For Thursday, complete a lead and a headline for BOTH press releases you are writing. See the post below this one for more information.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Press Release Assignment -- Due at Final Exam
PRESS RELEASE ASSIGNMENT
Assignment: Choose a famous scandal (sports or otherwise) and write two full press releases reflecting two separate perspectives on the incident. One perspective must be from those who are supporting the person in your scandal (team, company, etc.) while the other must go against the person in your scandal (the victim’s representatives, for example).
Due: At your final exam.
Rubric (All areas scored on a scale of 1-10, unless otherwise noted):
1) Proper length between 175-250 words, printed on one page.
2) Covers the five steps for writing a press release in full (20 points).
3) Uses proper “business language”.
4) Each press release has a clear point of view (two different kinds are necessary:
1) supporting the subject of you scandal or 2) working against the subject of your scandal)
Steps for writing a press release:
1) Write the headline. It should be brief, clear and to the point: an ultra-compact version of the press release’s key point. Try to grab the reader’s attention.
2) First body paragraph. Have a strong lead. A first paragraph (two to three sentences) must actually sum up the press release and the further content must elaborate it.
3) First & Second paragraphs: Include the 5Ws and H.
4) Include background information about the subject. Include facts, statistics and/or quotes.
5) Your contact information and signature.
Assignment: Choose a famous scandal (sports or otherwise) and write two full press releases reflecting two separate perspectives on the incident. One perspective must be from those who are supporting the person in your scandal (team, company, etc.) while the other must go against the person in your scandal (the victim’s representatives, for example).
Due: At your final exam.
Rubric (All areas scored on a scale of 1-10, unless otherwise noted):
1) Proper length between 175-250 words, printed on one page.
2) Covers the five steps for writing a press release in full (20 points).
3) Uses proper “business language”.
4) Each press release has a clear point of view (two different kinds are necessary:
1) supporting the subject of you scandal or 2) working against the subject of your scandal)
Steps for writing a press release:
1) Write the headline. It should be brief, clear and to the point: an ultra-compact version of the press release’s key point. Try to grab the reader’s attention.
2) First body paragraph. Have a strong lead. A first paragraph (two to three sentences) must actually sum up the press release and the further content must elaborate it.
3) First & Second paragraphs: Include the 5Ws and H.
4) Include background information about the subject. Include facts, statistics and/or quotes.
5) Your contact information and signature.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
HW #7, Due Wednesday, April 29th!
For Wednesday, research “background information” to be used in your press releases. Remember, background information can include a combination of facts, statistics and quotes.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Monday, April 27, 2009
#6 Due Tuesday, April 28th!
For Tuesday, research the 5Ws and H of the scandal you have chosen to work on for your Press Release project.
Please contact me if you need ideas or have questions.
See you in class!
-Mr. D.
Please contact me if you need ideas or have questions.
See you in class!
-Mr. D.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Homework #5 Due Monday, April 27th!
For Monday, research a famous scandal in history (sports or non-sports). Briefly explain what happened in 4-6 sentences.
Have a great weekend!
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Have a great weekend!
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Homework Due Friday, April 24th!
For Friday, work on a revision of the cover letter and resume due as your vacation assignment. First drafts that will count as credit for your vacation assignment are due no later than tomorrow.
Revisions are due next week on Friday for a final grade.
Rubrics for both cover letters and resumes are posted below. Guides for writing each can be found in earlier posts.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Cover Letter Rubric: Each area scored on a scale of 1-5
1) Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation
2) Direct and to the point (no wasted words)
3) Format – follows “Cover Letter Guide”
(Heading, Inside Address, Salutation, Introductory Paragraph, 1st Main Paragraph, 2nd Main Paragraph, Closing Paragraph, Complimentary Close, Signature, Name, Enclosure)
4) An engaging Introduction that stands out.
5) Provides details about your experience and skills that relates to the job you are applying for.
Resume Rubric: Each area scored on a scale of 1-5
1) Spelling, grammar.
2) Includes the following areas with an adequate amount of information: Contact Information, Education, Experience, Skills
3) Neatness (header centered, main areas in bold, bullets used for lists, font between 10-12, single-spaced, fits on one page, etc.)
4) A clearly stated “Objective” under the contact information, above the education section.
Revisions are due next week on Friday for a final grade.
Rubrics for both cover letters and resumes are posted below. Guides for writing each can be found in earlier posts.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Cover Letter Rubric: Each area scored on a scale of 1-5
1) Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation
2) Direct and to the point (no wasted words)
3) Format – follows “Cover Letter Guide”
(Heading, Inside Address, Salutation, Introductory Paragraph, 1st Main Paragraph, 2nd Main Paragraph, Closing Paragraph, Complimentary Close, Signature, Name, Enclosure)
4) An engaging Introduction that stands out.
5) Provides details about your experience and skills that relates to the job you are applying for.
Resume Rubric: Each area scored on a scale of 1-5
1) Spelling, grammar.
2) Includes the following areas with an adequate amount of information: Contact Information, Education, Experience, Skills
3) Neatness (header centered, main areas in bold, bullets used for lists, font between 10-12, single-spaced, fits on one page, etc.)
4) A clearly stated “Objective” under the contact information, above the education section.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
HW Due Thursday, April 23!
For Thursday, work on your cover letter and resume from the vacation assignment (see posts below). If you have finished, work on editing based upon feedback you received from me.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
HW #4, Due Wednesday, April 23rd!
For Wednesday, choose 5-7 of the following words and write out their definitions. You can either use a dictionary or visit a website such as Dictionary.com.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Adjectives:
accurate
active
adaptable
adept
honest
innovative
reliable
successful
Verbs:
accomplished
attained
collaborated
facilitated
implemented
organized
supervised
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Adjectives:
accurate
active
adaptable
adept
honest
innovative
reliable
successful
Verbs:
accomplished
attained
collaborated
facilitated
implemented
organized
supervised
Monday, April 20, 2009
HW #3, Due Tuesday, April 21st!
Your homework for Tuesday is simple -- come to class with 3-4 questions that you have about writing a cover letter or resume.
Also, if you did not complete the vacation assignment (see below), you have until Friday to complete it.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Also, if you did not complete the vacation assignment (see below), you have until Friday to complete it.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Vacation Assignment Due Monday, April 20th!
Enjoy your vacation! During the break be sure to complete two cover letters and two resumes for two different job applications. Remember, much of what you use for the first resume and the first cover letter can be used for the second resume and the second cover letter.
Remember, you are applying for two jobs that your classmates have created.
A link to the cover letter guide can be found here on page 3.
The resume guide is below in the previous post.
Have a great break!
-Mr. Donohue
Remember, you are applying for two jobs that your classmates have created.
A link to the cover letter guide can be found here on page 3.
The resume guide is below in the previous post.
Have a great break!
-Mr. Donohue
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
HW #2 Due Wednesday, April 8th!
For Wednesday, fill-in an outline for your own resume (may be done on handout). Will be checked in class tomorrow, not collected. A copy of the handout from class today is pasted below.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Sports Business Communications: Build a Resume
Your Contact Information
The first section of your resume should include information on how the employer can contact you.
First Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone (Landline or Cell)
Email Address
Education
In the education section of your resume, list the school you attend and any awards or honors (like the National Honor Society) you have earned.
High School
Awards, Honors
Experience
This section of your resume includes your work history. If you have had a job before, list the company you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities. If you haven't had a regular job before, it's fine to include positions like baby sitting or pet sitting and any volunteer experiences you might have.
Company #1
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements
Company #2
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements
Skills
Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.
References available upon request
There is no need to include references on your resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
Sports Business Communications: Build a Resume
Your Contact Information
The first section of your resume should include information on how the employer can contact you.
First Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone (Landline or Cell)
Email Address
Education
In the education section of your resume, list the school you attend and any awards or honors (like the National Honor Society) you have earned.
High School
Awards, Honors
Experience
This section of your resume includes your work history. If you have had a job before, list the company you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities. If you haven't had a regular job before, it's fine to include positions like baby sitting or pet sitting and any volunteer experiences you might have.
Company #1
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements
Company #2
City, State
Dates Worked
Job Title
Responsibilities / Achievements
Responsibilities / Achievements
Skills
Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.
References available upon request
There is no need to include references on your resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request.
Monday, April 6, 2009
HW #1 Due Tuesday, April 7th!
For Tuesday, read the sample cover letter below. Is it a convincing cover letter? Cite 3-4 places within the letter that back up your opinion.
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
SAMPLE COVER LETTER #1
5 Atkins Avenue
Northville, ME 04400
January 3, 2003
Ms. Christine Bailey XYZ Law Offices
123 Main Street
Auburn, ME 04210
Dear Ms. Bailey:
This letter is in reference to the paralegal position that was listed through Central Maine Technical College's Career Center. I am familiar with XYZ Law Office's recent growth and I am confident that my skills and qualifications will benefit your company.
I am eager to utilize my research and writing skills while working as a paralegal. My academic courses at CMTC have required many research papers and projects. I have a tremendous capacity to undertake research and report findings in clear and concise fashion.
I work well under the pressure of deadlines, and I have been involved in many group projects. My work experiences have taught me that one must be prepared to work beyond the typical forty-hour week to achieve success. I am willing and able to do so for XYZ Law Offices.
Your consideration of my credentials would be greatly appreciated. I will call you next week to confirm your receipt of this letter and enclosed resume. Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information to support my candidacy.
Sincerely,
Signature
Joseph Smith
Enclosures
See you in class!
-Mr. Donohue
SAMPLE COVER LETTER #1
5 Atkins Avenue
Northville, ME 04400
January 3, 2003
Ms. Christine Bailey XYZ Law Offices
123 Main Street
Auburn, ME 04210
Dear Ms. Bailey:
This letter is in reference to the paralegal position that was listed through Central Maine Technical College's Career Center. I am familiar with XYZ Law Office's recent growth and I am confident that my skills and qualifications will benefit your company.
I am eager to utilize my research and writing skills while working as a paralegal. My academic courses at CMTC have required many research papers and projects. I have a tremendous capacity to undertake research and report findings in clear and concise fashion.
I work well under the pressure of deadlines, and I have been involved in many group projects. My work experiences have taught me that one must be prepared to work beyond the typical forty-hour week to achieve success. I am willing and able to do so for XYZ Law Offices.
Your consideration of my credentials would be greatly appreciated. I will call you next week to confirm your receipt of this letter and enclosed resume. Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information to support my candidacy.
Sincerely,
Signature
Joseph Smith
Enclosures
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