Chapter 9- Persuasive Letter Assignment **Important Message--You are writing to a business to try to get them to hire MHCC interns. You may use any "major" you would like. If you are in the medical office program, you may certainly use that major in your letter. Follow the "Think about the following:" and the Checklist for Problem-solving Persuasive Messages. Remember to use headings and/or lists to emphasize important information. Writing with you attitude and positive emphasis is important. And, most importantly, have your message make your reader REALLY WANT to hire MHO interns because they see how their company will benefit from doing so. Asking them to do you a favor is NOT writing persuasively in the business world. The Assignment Your assignment, as a business division program advisor, is to write a letter to a business persuading them to \"hire\" MHO interns. You may use any business division majors for your \"interns.\" The internship program is for winter term, 2016. Background: The Internship Program at MHO's Business Division is available to second year students who have at least 45 credits and a 3.25 GPA. They must have at least 18 credits in the area in which they want to intern. A program specific advisor monitors the internship. He/she works directly with the student and the business involved to be sure both have their goals accomplished. The \"company\" hosting the internship pays $10 per hour in wages. Internships are for 12 to 20 hours per weekdepending on the needs of the intern and the company. Many interns gain full employment after graduation at the company where they did their internship. Think about the following: Does the opening capture the reader's attention? What are the central selling points? How can the company benefit from this program? Develop specific benefits to the company (3 or more benefits). How is the cost handled? How can you overcome any objections they may have? How do you get them to really want to do what you are asking them to do? What action is the reader to take? Is the action made easy? Why should they respond now? Be specific! **Remember--You are writing to a business to try and get them to hire MHCC interns. You may use any "major" you would like. If you are in the medical office program, you may certainly use that major in your letter. Follow the "Think about the following:" and the Checklist for Problem-solving Persuasive Messages. Remember to use headings and/or lists to emphasize important information. Writing with you attitude and positive emphasis is important. And, most importantly, have your message make your reader REALLY WANT to hire MHCC interns because they see how their company will benefit from doing so. Asking them to do you a favor is NOT writing persuasively in the business world. ______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Checklist for Problem-Solving Persuasive Messages Does the subject line state a reader benefit? (10 points) Does the opening \"grab\" the reader's attention and interest. (10 points) Does the letter build interest? Does the message create specific reader benefits? (20 points) Does the message give all the relevant information? Is there enough detail? (10 points) Does the message overcome possible resistance or objections? (10 points) Does the last paragraph tell the reader exactly how to take the action you want? Does it give a deadline and a reason for acting promptly? (10 points) Is the letter written in \"you attitude\"? (10 points) Is positive language used throughout the message? (10 points) Is the style easy to read and friendly? (5 points) Is the letter format professional? (5 points) Are standard grammar and punctuation used? (-2 pts for each error) Mr. Greg Far 2 Current Date Persuasive Letter Sample Current Date (use September 20, 2015 format) Mr. Greg Far 401 SE 19 Drive Eugene, OR 97030 Subject: Gain Work Experience, Earn College Credits Dear Mr. Greg: Most accounting graduates have a goal to find a top-paying job with an excellent company. As your advisor, that is my goal for you also. Because many companies want actual work experience before they hire their accountants, it may be hard to get a job right out of college. To help solve this problem, take part in the MLK Internship Program to gain valuable work experience while you complete your degree. Through our Internship Program, you can work at top companies like Wells Fargo Bank, Standard Insurance Company, Intel, and Nike from 12 to 20 hours per week for an entire term and receive 3 to 4 credits. Benefits of the Internship Program As a student, you can get the following benefits: Get an opportunity to see the actual issues clients bring to the company and how the company handles them. Meet professionals in your field who will be able to help you with your career. See if this is the type of company you would like to work for. Work with the technologies and systems being used in a large company. Gain that valuable work experience while earning college credits. Companies are flexible with hours that work around your course schedule, and I will also help you lay out a schedule that fits well with your individual plan. Mr. Greg Far 2 Current Date Several companies are waiting for top interns for fall term, 2015. The internship assignments will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, September 14, 2015. Contact my assistant, Julie Peterson, at 503.491.7126 or email j.peterson@mlk.edu NOW for the best choice of companies. Sincerely, Richard Anderson Advisor, Business Program \f