Quotations: “Through writing, we reveal so much of ourselves.” Sharon Hanna.
“In person, you can change a poor first impression; in written communication, the first poor impression is likely to be the last.” Leonard F. Murphy.
Writing skills matter a great deal during the job search and after you are hired. You will be expected to present yourself in writing in several ways.
I. The importance of presenting oneself positively in writing: Why?
A. Presenting oneself positively in writing is a critical part of the job search. Through your writing, you will make a first impression. Resumes, cover letters, and applications are key elements in “getting your foot n the door.” Through your resume, you will have the opportunity to set yourself apart. This way, an employer may offer you an interview.
B. While there is no absolutely “right” way to write resumes and letters, some rules and guidelines exist. Information leads to better choices. “Get rid of the idea that there is absolutely one right way to develop a resume. The ‘right’ way for you is the way that most effectively presents your skills and qualifications relative to the type of job you are seeking.”
C. What is a resume? A resume is a marketing piece or an advertisement for yourself. Resumes are not autobiographies. They are not personal in the sense of describing your private life.
D. Resume Purpose: To impress a potential employer and get you an interview.
E. Benefits and Reasons for Resumes: In order to be competitive, a resume is a necessity because employers either require or at least expect one. A resume forces you to gather and clarify self-information. A resume lets you present yourself in the most favorable way. Resume preparation can raise one’s confidence. It is also a written advertisement with one’s group of contacts.
F. Resume Requirements: See T11
a. Key Info: “One page resumes are more influential in interview selections than are two page ones.” Thomas, McMasters, Roberts, & Dombkowski, 1999
b. “A tiny lie on a resume can destroy all credibility. A misspelled word or grammar error shows lack of thoroughness or pride in one’s work.”
c. “Human beings aren’t required to be perfect except when they present themselves in writing to a potential employer.” Sharon Hanna.
G. Types and Formats of Resumes: Traditional or formatted, plain text known as text format and ASCII format, Scannable, electronic or eResume, Web resume and Web portfolio. See page 137 or Figure 4.1
a. Resume Format: The way any type of resume is organized. Chronological format follows a time sequence and emphasizes dates. Positions are described beginning with the present or most recent.
b. Functional format: emphasizes experiences and skills, not dates. Chronological order is not required. The resume writer can prioritize the value fo the experiences and describe those first. See Figure 4.3 and page 139.
c. Combination Format: is both functional and chronological.
d. Targeted format identifies what you can do in relation to a particular position. It also documents past achievements to support your claims. See page 142 and Figure 4.5.
e. A scannable resume is a necessity if you apply to a company that uses scanning technology. It must be computer/scanner “friendly.”
II. Decisions and Steps in Resume Writing: Recommendations for heading the resume and what comes after the heading Page 145, 146, and 147 give details.
a. Telegrahic phrases: their use is highly recommended in a conventional formatted resume. These phrases begin with an action word such as designed, sold, or instructed. The most effective resumes are skills based rather than experience based. See Figure 4.6 on page 148!
b. Resume Appearance: White space makes a resume more appealing. The page is to have at least one-inch margins on all four sides and adequate spacing between sections
c. Electronic Resumes are those that are needed for electronic transmission. (See Key Advice, What do You Like or Not Like On a Resume?)
III. Writing a Cover Letter: What is a Cover Letter?
A. A cover letter is a letter that accompanies a resume. Its purposes are: to introduce the writer and the resume; to indicate a knowledge of and an interest in the particular employer and a desire for a position; to explain briefly what you have to offer; to request an interview.
B. Guidelines for Cover Letters:
a. Send the letter to a specific person. In other words, use a name, find out the name of the head of the committee; letter to be typed or printed from a computer
b. See Contents of a Cover Letter on Pages 161 and 162. The main contents of a cover letter can vary depending on whether you are responding to an advertisement or taking the initiative: They will include Introduction, body and closing. See Page 165.
c. Writing other letters: Follow up letters: The most effective letter is written following a interview. It is called a thank-you letter. Its main purpose is to show professional appreciation and, practically speaking, to place your name in front of a potential employer one more time. See Figure 4.10
d. After-Rejection Letters: Writing a letter after you have not been offered a position can be advantageous. Its purpose is to thank the employer for being considered. You may also ask for a possible job source.
IV. Filling a Job Application: Difference between a Resume and a job application: The resume is created by you. It is your choice of what and how much to reveal. On the application, you have no choice: An employer has decided what you have to provide. You may have to fill it out at home.
A. Application Information See Page 170 for details.
B. Guidelines for Applications: Be prepared, read the entire application before you begin writing, follow directions exactly, be complete, be honest and accurate, write legibly and neatly, show excellent writing skills.
C. Recognize Illegal Questions and Know how to Respond. (Read paper clip!!!!!). Check Figure 4.12
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