BUSINESS WRITING: THE RESUME I. Assessing the writing situation A. Audience prospective employers B.

. Purpose to provide information for potential employers to evaluate your qualifications. Prospective employers will judge you by your resume. They want an applicants resume to display the following seven characteristics (Kolin p.251) y truthfulness about qualifications. y attractiveness: pleasing to the eye and easy to read, appropriate fonts, spacing and boldface; shows you are neat, have a sense of proportion and document design. y conciseness: in one uncrowded page. y Accuracy: correct grammar, dates, names, titles ; tells you can communicate clearly. y Correctness: up-to-date and documented information. y Relevance: information must be appropriate for job level in terms of education and experience. Format of information: table format (tables usually present raw data, making complex information accessible to readers). A. Name B. Career objective C. Education and employment history D. Special skills or awards E. Information about how to obtain your references Effective resume style: how information should be presented (format or page layout is essential for effective workplace communication). A. Choose Appropriate Font Types and Sizes y Times New Roman y 10 to 12- point font y Headings can be boldface and 12 to 14 point font size. Limit your resume to no more than 2 font size. B. Avoid sentences: involve use of I , can cause grammatical errors, will take up room. C. Instead of sentences highlight your resume with easily accessible lists; use bullets to set apart your achievements: accomplishments, awards, unique skills, etc. Capitalize and boldface headings, indenting subheadings D. Begin lists with verb: use verbs to convey a positive, assertive tone when describing your achievements. E. Quantify your achievements F. Practice Resume Ethics G. Make it perfect

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BUSINESS WRITING: THE LETTER OF APPLICATION

In all business writing follow these general guidelines: y y y State your purpose right at the start (U.S. convention) Br straightforward, clear, concise, objective, courteous Observe conventions of grammar and usage: making your writing clear and impressing your reader with your care.

I.

Use standard format for letters (as well as memos) y y y Use unlined white paper 8 x 11 Type letter single-spaced Use double space between elements, on only one side of a sheet.

II.

Forms of business letters y y Full block Modified block

III.

The Letter y y y y Return address heading: address (not name) and date Inside address name, title, and complete address of the person you are writing to Salutation: greets the addressee; use specific name, and appropriate title Signature block: two parts typed name, written signature.