Excellence in Business Communication, 11th Edition
Chapter 15. Building Careers and Writing Resumes
"I’m going to let you in on a little secret—one of my least favorite things about being a recruiter was reading cover letters.
"I’m assuming you’ve read a lot of the great resume advice that exists out there (especially right here on The Muse!).
"Despite the fact that hiring managers now ask for a variety of application materials, resumes are still an extremely important part of the process.
"At the start of The Hunger Games, Katniss finds herself on a pedestal looking out upon a massive cornucopia filled with weapons and resources.
"'Um, what is a CV?
"Nobody likes having to actually ask for a promotion.
Adam Grant covers the topic at NYTimes.
"For job seekers, the persuasive cover letter and germane resume have long been the way to get a foot in the door, and more recently, HR directors will rummage through Google to make sure nothing negative turns up.
"Just about every industry is undergoing some level of digital disruption, and the transformation is only in its infancy, according to McKinsey Digital global leader Paul Willmott, and Jay Scanlan, leader of McKinsey’s Digital Strategy Practice.
Kat Boogaard ponders.
"So, how do you know if your personal branding is a hit or a miss?
"Networkers, take initiative! If you are asking someone to meet with you to receive advice, information, or support, make an extra effort to impress him or her with your competence and energy.
"While common mistakes can sink an application, when a letter showed inexperience more than anything else, I tried to put myself in the candidate’s shoes.
Download the guide from LinkedIn here or click on the image to the left.
Julie Bawden Davis (photo, left) reports on the trend.
"Assuming you work very hard and are not rude, insensitive, or offensive, if you feel you must significantly change the way you speak and act to fit into your company's culture, then perhaps you are in the wrong company.
"Every week, we gather our favorite resources on career advice, smart living tips, and ways to have a little more fun in life and compile it all into our famous Best of the Web newsletter.
"Cover letters: They strike fear in the hearts of millions, and just uttering the phrase is enough to make a grown man cry.
Alyson Madrigan reports.
"There’s nothing I love more than a good list, especially at the end of the year, when reflecting and resolution-making abound," says Adrian Granzella Larssen, editor-in-chief at TheMuse.
"Remember when changing jobs every couple of years was viewed as problematic?
"Finding a job after graduation can be a daunting task for most graduates.