume, and a well written cover letter applying what you have learned in the course.

A well written summary (2-3 pages) that discusses these three questions (include an introduction and a conclusion): How can you leverage your current talents to earn money while you look for a job in your chosen field? Besides learning new skills at an unpaid position, what else can you gain from volunteering? Why is it important to constantly update your skills?