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RESUMES

(AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL TEXTS) IN THE RWC


THEODORE YUREVITCH
CHALLENGE

Perhaps the most practical text someone could bring into the

RWCthe most prevalently necessary documentis the
resume. But what do you actually do when a tutee comes in


with a piece of professional writing like this? How do you mesh
the mission of the RWC with the betterment of a token


document?

PARAMETERS
While you cant change the content of anyone elses resume/cover letter/etc. what you can initially do is this:
1.
2.
3.

Establish the tutees background.


Ask and understand what the tutees text is forin what field or for what position is the tutee sending her resume/cover
letter/etc.?
Determine if that field or position has its own requirements and particularities. Is a (CV) more appropriate? Will a portfolio
of work supplement the application?

STRATEGIES
Since content can only be critiqued so much, it can help to treat this kind of professional piece as a technical document,
and focus on the structure. This is where understanding the tutees background and goals becomes crucial. Here are
some quick examples of what you can do when working with resumes, showing the way this understanding (which is
necessary in the RWC regardless of genre) can transfer specifically to helping a piece of professional writing:
A. If the tutee is a college student, or recent graduate, it might be best to adopt a functional model for the resume, highlighting
the tutees skills and experience without tethering the resume to a timeline.
B. If the tutee does have a considerable amount of experience, they might be best served with a chronological resume, merging
their career path with a timetable.

The key when working with professional writing is to think the way an employer or selection committee might. Do I want
to read deeper after a cursory glance? Is the most pertinent information readily available? Does the writing conform to
the expectations of whatever industry it is for? Thinking and discussing these areasstructure, information
selection/management, and audienceare crucial lessons not only for professional writing, but also for the tutees
process of writing at large. In addition, The Florida State University Career Center is also a tremendous resource to
recommend. The Career Center can be found online or in their offices at 100 S Woodward Avenue.
SOURCES
Greenly, Robert. "How to Write a Resume." Technical Communication 40.1 (1993): 42-48. Web.




Greenlys article discusses practical considerations with the composition of a resume: format, content, single page layout, etc.

Kalmbach, James. "HYPERMEDIATING THE RESUME." Innovative Approaches to Teaching Technical Communication. Ed. TRACY

BRIDGEFORD, KARLA SAARI KITALONG, and DICKIE SELFE. U of Colorado, 2004. 135-47. Web.



Kalmbachs piece contends with the history of the resume as a genre and possible ways to reinvigorate this kind of composition.
Morgan, Meg. "TEACHING THE RESUME AS A TECHNICAL DOCUMENT." Technical Communication 37.4 (1990): 436-38. Web.

Morgans article examines the nature and necessities of the resume and how this sort of composition incorporates a number of
transferable skills (information gathering, organization, style, format, language, etc.).

Zuidema, Leah A., and Bush Jonathan. "Professional Writing in the English Classroom: Good Writing: The Problem of Ethics." The

English Journal 100.6 (2011): 95-98. Web.








Zuidemas piece contends with the ethics behind professional writing being taught in the English Classroom.

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