06.

07 Leadership and Careers Worksheet

Instructions: For this project, you will format and write a cover letter using a word processing program.
Note: If you cannot complete this lab as directed, please contact your instructor for assistance.

Step One: Scenario

Select one of the following agriculture-related scenarios to create a cover letter for (you should choose the option to
write in your own scenario only if you have a real-life agriculture-related scenario you can use a real cover letter for).

Even though these are made-up scenarios, complete a search to try to find actual job openings, internships, and
scholarships to see what qualifications are needed to apply. This will make your letter easier to write and provide you
with information for your inside address and salutation.

1. You are applying for an agriscience scholarship at a local university. A cover letter must be submitted along with
your application.
2. You are applying for an entry-level position as a veterinarian assistant at a local animal hospital.
3. You are applying for a summer internship at a local cattle farm.

Step Two: Prepare Your Document

Create your letter in a word processing program using the block style format with open punctuation.

When using block style, you should format your letter as follows:
 The entire letter is aligned with the left margin.
 Body paragraphs are NOT indented.
 The page is set up with 1-inch side margins and a 2-inch top margin.
 Quadruple space (strike your Enter key four times) after the date and complimentary close.
 Double space (strike your Enter key two times) after the inside address, after the salutation, and between
paragraphs.

When using open punctuation, do not use any punctuation after the salutation and the complimentary close.

Word processing programs also provide business letter and cover letter templates that make it easier to prepare your
document.

Step Three: Parts of a Letter

Below is an overview of the parts of a letter in the correct order.

Parts of a letter (in order)

Return address and date Your address
Inside address The name of the person and address you are sending the letter to.
Salutation Greeting (Dear…)
Introductory paragraph The reason for the letter
Body paragraph The main idea of the letter and additional details
Closing paragraph The conclusion, request for action, and follow-up
 Complimentary close The closing of the letter – (Sincerely)
Signature Your name

Step Four: Write

It is important for a cover letter to be concise, well-written, short, accurate, and simple. A cover letter’s purpose is to
convince the person reading it to consider your experience and to take the next step in the hiring process.

Introductory paragraph
The reason for the letter. For example, “I am writing to apply for the veterinary technician position at your animal
hospital.”

Body paragraph
A summary of your skills and experience and why you would be good for the job. Highlight your experience and skills
that are included in your résumé and emphasize how they relate to what you’re applying for. You can include examples
as to how you have used those skills.

Closing paragraph
Include a brief conclusion, a request to read your résumé, and a follow-up action. For example, “My résumé is attached
for your review. I can be reached at (555) 495-9089 with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you to further
discuss this opportunity.”

Note: You should make all attempts to use real information about yourself in your cover letter. This way it will be useful
for you in real life. However, it is OK to make up information if needed to complete this project as long as the made-up
information is realistic for a student in your grade and age.

Step Five: Review & Feedback

It is important to complete a spelling and grammar check in your word processing program. Then proofread, and
proofread again, and then have a trusted adult or teacher look over your letter and provide feedback. Record the
feedback in your Guided Notes. Sometimes all it takes is a misspelled word for your cover letter to be overlooked,
especially if you are applying for a highly competitive position.

Grading Rubric
(100 points possible)

  Skilled Agriscientist Developing Agriscientist Novice Agriscientist

Step 1 15–12 points 11–8 points 7–0 points

Scenario The student chose a scenario that is The student chose a scenario that is The student did not choose a
appropriate to agriscience and appropriate to agriscience and scenario that is appropriate to
completed a high level of completed a moderate level of agriscience and/or did not complete
background research. background research. any background research.

Step 2 25–21 points 20–17 points 16–0 points

  Skilled Agriscientist
Prepare Your
Document
The student prepared the document
using a block style format with open
punctation and included 8–10 of the
following:
 1-inch side margins
 2-inch top margin
 paragraphs not indented
 quadruple space after the
date
 quadruple space after the
complimentary close
 double space after the
inside address
 double space after the
salutation
 double space between
paragraphs
 no punctuation after the
salutation
 no punctuation after the
complimentary close
Step 3 25–21 points
Parts of a The student has included 8–9 of the
Letter letter categories:
 return address
 date
 inside address
 salutation
 introductory paragraph
 body paragraph
 closing paragraph
 complimentary close
 signature
Step 4 25–21 points
Writing The student demonstrates The student demonstrates
excellent writing skills. The moderate writing skills. The letter is
letter is concise and accurate missing some paragraph content:
and includes three paragraphs:
 introductory paragraph
containing the reason for
the letter
 body paragraph highlighting
skills and experience and
providing examples
Developing Agriscientist
The student prepared the document
using a block style format with open
punctation and included 5–7 of the
following:
 1-inch side margins
 2-inch top margin
 paragraphs not indented
 quadruple space after the
date
 quadruple space after the
complimentary close
 double space after the
inside address
 double space after the
salutation
 double space between
paragraphs
 no punctuation after the
salutation
 no punctuation after the
complimentary close
20–17 points
The student has included 5–7 of the
letter categories:
 return address
 date
 inside address
 salutation
 introductory paragraph
 body paragraph
 closing paragraph
 complimentary close
 signature
20–17 points
 introductory paragraph
containing the reason for
the letter
 body paragraph
highlighting skills and
experience and providing
examples
Novice Agriscientist
The student prepared the document
using a block style format with open
punctation and included 4 or fewer
of the following:
 1-inch side margins
 2-inch top margin
 paragraphs not indented
 quadruple space after the
date
 quadruple space after the
complimentary close
 double space after the
inside address
 double space after the
salutation
 double space between
paragraphs
 no punctuation after the
salutation
 no punctuation after the
complimentary close
16–0 points
The student has included 4 or fewer
of the letter categories:
 return address
 date
 inside address
 salutation
 introductory paragraph
 body paragraph
 closing paragraph
 complimentary close
 signature
16–0 points
The student demonstrates limited
writing skills. The letter is wordy and
is missing paragraph content:
 introductory paragraph
containing the reason the
for the letter
 body paragraph
highlighting skills and
experience and providing
examples
  Skilled Agriscientist Developing Agriscientist Novice Agriscientist

 closing paragraph including  closing paragraph including  closing paragraph including

a brief conclusion and a brief conclusion and a brief conclusion and
follow-up follow-up follow-up

Step 5 10–7 points 6–5 points 4–0 points

Review The document contains no The document contains few The document contains several
noticeable errors in spelling or noticeable errors in spelling or noticeable errors in spelling or
grammar. grammar. grammar.