1. Employment Communication – Resumes and Cover Letters
Unit 14
Employment Communication – Resumes and Cover Letters
Unit 14
Business Communication

2. Unit Outline Types of resumes Components of resumes
Language and other guidelines for resumes
Types of job application letters
Format for job application letters
Other letters regarding employment
Unit 14
Business Communication

3. General Guidelines for Resumes
Focus on future
Focus on employer needs
Project your personality and strengths
Create good first impression
Create opportunity for interview
Unit 14
Business Communication

4. Types of Resumes Chronological format
Qualifications and experience in reverse chronological order
Education and experience related to position applied for
Functional format
Experience is varied
Experience summarized area wise
Unit 14
Business Communication

5. Resume Components Name, address, contact details Career objective
Education - College major, degree, name of institution, date of graduation
Experience - Designation, name of organization, dates of employment, job responsibilities
Special aptitudes/Skills
Organizations and Activities
References
Unit 14
Business Communication

6. Guidelines for Writing Resume Components
Display name, address, contact details in a prominent position
Make career objective specific – summarize area of expertise and career interest
Education –highlight special achievements
Experience – include limited experience, job descriptions
Use achievement oriented words to describe experience
References – seek permission before listing on resume
Unit 14
Business Communication

7. Appearance of Resumes Length – maximum two pages
Short paragraphs and concise language
Action words
Good quality paper
White space
Easy-to-read typefaces
No “special effects”
Grammar, spelling & punctuation
Unit 14
Business Communication

8. Common Errors in Resume Writing
Too long
Typographical or grammatical errors
No description of job functions
Unprofessional appearance
Omission of achievements
Unit 14
Business Communication

9. Job Application Letters
“Covers” major points in resume
Can be solicited or unsolicited
Should be a sales letter using techniques of persuasion
Can be tailored to a specific position
Unit 14
Business Communication

10. Types of Job Application Letters
Solicited letters
Applies for currently available/advertised position
Follows direct organizational plan
Subject line with purpose
Main idea first – seeking specific position
Reasons for applying
Friendly close
Unit 14
Business Communication

11. Types of Job Application Letters
2. Unsolicited letters
Applies for position not currently available
Can create job openings
Saves time and advertising cost
Follows indirect organizational/AIDA plan
Gain attention of potential employer
Create interest – relate qualifications to needs of specific position
- Induce desire – convince potential employer of major strengths, provide evidence
- Ask for action – indication of specific opening in future
Unit 14
Business Communication

12. Other Letters regarding Employment
Recommendation letters – applicant’s suitability for specific position
Relevant information
Fairness
Legal safeguards
2. Job acceptance letters – direct organizational plan
3. Job refusal letters – indirect organizational plan
4. Thank you letters – follow up after interview
Unit 14
Business Communication