Note on Application Letters & Resumes

At this point, you have completed two major writing assignments: an application letter and accompanying resume, both of which compliment one another. Generally speaking, these are the two most important pieces of writing you will use to represent yourself on paper (or on screen) in professional life, especially when you apply for a job. Remember the two main purposes of the application letter: [1] to demonstrate how an applicant can represent thoughts, feelings and desires in words; [2] to expand on important jobs, duties, and accomplishments listed on the resume. (NOTE: Often employers will only look at cover letters, or they will only look at resumes, or they will skim both, or one. It is vital that every sentence is dynamic, pointed and meaningful.)

Reading & Comprehension

Read Audience & Writing Style (113), Goodwill & the "You" Viewpoint (114) and methods of development (327).

Review memos (325).

Read and make sure you understand Commonly Misused Words & Phrases (619). For terms you do not understand, post questions on the FAQ discussion forum in WebCT.

Assignments

Definitions: In your own words, define the concepts under methods of development (327), providing one specific example for each concept. Submit via WebCT. DUE DATE & TIME: Friday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m.

Memos: Write a memo that describes how you perform your job (or a job you have had) for an employee who may be replacing you while you are on vacation. Write two versions of this memo, one for each of the following employees: [1] an employee hired through a temporary agency from outside the organization, and [2] an employee who works in your department but not in the same job. Submit via WebCT on the same MS-Word document. DUE DATE & TIME: Friday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m.