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Memorandum

To: Professor Leslie Mateer

From: Allison Doub
Subject: Cover Letter and Resume Analysis
Date: February 5, 2010
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The purpose of this memo is to convey the rationale behind the content and organization of the
cover letter and resume I have prepared for a research coordinator position in the Positive
Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. As research coordinator, I would work
with Dr. Angela Duckworth’s research team to develop, implement, and analyze an intervention
program that enhances non-cognitive abilities in children to increase their academic success.

This memo contains three sections: Audience Analysis, Job Description, and Rhetorical Analysis.
Audience Analysis describes the laboratory I would be working in and the audience that will
most likely be evaluating my materials. Job Description details the position that I am applying
for, and the qualities they are looking for in an applicant. Finally, Rhetorical Analysis explains
how I adapted my application according to the rhetorical situation.

Audience Analysis

The University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This Ivy League school
is world renowned for its quality of research and publications. The Positive Psychology Center is
one of over 174 research centers that is affiliated with the university. The purpose of the center is
to promote Positive Psychology through research, training, education, and dissemination.
Positive Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that allow
individuals and communities to flourish. The work that emerges from this center reflects the high
standards the University of Pennsylvania holds for all of its members.

The job advertisement indicates that I should send my materials to Betty Kim. On Dr.
Duckworth’s website, Ms. Kim is listed as a research coordinator. This means that she is
currently performing the type of job that I am applying for. Ms. Kim received a Master of Social
Work with a Concentration in Macro Practice from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2008.
She has been working in Dr. Duckworth’s laboratory since June 2008.

Job Description

The title of the job I am applying for is Research Coordinator. The purpose of the position is to
collaborate with primary investigator Dr. Duckworth on the development and evaluation of an
intervention program that would increase self-control and perseverance in children and
adolescents. Dr. Duckworth is expecting that these two non-cognitive factors will increase the
participant’s academic success. The requirements of the job include: a Bachelor’s degree in
psychology or a related field, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision,
excellent organizational, writing, speaking, computer, and diplomatic skills, and a two year
commitment. Beyond these job requirements, research experience, experience teaching children,
and familiarity with SPSS and Microsoft Access software programs are preferred. I also have the
option to include a writing sample. The advertisement does not specify the number of hours per
week the job would require, nor does it include any salary information.

The responsibilities of the position include: coordinating data collection from students, teachers,
and parents, monitoring the progress of the intervention, assisting in a literature review of self-
control theory and measurement, supervising undergraduate research assistants, and serving as a
liaison to school administrators, parents, and adolescent participants.

Based on my understanding of the intervention, and after reviewing some of Dr. Duckworth’s
previous publications, it seems that the ideal candidate would hold the theoretical perspective
that people can combat their biological predisposition through environmental modifications.

Rhetorical Analysis
Resume

My education is my greatest qualification for this position, and is a requirement for the job. I put
it first on my resume for these reasons. I decided to include my major’s “option” to highlight that
my undergraduate study focused on developmental science. This was important to include
because the Research Coordinator would need to have a solid understanding of the scientific
process that exists in the social sciences. I also emphasized the course work I completed in areas
such as research methods and child development since these could be applied in the position.

In the next section I explain the professional development experiences I have had to demonstrate
that I can work independently and have organizational and diplomatic skills. These are all job
requirements. It also shows that I have taken the initiative to pursue opportunities that strengthen
my job skills and enhance my knowledge of the professional world.

The third section contains my work experience. Here, I described all of the jobs I have held that
involved youth since that is the age group Dr. Duckworth’s project focuses on. I highlighted the
grant I got for Stormbreak to show that I have strong writing skills. I did not include my work
with University Health Services as a health advocate, or my job as a desk attendant at a fitness
center, because they were not relevant to this position.

The fourth section is where I describe my research experience. I lead off with the Strengthening
Families Program because that is the project I have spent the most time on. I point out that I
received an award for the honors thesis I am completing within the project. This shows that I
have a history of completing noteworthy research. I included a classroom based project because
it included using SPSS to analyze data which is a preferred skill.
Cover Letter

Since the person reviewing my application materials, Ms. Kim, is intimately familiar with the job
requirements, it was vital to convey a solid understanding of the position. In the first paragraph
of my cover letter I state my reason for writing. I note where I found the job advertised, and the
date the job is supposed to start. I then go on to describe the research project’s mission, and the
type of candidate they are looking for. I close the first paragraph by saying the experiences I have
had make me a strong candidate for the position.

In my second paragraph, I elaborate upon my mental health practicum with at risk youth. I chose
to focus on this experience because I think it is the one that is most closely related to the research
coordinator position. The practicum experience demonstrates that I am knowledgeable about
intervention programs and have experience in curriculum development. It also shows that I have
experience teaching children, which is a preferred skill.

In my final paragraph, I refer to my enclosed resume. I also ask for an interview so that I can
further explain my experiences and how they qualify me for the position. I close by thanking the
reader for consideration.

I welcome your feed back on any of my application materials. Thank you in advance for your
helpful comments.