© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Searching for Employment and Writing Employment Messages

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Today’s Workplace Globalization Technology Workforce diversity Information overload Teams & workgroups Deregulation Downsizing Shareholder activism Mergers & acquisitions Flexible employment

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter What Today’s Employers Require Flexibility and adaptability Life-long learning Teamwork skills Strong work records

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter What Today’s Employers Require Leadership capabilities Diversified skills Varied experiences Multicultural and international awareness

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter What Can You Offer? Personal achievements Educational preparation Work experience Extracurricular activities Personal characteristics

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter What Do You Want to Do? Type of occupation Nature of the job Specific compensation Career goals Size of company Type of operation Location Facilities Corporate culture

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Building Your Career Employment portfolio Interim assignments Workplace skills Life-long learning

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter The Employment Search Build toward a career Prepare a résumé Understand the interview process Prepare for interview Take the interview Follow up and accept the offer

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Employer Recruiting Practices Look inside the company Networking and personal references Employment agency or search firm Unsolicited résumés Newspaper want ads

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Organizing Your Approach Monitor business news Research specific firms Build a network Seek career counseling

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Three-Step Résumé Process Planning Writing Completing

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Planning Your Résumé Information Adaptation

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter What Employers Seek Results orientation Workplace achievements Versatility Signs of progress Standards of excellence Flexibility Communication skills

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Areas of Concern Frequent job changes Gaps in work history Inexperience Being “overqualified” Long-term with one company For-cause job termination Criminal record

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Organizing Résumés Chronological Functional Combination

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Résumé Components Name and address Career objective or summary Academic credentials Employment history Activities and achievements Relevant personal data

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Common Résumé Problems Inappropriate length Hard to read Wordy Too slick Poorly reproduced Amateurish Boastful Dishonest Gimmicky Carelessly written

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Producing Traditional Résumés Clean typeface High-grade paper Ample margins Laser printed Appropriate length Professional design

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Résumé Formats Printed ASCII-Text HTML-Coded

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Producing Scannable Résumés ASCII Format Document design Key words Buzzwords and jargon

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Submitting Scannable Résumés Postal mail or online Fax machine

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Submitting On-line Résumés Personal Websites –Personal information –References Index services –Employment information –ASCII version

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Writing Application Letters Be specific Include salary Keep short Aim for high quality

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Types of Application Letters Solicited Unsolicited –Getting attention –Building interest –Increasing desire –Motivating action

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Cultural Considerations The right style and approach Proper tone and format

© Prentice Hall, 2003 Business Communication TodayChapter Other Employment Messages Job-inquiry letters Application follow-ups