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Unit IV

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Course Code: BCA 141T

Course Name: Writing Skills


UNIT - IV
4.1 Preparing for Job Application,
If you’re applying for jobs for the first time, it’s useful to know what to expect from each
stage of the process.
Before you start, get organised. Draw up a chart to capture key details for each application –
the organisation’s name, the vacancy title, where you saw the job advertised and when, the
date you applied, the closing date, the interview date and so on. This will allow you to keep
track of your applications and help you meet important deadlines.
You should also keep copies of your applications, letters, emails and other correspondence in
clearly labelled folders – online or otherwise.
Now let’s look at each step in your journey to finding the right job.
1. Understand your career ambitions
It may seem obvious, but it’s important to be clear about the kind of job you want. Making a
decision about the career you want can seem daunting, but Morrisby can help you
discover your perfect career by identifying your likes and strengths through a series of
psychometric and personality assessments, honed over 55 years. We then match your
assessment results to suggest careers you may be well suited to. The assessments come
alongside either a 30 or 60 minute careers discussion with one of our experienced, level 6+
qualified careers advisers to help talk through your career thoughts. You’ll discuss your
Morrisby assessment results alongside your previous work and educational experience and
decide on action steps for you to take to help move your decision about your preferred career
path forward.
2. Write your CV
Another useful thing to do towards the start of your job-application process is to write or
update your CV. Although not all employers ask you to submit one, you can refer to your CV
to help you complete application forms. You’ll also need a CV if you want to register with an
employment agency or apply to employers ‘on-spec’ – see below.
3. Search for job vacancies
Jobs are advertised through, for example, specialist recruitment sites, on employers’ websites,
through social media, via recruitment agencies, in newspapers and trade/professional
journals, through career services and the Jobcentre Plus, and at recruitment fairs.

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Focus on sources that advertise jobs in the career area, sector, location or type of employment
that interests you. There are websites that specialise in public sector jobs, apprenticeship
opportunities, graduate-level careers and so on.
If there are employers you’d particularly like to work for, try approaching them directly in the
hope that they will contact you should they have a suitable position or that they will keep
your details on file for the future. This kind of approach is called applying ‘on-spec’.
4. Complete the application form
Once you’ve found a vacancy that suits you and you are confident that you fulfil the essential
criteria, you often have to complete an online application, although some employers request a
CV or expect you to fill in a paper-based form.
You can normally save online applications as you go along. If there’s any chance you could
lose it, take a screenshot or copy and paste it into another document. If you have to complete
a paper application, practise on a photocopy.
Start your application as soon as possible
It takes time to get it right, so you don’t want to run the risk of missing the deadline; getting
your application in early may just get you noticed. Occasionally employers reserve the right
to stop accepting applications before the deadline.
Read up on the employer and the role
You’ll have already found out a bit about the organisation, but have another look at the
employer’s social media pages, website etc because there may be something you could
mention in your application. Take the job advert, job description and/or person specification
and highlight all the key things the employer is seeking and find a way to address each of
these in your application.
Answer each question fully
Be guided by the word count or how much space there is to answer each question. In addition
to including the basic sort of information that you have in your CV, you may be asked a
series of ‘competence questions’ in order to find out how you have dealt with various
situations and demonstrated certain skills, such as how you have solved a problem, given
great customer service or worked in a team. When giving your examples, explain the context,
say what action you took and describe the end result.
Don’t be afraid of a blank page!
Applications often give you an opportunity to provide any other relevant information. Make
sure you mention anything that you haven’t been able to put elsewhere that will show that

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you have the experience and skills required for the job; this might be having a driving licence
or volunteer experience. Also say why the job and employer appeal to you.
Make sure your details are accurate
It’s very easy to make errors, for instance with dates or people’s names.
Provide referees
You are normally asked to give the names of at least two referees. One may be your tutor if
you are still in education or manager if you are employed. The other could be a family friend
or someone else who you can rely on to provide a professional reference. Make sure you get
their permission and provide accurate contact details.
Check the whole form
Before you press the submit button or get the form in the post, check it through for accuracy
and ask someone else to read it. Double check that you’ve followed all the instructions and
completed all the sections.
You may be asked some personal questions about your age, nationality, criminal record,
disabilities etc. Your answers will be used by the employer for diversity and equal
opportunities monitoring and, only in certain circumstances, to check that you are suitable for
a position.
5. Produce a covering email or letter
You should send an accompanying email or letter if you are applying with a CV on-spec, or
applying for an advertised job with a CV or paper form. You may have the facility to attach a
letter or send an email alongside an online application, but this isn’t always possible.
Keep your email or letter fairly short, but always tailor it for the opportunity. Depending on
the application, your email or letter should include:
· the job title and the job reference if there is one
· where you saw the vacancy advertised
· the key things that make you suitable for this position; don’t repeat everything you’ve
mentioned in your CV or application, but state any particularly relevant skills, experience
and qualifications
· the reasons why a job with this employer appeals to you; you should come across as
enthusiastic and committed
· an indication that you are attaching your CV or form and would be happy to attend an
interview.
Address your email or letter to a named person. If you don’t have a name, you could start
with ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Human Resources Team’. In a letter, include your own

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address and the employer's. End the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’ if you have addressed it to a
named person or ‘Yours faithfully’ if you haven’t. Don’t forget to leave a space to sign the
letter. Choose a business-type envelope and apply the correct postage.
Check your email or letter carefully to make sure that it all makes sense and that there are no
spelling mistakes or other errors. Once again, ask someone to read it through.
6. Prepare for interview
The key to success and calming your nerves is to prepare well. There’s no shortage of
information on interview techniques so here are some key pieces of advice, much of which
will apply regardless of whether your interview is face-to-face, online or even by phone or
video.
· Think about the practicalities. Prepare something appropriate to wear and gather together
what you need, such as examples of your work. If it’s a face-to-face interview, work out
how you will get there and allow plenty of time. If it’s a virtual interview, check that your
technology works, that your background is professional and that you won’t be disturbed.
· Do your research and refresh your memory. Have another read of the job description and
your application. Do some further research on the employer.
· Create a good impression. Make sure you are clean and presentable. Shake hands if
offered, smile, sit upright and look interested. Listen carefully and speak clearly. If you
are interviewed by more than one person in a ‘panel’, make eye contact mainly with the
person who has asked you each question. Use the interviewer’s name and thank them at
the end. And whatever you do, turn off your phone.
· Plan how you will answer common questions. Be prepared to talk about anything you
have put in your application, your reasons for wanting the job, what you feel you can
contribute to the organisation and your ambitions for the future. Employers often use
competence questions, so tackle them in the same way as explained in step 4. Make sure
the interviewer hears about the qualities, skills and experience you have to offer.
· Practise your interview technique. Ask someone to do a mock interview with you or try
videoing yourself answering some key questions. Alternatively there are many AI
interview tools available where you can enter a job description and the AI will ask you
questions based on the role and the competencies the employer seeks.
· Prepare questions to ask. Be positive by enquiring about training, responsibilities and
opportunities for development.

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7. Tackling assessments
To assess your skills and aptitudes, depending on the job you may have to take assessments
in ICT, numeracy, literacy, dexterity or fitness. You may have to give a presentation, do a
personality test, and/or take part in group activities and role plays to see how you would cope
with different scenarios.
Sometimes a range of assessments are given during an assessment day or assessment centre
attended by numerous applicants. It’s important to be yourself, act professionally and
participate fully without being too pushy.
Find out what assessments you may have to do and ask whether you can take some practice
tests.
8. Follow-up
After your interview/assessments, check when you will hear the result. If you haven’t heard
the outcome when expected, contact the organisation.
Don’t be too disappointed if you’re not successful. Remember that there are often lots of
candidates and someone may have just a bit more experience than you. However, do have a
think about why you may have missed out. Is there anything you could do differently next
time?
Some employers are happy to provide unsuccessful candidates with feedback. Although not
always easy to hear, this can be very useful for the future.

4.2 Components of a Formal Application Letter, Formats and Types of official,


employment,
Form and Content of an Application
Information Required for an Employment Application
You will generally be required to provide your contact information, your work history
(including companies worked for, positions held, salary, and length of employment), and
your educational background.
Some companies will also ask you to provide references with your job application. You may
also be asked about your availability for work.
Personal Information
The following is a list of the information you may be asked to provide when you apply for a
job.
 Name
 Address, city, state, zip code

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 Phone number
 Email address
 Social security number (state laws regarding providing social security numbers vary)
 Are you eligible to work in the United States?
 If you are under age eighteen, do you have an employment certificate?
 Have you been convicted of a felony within the last five years? (information
about convictions varies based on state law and may not be legal to ask in your
location)
Education and Experience
 School(s) attended, degrees, graduation date
 Certifications
 Skills and qualifications
 Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)
 Extracurricular activities where you held a leadership role
 Honor societies
Employment History
 Employer
 Address, phone, email
 Supervisor
 Job title and responsibilities
 Salary
 Starting and ending dates of employment (month, day, year)
 Reason for leaving
 Permission to contact the previous employer
References
 Name
 Job title
 Company
 Address, phone, email
Job Application Form Sample
The following is an example of a paper job application. It also includes the information you'll
be required to input if you apply for a job online.
Instructions: Print clearly in black or blue ink. Answer all questions. Sign and date the form.
Personal Information

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First Name: _____________________________
Middle Name: ___________________________
Last Name: _____________________________
Street Address: __________________________
City, State, Zip Code: _____________________
Phone Number: (___)_____________________
Email Address: __________________________
Have you ever applied to / worked for [Our Company] before? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If yes, please explain (include date): ________________________
Do you have any friends, relatives, or acquaintances working for [Our Company]? [ ] Y or [ ]
N
If yes, state name & relationship: ________________________________
If hired, would you have transportation to/from work? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Are you over the age of 18? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If you are under the age of 18, do you have an employment/age certificate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If hired, would you be able to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship or proof of your legal
right to work in the United States? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Have you been convicted of or pleaded no contest to a felony within the last five years? [ ] Y
or [ ] N
If yes, please describe the crime - state the nature of the crime(s), when and where convicted,
and the disposition (final settlement) of the case: __________________________________
If hired, are you willing to submit to a controlled substance test? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Position and Availability
Position Applying For: ___________________________
Desired Salary: $________
Are you applying for:
 Temporary work – such as summer or holiday work? [ ] Y or [ ] N
 Regular part-time work? [ ] Y or [ ] N
 Regular full-time work? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If applying for temporary work, indicate your desired length of employment below:
Start date: ___ / ___ / ___ End date: ____ / ____ / ____
Days/Hours Available
Monday ____
Tuesday ____

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Wednesday ____
Thursday ____
Friday ____
Saturday ____
Sunday ____
Hours Available: from _______ to ______
Are you available to work overtime? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If hired, on what date can you start working? ___ / ___ / ___
Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying, either
with / without reasonable accommodation? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If no, describe the functions that cannot be performed: ______________________________
Education, Training and Experience
High School:
School Name: ________________________
School Address:________________________
School City, State, Zip:________________________________
Number of years completed: _______________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma earned: _______________
College / University:
School Name: __________________________
School Address:________________________
School City, State, Zip:________________________________
Number of years completed: ________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma Earned: __________________
Vocational School:
School Name: ________________________
School Address: ______________________
School City, State, Zip: ________________________________
Number of years completed: ________
Did you graduate? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Degree / Diploma earned: __________________

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Military:
Branch: ______________________________
Rank in Military:________________________
Total Years of Service: ________
Skills/Duties: __________________________________
Related Details:________________________________
Skills and Qualifications: Licenses, Skills, Training, Awards
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Do you speak, write or understand any foreign languages? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If yes, list which languages(s) and how fluent you consider yourself to be: _______________
Employment History
You should be prepared to detail each position for the past five years and account for any
gaps in employment during that period.
Are you currently employed? [ ] Y or [ ] N
If you are currently employed, may we contact your current employer? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Name of Employer:_____________________________________
Name of Supervisor:____________________________________
Telephone Number:_____________________________________
Business Type:________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________________________
Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________
Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________
Name of Employer: _____________________________________
Name of Supervisor: ____________________________________
Telephone Number:_____________________________________
Business Type:________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________________________
Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________

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Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________
May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y or [ ] N
Name of Employer:_____________________________________
Name of Supervisor:____________________________________
Telephone Number:_____________________________________
Business Type:________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
City, State, Zip:________________________________________
Length of Employment (Include Dates): _____________
Salary/Hourly Rate of Pay: ____________
Position & Duties: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Leaving: _____________________________________________________
May we contact this employer for references? [ ] Y or [ ] N
References
List below three persons who have knowledge of your work performance within the last four
years. Please include professional references only.
First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________
City, state, zip:__________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________
First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________
City, state, zip:__________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________
First and Last Name: _____________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________

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Email Address: __________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________
City, state, zip:__________________________________________
Occupation: ____________________________________________
Number of Years Acquainted: ______________________________
Certification
I certify that the information contained in this application is true and complete. I understand
that false information may be grounds for not hiring me or for immediate termination of
employment if I am hired. I authorize the verification of any and all information listed above.
Signature: ______________________________ Date: ______________

4.3 Resume vs Bio Data and CV


A biodata, a CV, or a resume is an application paper that companies require when they are
hiring new employees. It is a document that helps companies get a better understanding of
their applicants and give a better evaluation. Although three of them are used for job
application purposes, there are still some differences in the length, content, and format.
Biodata is a document in which you list down more personal information that allows the
company to get hold of your background information. A CV is a summary of your life events,
which can be a few pages long to include all in-depth information. A resume is a summary of
your working life where you include only relevant information to share with the hiring
managers.
Using the right document during a job application is important because different companies
may require different kinds of documents. You should hand in the right document to
showcase your capabilities and avoid letting the companies treat your document like mere
paper because the information provided is not what they asked for.
What Is a CV?
A Curriculum Vitae or CV means “course of life”, which means a detailed summary of your
life events.
Some companies require a CV from their applicants because it has more detailed information
about the applicant. It helps them understand their capabilities better. It sounds like a
biography but it is made to focus on job application purposes.
 CVs are used around the world, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Asia, and
the European Union. However, you should still follow the company’s requirements when
submitting the documents.

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 A CV is a comprehensive document that has no limit on the pages because you may have
a lot of detailed information to incorporate.
 It has a few segments to separate the information like education, professional experience,
skills, awards, honors, certificates, etc., making the contents clear and tidy for readability.
 A CV showcases one’s general talent but not specific skills for any specific positions.
 It is generally used by freshers, college students, and people who haven’t been working in
the industry for a long time when applying for an internship or a job.
 It shows your understanding of your talent and skills, and how you use them.
 A CV can be written in a first, neutral, or third-person tone.
What Is a Resume?
The word resume comes from French, which means a summary in English. It is a
professionally made one-paged document that summarizes all your work experience and
skills.
A resume is a tool that grants you the chance to have an interview with the hiring manager. If
you are someone seeking a career change or a new job, you will need a well-written resume
because it shows your professionalism in resume-making while also adding points for the
first impression.
Also, the terms “CV” and “Resume” are often interchangeably used for job applications in
European countries, South America, and New Zealand. This means when a company asks for
a CV in those countries, you should send a resume-formatted document.
 A resume is limited to one to two pages at maximum.
 Only include relevant work experience, skills, and capabilities but not details of
educational background and personal interests.
 Does not incorporate personal information like gender, height, weight, and hobbies.
 There are three types of resumes, chronological, functional, and combination, which
differ in their order of listing down the information.
 Can be designed according to the position/career that one is applying to stand out among
others.
 Should be written in a neutral tone.
 Tailored specifically according to the company’s needs.
What Is a Biodata?
Biodata is a shorter term for “Biographical data”, and an outdated term for CV and resume
for job applications. It is a job application document commonly used in India, Pakistan, and
other South Asian countries.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 12


A biodata is commonly used when applying for government positions as employers need to
have a detailed understanding of your background information. A well-written biodata tells
everything about you to the employer before seeing him/her face to face in an interview.
 It contains your personal and sensitive information such as profile, name, age, gender,
date of birth, religion, nationality, etc.
 Due to having some sensitive information, you should be careful if that information falls
into the wrong hands.
 The limitations on the page counts depend on the requirements of the company.
 Work experience and educational background is not the main focus of a work biodata.
 A work biodata does not have a specific format when making one.
 A work biodata is relatively more simple when compared to a resume.
 It is used for marriage purposes or governmental positions.
Differences Between Biodata, CV, and Resume
Although these three documents can be used for job applications, you still need to know their
differences to avoid using the wrong document when handing them in.
Here is a list of the differences between cv, biodata, and resume:
Detailedness
 Since there are no page limitations for a CV, it should be written as detailed as possible.
 A resume’s information should only be included with relevant information but not as
detailed as a CV.
 A work biodata can be more simplified compared to both of the above.
Length
 A CV has no limitations to the length. It is usually made 4 to 5 pages long.
 A resume can only be 1 or 2 pages max.
 A work biodata is limited to 1 page at most.
Content
 CV and resume have similar contents where they both have the name, objectives, work
experience, skills, and education.
 Biodata is different where it has more focus on personal information.
Order of listing
 In a CV and a resume, the order of listing can be in these three - reverse chronological,
functional, and combinational CV formats. If you are applying for a job, a functional
format is recommended to focus on the skills you have.

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 On the other hand, when writing a work biodata, you should incorporate the information
chronologically starting from your profile, personal information, work experience, skills,
then education.
Purpose/uses
 A CV can be used for job and academic applications.
 A resume is widely used for job applications.
 A biodata is sometimes used for marriage purposes but it can still be used as a job
application document.
How to Make a CV
After knowing the difference between a CV, resume, and biodata, here’s a go-through of
what should be in a CV.
✍🏻 Basic information
The first thing you need is basic information like your name and contact information. It is an
essential part that tells the hiring manager who you are.
✍🏻 Personal Summary
When making a CV, you should include a profile/summary to briefly explain and tell what
you want to do with the CV. You may use 2 to 3 sentences to describe your work experience,
and personal traits are more than enough.
✍🏻 Work history
Then, you can start listing your work experience according to the oldest to the latest. Work
experience is a good element that helps the hiring manager to know the things that you have
worked on previously.
✍🏻 Education
Your education is a very important element to include in a CV. You may start by the name of
the institute that you have graduated from, then your graduation year.
If you have a good GPA, don’t be afraid to show it to employers.
✍🏻 Skills
Incorporating skills into your CV is not as limited as including them in a resume. You may
make the most out of it by including your proficiency and a few explanations on how you got
those skills.
✍🏻 Other optional sections
If you have some other information that you think might add points to your impression, you
should include them too.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 14


Here are the sections that you can also put into the CV:
 Hobbies and interests
 References
 Publications
 Certifications
 Achievements
📄 CV example:
Julian Mayson
Freelance Writer
julian@email.com
A self-motivated, imaginative, and hard-working writer who has been working from home as
a freelancer, currently looking for new opportunities as a reviewer.
Work Experience
Self-employed - Online freelance writer | 2018 - Present
 Creates outlines before writing online drafts
 Writes content for websites
 Manages work schedule to fully utilize the workload
The writing company - Writer | 2016 - 2017
 Researched and developed contents
 Wrote, edited, and proofread drafts before publishing
 Collaborated with customers to fulfill their needs
Education
Pace University | 2013 - 2016
Bachelor in English Language and Literature GPA 3.8
Skills
 English writing skills
 Attention to detail
 Communication
 Patience
 Organization skills
Certifications
 The International English Language Testing System 8.5

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 15


How to Make a Resume
✍🏻 Basic information
Just like creating a CV, you need a name and your contact information at the beginning of the
resume as a header. This information should be located at the top of your resume for easy
readability.
✍🏻 Career objective
Then, you should include a career objective/summary to briefly introduce your background
information while also showing that you have the intention to join the company.
✍🏻 Work history
In this section, you should clearly state the company that you have been in, the position, the
duration you worked with the company, and the responsibilities that you were in charge of.
If you have a lot of work experience, only mention those that can be helpful for the new
position.
✍🏻 Education
Many specific positions like engineering or accounting depend on your educational level to
evaluate if you are suitable for the position. Those companies would like to know if you have
fully gained the basics of a specific knowledge before hiring you.
Hence, never hesitate to include your education information.
✍🏻 Skills
Including a good amount of relevant skills is important in resume making. This is because it
tells the employer that you are qualified to take the position.
Skills that you include can be soft or hard skills.
✍🏻 Other optional sections
If there are more spaces that you intend to fill them up with, you include this optional
information to make your resume more informative.
 Certifications
 Side projects
 Community service experience
📄 Resume example:
Sam Smithers
678-1234567 | samsmith@email.com

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3+ years of experienced sales associate with excellent persuasive skills who help increase the
net income of the previous company by 15% currently seeking new challenges as a sales
manager
Work Experience
Tatung Furniture, Sales associate | 2020 - 2022
 Provides excellent service to help customers know about the products
 Convinces customers of purchases
 Welcomes customers with a positive attitude
Bata Shoe Store, Sales associate | 2018 - 2019
 Directed customers to the products they have interests in
 Managed the cleanliness of the store
 Operated cash register system
Education
Purdue University | 2016 - 2018
Bachelor in Business Management GPA 3.8
Skills
 Active listening
 English fluent speaking skills
 Time management skills
 Point of Sales system
 Product expertise
References
Ms. Hunger, Sales manager of Tatung Furniture
Phone num: (555) 456-1234
Email: hunger@email.com
Prof. Boston, Chairman of the Department of Business Management
Phone num: (123) 456-7894
Email: boston@email.com
How to Make a Biodata
✍🏻 Photo
Although having a photo included in a biodata is optional, you can still include one to show
your professional attitude in the job application. However, you need to make sure that the
photo is a professional portrait but not a daily selfie.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 17


✍🏻 Objective
Then, summarize your work experience, skills, and positive personality traits into one or two
sentences as a brief description that would show that you are qualified. You can also include
your goal to let employers evaluate if the company’s goal and yours align.
✍🏻 Personal details
This personal details section is the most obvious point where it differs from a CV and a
resume because it contains more personalized data that you wouldn’t normally mention in a
job application document. Moreover, this is the information that the employer would want to
know before evaluating you as the right person for the company.
 Name
 Date of birth
 Address
 Contact information
 Gender
 Religion
 Nationality
 Marital status
✍🏻 Work history
Now, don’t forget that you are still creating this document for your job application. Your
work experience is relatively important as your personal information.
The way you list your job experience in a biodata is the same as how you write them in a
resume. Your professional title, name of the company, employment period, and your
responsibilities in the company.
✍🏻 Skills
After including your work history, you should also list down a few skills that you have
gained. This helps the employer to understand your qualifications and evaluate if you fit the
position because some positions require specific skill sets.
✍🏻 Education
Education background is necessary information for the employer to determine if you are
educationally qualified for the position that they are hiring. Regardless if you are applying for
an entry-level position or a higher position, your educational background will be a big help in
getting you the interview.
You may include the education information in this format:

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 18


 Name and location of the school
 Graduation year
 Major(s) and minor(s)
 CGPA
 Relevant courses or co-curricular experience
✍🏻 Other optional sections (if any)
If your work biodata has a little more space that you want to fill up with information, you
should consider including these and write a simple explanation on the side:
 Certifications
 Honors
 Hobbies and interests
 Volunteer experience
📄 Biodata example:
Name: Gaon Chen
Date of birth: 4th of July, 1991
Gender: Male
Nationality: Taiwan
Contact number: (456) 789-5431
Email address: gaon@email.com
Mailing address: 26 Bridle St. Butler, PA 16001
I am Gaon Chen, a chef with 4+ years of chef experience who graduated from The Culinary
Institute of America, currently seeking a Sous chef position as a career change.
Work History
Mary’s Steakhouse, Station chef | 2018 - 2020
 Developed new dishes for the seasonal menu
 Managed inventory and food costs
 Ensured food safety before serving customers
Olive Garden, Junior chef | 2017 - 2018
 Managed the workplace’s cleanliness
 Completed prep list every morning for kitchen crew
 Assisted the kitchen crew
Skills
 Food prepping skills

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 Supply management
 Knowledge of food trends
 Hygiene control
 Team working skills
Education
The Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry Arts GPA 3.9

4.4 Profile
What Is a Profile?
A profile is a written portrait of a person. Often, a profile is published as a narrative non-
fiction article in a newspaper, magazine, or website. The story is based on facts discovered
through research as well as interviews with the subject and their friends, family, or
professional associates. A profile piece is meant to be informative. It is a portrait of the
person through a combination of stories, quotes, and photographs.
10 Tips for Writing a Profile of a Person
Capturing the essence of a person through words takes good observation and writing skills.
Follow these 10 tips to learn how to write a profile:
1. Read other profiles. To know how to write a profile essay, read how other writers do it.
Find feature profiles in the New Yorker. You can also find personality profiles
throughout The New York Times, particularly in the Sunday edition of the paper. Look for
what information the writer presents about their subject. At the end of the piece, see if
you have any lingering questions about the person to make sure you fill those gaps in
your own story.
2. Do your prep work. When you know who the subject of your piece is, start doing some
prep work. Research the person. If they’re well-known, it will be easy to find information
online. It’s important to use reputable websites in order to find accurate information—this
will also save you effort when you or an editor fact-check the article before it’s published.
The second part of your prep work will be writing out the questions you want to ask your
subject. After doing your research and have read other articles, ask questions other writers
haven’t asked yet.
3. Create an outline. Before you get started, create an outline for your story. Use bullet
points to highlight the main points you want to make in your article. You should also
figure out the angle of your story. When a journalist writes a story, they have some kind

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 20


of news angle to their piece—a focus that pulls the article together. This will help you
determine what information you need to find out from your subject.
4. Interview your subject. When you write a profile, you’ll meet with your subject and
interview them at least once but usually several times for a big feature story. Be prepared
with your questions but also be ready to follow the natural flow of the conversation. Ask
questions during your meeting that you think readers will want to know. Pose questions
that will encourage your subject to tell a story. Ask them to share anecdotes. Avoid yes or
no questions. You want them to open up. Make sure to record and transcribe the entire
interview. As you review their answers on paper or on your computer, highlight the best
quotes.
5. Observe your subject in their environment. When you’re writing a profile of
somebody, you need to spend time with them on their turf. Your profile piece should
capture them in their environment and allow readers to see their world. If you’re writing
about a musician, you might meet them at home but also go to the studio with them to
watch how they compose a song. Make several trips to become acquainted with your
subject—it might take a lot of time for them to let their guard down and be themselves
around you.
6. Start with a strong lede. As you gather your information and write your profile, you
must start strong. Your opening line and paragraph, otherwise known as your lede, needs
to capture the reader’s attention. You’re setting the scene for your article and creating a
first impression of this person, so make sure you hook your readers from the start.
7. Incorporate direct quotes. While you’re crafting this piece with your own words, you
need to show your subject’s point of view. Quote them extensively in this piece. As a
general rule of thumb, try to use a few quotes for every topic you cover in the profile. It
can be a good idea to let your subject have the last word and end with a quote. On top of
the subject’s quotes, you’ll be interviewing others who know this person, like friends,
family, and associates. Their stories can contribute interesting information to your piece.
8. Tell a story. Like any other piece you write, good profiles have a beginning, middle, and
end. Use a narrative writing style. Use descriptive language. Your subject is your main
character, so develop them for your reader. Include any interesting tidbits and background
information about their life, like obstacles they’ve overcome. This will help illustrate
what motivates them.
9. Reveal new information. Write a unique, great profile that gives the reader fascinating
takeaways about the person. If you’re writing about someone famous, they’ve most likely

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 21


been interviewed before. Find additional information that hasn’t been published that
makes them more compelling to your readers and gives your story a unique approach. If
you’ve crafted great questions, you’ll be able to uncover fascinating information about
your subject’s life.
10. Show, don’t tell. Many profile articles will include the writer’s experience of meeting
their subject and conducting the interview. In that case, you’ll write the story in first
person, including yourself in the narrative. Describe the experience using sensory
details of the person and their environment. Capture what the person is like in real life to
let readers feel like they know this person.

4.5 Types of resume,


Types of resume
There are various resume formats, each with its unique features and benefits.
Choosing the right format for your resume depends on your work history, skills, and the type
of job you are applying for. Let's explore each format in detail.
1. Chronological Resume format
A chronological resume, or reverse-chronological resume, is the most common and
traditional type of resume format.
It is organized in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and
working backward.
It typically includes sections like contact information, a professional summary or objective,
work experience, education, and additional relevant sections like skills or certifications.
This type of resume is best suited for people with a consistent work history and clear career
progression, who have stayed within the same industry or career path, and want to highlight
their upward mobility and increasing levels of responsibility.
Use Chronological resume format to,
 Emphasize your career progression within a particular industry or profession.
 Showcase your tenure at prestigious or recognized companies relevant to the prospective
employer.
 Showcase a consistent work history with no significant employment gaps
Chronological Resume Sample
John Doe

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 22


123 ST Road, New Delhi, 110003|
|(011) 2456-7890 |
|johndoe@email.com|
Summary
Highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with 5 years of experience in marketing
and communications. Skilled in creating compelling content, managing social media
platforms, and developing successful marketing campaigns. Seeking a challenging role to
utilize my skills and experience to contribute to the growth of a dynamic organization.
Work Experience
Marketing Manager, ABC Company (June 2019 – Present)
 Developed and executed marketing strategies that increased company revenue by 20%
 Managed a team of 5 marketing professionals and provided training and guidance
 Created engaging content for social media, email marketing, and print materials
Marketing Specialist, XYZ Corporation (August 2016 – May 2019)
 Coordinated and executed successful product launches that resulted in a 30% increase in
sales
 Assisted with the development of marketing plans and budget management
 Managed the company's social media accounts and created engaging content
Education
 Bachelor of Science in Marketing, State University (August 2012 – May 2016)
 Graduated with honors
 Completed relevant coursework in marketing, advertising, and communications Skills
 Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
 Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
 Knowledge of SEO and SEM strategies
 Excellent written and verbal communication skillsc
Overall, a chronological resume is a great option for those with a consistent work history and
clear career progression. It is easy to read and understand, making it a popular choice for
recruiters and hiring managers.
2. Functional Resume
A functional resume highlights an applicant's skills and abilities as it focuses on skills and
achievements rather than the chronological order of your work history.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 23


It typically includes sections such as a professional summary or objective, skills summary,
accomplishments, work history (usually brief and without dates), education, and additional
relevant sections like certifications or volunteer experience.
This type of resume is useful for individuals looking to change careers, have gaps in their
employment history, or have limited work experience.
The emphasis is on the skills and abilities that the candidate possesses that are relevant to the
job they are applying for.
Choose a functional resume when
 Shifting careers or having diverse skills not reflected in your work history's chronological
order.
 Highlighting specific skills or achievements that are relevant to the job, regardless of
when or where you acquired them.
 You have employment gaps or non-linear career paths and want to focus on your
capabilities rather than your work history.
Functional Resume Sample
Here is an example of a functional resume:
Jane Smith
456, RT Road, Mumbai, India 400001|
|(020)3456-7890 | janesmith@email.com|
Summary
Highly motivated and results-driven professional with extensive experience in project
management, team leadership, and process improvement. Skilled in developing and
implementing innovative solutions to complex business problems. Seeking a challenging role
in a dynamic organization where my skills and expertise can be utilized to drive growth and
success.
Skills
 Project Management: Led cross-functional teams to successfully deliver multiple projects
on time and within budget.
 Process Improvement: Identified and implemented process improvements that resulted in
cost savings and increased efficiency.
 Team Leadership: Managed teams of up to 10 individuals and provided coaching and
mentorship to ensure high performance.
 Strategic Planning: Developed and executed strategies that increased revenue and market
share.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 24


 Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to
effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
Professional Experience
Project Manager, ABC Corporation (2018 – Present)
 Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver multiple projects on time and within
budget.
 Implemented project management best practices resulting in improved efficiency and cost
savings.
 Developed and executed project plans that aligned with strategic objectives.
Process Improvement Manager, XYZ Corporation (2016 – 2018)
 Identified and implemented process improvements resulting in cost savings of over
$100,000 annually.
 Developed and delivered training to employees to ensure the successful adoption of new
processes.
 Coordinated with cross-functional teams to implement new processes and ensure
alignment with strategic objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, State University (2012 – 2016)
 Graduated with honors
 Relevant coursework in project management, process improvement, and strategic
planning
Certifications
 Project Management Professional (PMP)
 Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
3. Combination Resume
A combination resume, also known as a hybrid resume, is a type of resume that combines
elements of both chronological and functional resumes.
This type of resume is ideal for candidates who want to highlight their skills and
accomplishments while providing a detailed work history.
Here, the skills and accomplishments are typically listed first, followed by a chronological
work history.
This approach allows the candidate to showcase their strengths and achievements upfront and
provide a detailed account of their work experience.
Use a combination resume when

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 25


 You want to highlight your relevant skills and work history in one document.
 You have diverse experiences or are transitioning between industries.
 You want to emphasize specific accomplishments or skills while providing a
chronological overview of your work history.
Combination Resume Sample
Here is an example of a combination resume:
John Doe
123 GRT Avenue, Noida, UP, India-121003|
|(0120) 2456-7890 | johndoe@email.com|
Summary
Highly motivated and results-driven professional with 5 years of experience in project
management, team leadership, and process improvement. Skilled in developing and
implementing innovative solutions to complex business problems. Seeking a challenging role
in a dynamic organization where my skills and expertise can be utilized to drive growth and
success.
Skills
 Project Management: Led cross-functional teams to successfully deliver multiple projects
on time and within budget.
 Process Improvement: Identified and implemented process improvements that resulted in
cost savings and increased efficiency.
 Team Leadership: Managed teams of up to 10 individuals and provided coaching and
mentorship to ensure high performance.
 Strategic Planning: Developed and executed strategies that increased revenue and market
share.
 Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to
effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
Professional Experience
Project Manager, ABC Corporation (2018 – Present)
 Successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver multiple projects on time and within
budget.
 Implemented project management best practices resulting in improved efficiency and cost
savings.
 Developed and executed project plans that aligned with strategic objectives.
Process Improvement Manager, XYZ Corporation (2016 – 2018)

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 26


 Identified and implemented process improvements resulting in cost savings of over
$100,000 annually.
 Developed and delivered training to employees to ensure the successful adoption of new
processes.
 Coordinated with cross-functional teams to implement new processes and ensure
alignment with strategic objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, State University (2012 – 2016)
 Graduated with honors
 Relevant coursework in project management, process improvement, and strategic
planning
Certifications
 Project Management Professional (PMP)
 Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
A combination resume is a great option for those who want to highlight both skills and work
history.
By combining elements of both the chronological and functional resumes, this format allows
the candidate to showcase their strengths and accomplishments while still providing a
detailed account of their work experience.
4. Targeted Resume
A targeted resume is a type of resume that is specifically tailored to a particular job or
position.
It focuses on highlighting the candidate's skills and experiences most relevant to the job they
are applying for.
This type of resume is highly effective because it directly addresses the needs and
requirements of the employer, making the candidate stand out from other applicants.
Choose a targeted resume when you want to
 Tailor your application specifically to a particular job opening
 Format to highlight skills and experiences that directly align with the requirements of the
position.
 Demonstrate a strong understanding of the role and increase your chances of securing an
interview.
Targeted Resume Sample
Here is an example of a targeted resume:

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 27


Jane Smith
|23 Main Street, New Delhi, India 110003|
|(011) 2456-7890 |janesmith@email.com|
Summary
Highly skilled marketing professional with 5 years of experience in developing and executing
successful marketing campaigns. Seeking a challenging role as a Marketing Manager at XYZ
Corporation where I can leverage my skills and experience to drive growth and success.
Professional Experience
Marketing Specialist, ABC Corporation (2018 – Present)
 Developed and executed successful marketing campaigns that resulted in a 25% increase
in revenue.
 Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful implementation of
marketing initiatives.
 Conducted market research to identify new growth opportunities.
Marketing Coordinator, DEF Corporation (2016 – 2018)
 Managed social media platforms and developed content for email marketing campaigns.
 Assisted in the development and execution of marketing plans for new product launches.
 Conducted competitive analysis to identify areas for improvement.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, State University (2012 – 2016)
 Graduated with honors
 Relevant coursework in marketing strategy, market research, and digital marketing
Skills
 Marketing strategy development and execution
 Market research and analysis
 Social media marketing
 Email marketing
 Project management
 Data analysis and reporting
A targeted resume is a highly effective tool for job seekers because it directly addresses the
needs and requirements of the employer.
By highlighting the candidate's most relevant skills and experiences, a targeted resume can
help them stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of landing an interview.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 28


5. Infographic Resume
An infographic resume is a visual representation of a traditional resume.
Instead of using paragraphs of text, an infographic resume uses charts, graphs, icons, and
other visual elements to convey information about the candidate's skills, experiences, and
accomplishments.
This type of resume is highly creative and can help a candidate stand out from other
applicants.
Here is an example of an infographic resume:

Source: Freepik
An infographic resume includes all the basic elements of a traditional resume, such as the
candidate's name, contact information, summary, and professional experience.
However, instead of using bullet points and paragraphs, the resume uses visual elements to
highlight the candidate's key achievements and skills.
Infographic resumes are best suited for creative industries, such as graphic design, marketing,
or advertising, where visual creativity is highly valued.
However, it's important to note that not all employers appreciate this type of resume format.
6. Non-traditional Resume
A nontraditional resume is a unique version of your resume that may include photos,
graphics, images, graphs, and other visuals. It might be an online resume or a physical
resume with infographics, as mentioned above. It could also be a video or resume on a social
networking website.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 29


Nontraditional resumes are ideal for people in creative fields who want to demonstrate their
ability to create visually engaging designs or web pages. It can be a good way for a job
candidate to stand out from the crowd in professions like design, web design, journalism, and
more.
7. Mini-Resume
A mini-resume contains a brief summary of your career highlights and qualifications. It only
contains the information that relates to the position you are applying for or the industry you
would like to work in.
In most cases, your traditional resume will be appropriate. A mini-resume, however, can be
useful at job fairs or career networking events when you're meeting with many people and
want to leave them with something more than just a business card. You can also use a mini-
resume when you're networking and would like your contact to pass on your information to a
hiring manager or recruiter.
When to Use a Mini Resume
In most cases, your traditional long-form resume will be appropriate. A mini resume,
however, comes in handy at job fairs or networking events when you're meeting with many
people and want to leave them with something more than a business card, but less bulky than
a full resume.
Note
You can use the mini resume when you're networking and want a contact to pass on your
information to a hiring manager or recruiter. Your goal is to provide the basics a company
needs to decide whether it should pursue you as a candidate.
Having a mini resume on hand in the format of a business card can be useful since it's easy to
carry, and you can pass it on to potential employers, clients, and business contacts you meet
unexpectedly. Arranged thoughtfully, the mini resume can impart far more information than
your basic business card.
Mini Resume Sample #1
Janet Miller
848 Excelsior Circle
Stanford, MI 09991
999-999-9999
jmiller@abcd.com
www.linkedin.com/in/jmiller123456b
Career Coach

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 30


 Certified Workforce Development Professional with 14 years’ experience as a Career
Specialist
 Ability to provide career counseling, coaching, and job seeker services
 Expertise at identifying values, developing possible career paths, and proposing
strategies for entering a career

4.6 Writing effective resume for employment,


Preparation of Resume
A resume is your opportunity to tell potential employers about your skills, your abilities, your
experiences, and your education, as well as a chance to show that you belong in that job.
Your resume is, in reality, a marketing tool. As such, you should include information that will
enhance your best qualities and eliminate potentially controversial information. Think of your
resume and your cover letter as paid advertising. This is prime advertising space – use it well.
Step 1: Choose a Format and Design
People say that you eat with your eyes first, and the same concept applies here. How you
construct your resume can determine how a hiring manager takes in your credentials. For this
reason, look matter when it comes to your resume.
To start, keep your resume as brief as possible. A rule of thumb is that your resume should be
one-page in length for every decade of work experience you have. This means that new
graduates and those applying for entry-level or junior roles should keep their resume to a
single page. For those at the executive level, two or three pages is acceptable.
Specificity is key. Hone in on metrics whenever possible. It's more effective to write that you,
"boosted conversion rates by 18 percent" than something general like, "helped bring in more
customers."
When it comes to your resume's design, a black-and-white scheme is always a safe bet, but
color may be acceptable in more creative industries. Fonts should be easy-to-read and a
minimum of 10-points in size — this is not the place to think outside-the-box.
Step 2: Add Your Contact Information
If you write the perfect resume and no one knows how to reach you, does any of it even
matter? Hint: Not so much. Be sure all contact information is up-to-date, accurate and
presented correctly in the header of your resume.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 31


 Only include post-nominals such as RN or LSW if the credentials are professional
designations. Academic accreditations like PhD should be referenced in your
"Education" section rather than placed after your name.
 Your email address should be professional – ideally just your first and last name – and
private. Never use an address associated with your current job to look for your next
opportunity.
 Use standard formatting for your phone number, such as (123) 456-7890 or 123-456-
7890.
 A full home address isn't required, but it is recommended to include at least your city
and state, especially if you are applying for a role that will require relocation.
 Personal information such as date of birth, marital status and nationality should never
be included on a standard resume, but they may be required when applying
internationally. Always double-check the requirements if you're applying for a job
outside the United States.
 Never put your social security number on your resume.
Step 3: Craft a Killer Professional Summary
This used to be where you'd put your objective, but these have become passé. After all, it's
safe to assume that the reader knows that your objective is to get the job to which you've
applied.
Instead use that space to deliver a short, high-impact pitch that sells potential employers on
your why you are the most qualified for the role. Strive for a dynamic, memorable opening
that differentiates you from the other applicants crowding the recruiter's desk.
Use your professional summary to highlight your relevant skills, share a particularly
impressive achievement, and show off what you'll bring to the table if you are hired. Show
the employer that you understand their needs and explain how you will fulfill them.
Step 4: Shine a Spotlight on Your Skill Set
Utilizing a "Skills" section near the top of your resume is a simple way to get your most
relevant hard and soft skills in front of a recruiter. Be sure to study the job ad and personalize
this section to focus on the skills the job ad calls out as critical. Use bullet points for
readability and don't forget to include your soft skills. Employers place a high value on soft
skills like communication and customer service. Including these skills on your resume is
an easy way to get an edge over the competition.
Put yourself in the reader's shoes, and scrutinize your tone and the items you've chosen to
include. Remove anything that could be construed as conveying a political or religious bias,

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 32


or that is in any way controversial as these could negatively impact your employment
opportunities.
Step 5: Focus on Critical Experience
Your most recent work history is the most important, so start there and work in reverse. If
you have a solid work history, use a chronological resume format, that goes back no further
than the 20-years. (If you have employment gaps or limited work experience, you might
consider how to write a resume in a functional or combination resume format.)
This is possibly the easiest section to overwork (no pun intended). Resist the urge to delve
into details such as your actual salary, your supervisor's contact information, or typical hours
worked unless you're applying for a military or federal position.
For each job in your "Work History" section, be sure to include:
 Company name
 Location
 Dates of employment
 Job-specific duties and responsibilities
 Any relevant achievements or accomplishments
Specificity is key. Hone in on metrics whenever possible. It's more effective to write that you,
"boosted conversion rates by 18 percent" than something general like, "helped bring in more
customers."
Begin each of your 5-8 bulleted achievements or job responsibilities with an action words
such as created, automated, advised, oversaw, unified, innovated, or pioneered to stoke even
more interest and generate excitement.
If you're struggling to sum up a position, ask yourself the following:
 What did I do there?
 How did I do it?
 What was my/our objective?
 What results did I help bring about?
Step 6: Outline Your Education
Start by listing your educational history in reverse chronological order, just as you did with
your work history. Classes or degrees that are still in progress can be listed as such
("anticipated graduation 20XX" works well. Unless you are a recent grad, don't include your
graduation dates. There's no need to reference your high school diploma unless that's the
extent of your education.
In addition to traditional college coursework, you can include:

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 33


 Internships in a related field
 Continuing education classes and any courses, seminars or training done for
professional development
 Relevant certificates and licenses
You can create a subsection to showcase your professional memberships and affiliations,
involvement in campus organizations, and other experiences not related to school. However,
only list those organizations you currently belong to or those in which you held a leadership
role.
Step 7: Review, Rework, and Cut the Fat
You can't write the perfect resume without a lot of proofreading. Look back through your
newly created masterpiece for typos and grammatical errors, and ruthlessly excise any
content that doesn't add clear value to the document.
 Put yourself in the reader's shoes, and scrutinize your tone and the items you've
chosen to include. Remove anything that could be construed as conveying a political
or religious bias, or that is in any way controversial as these could negatively impact
your employment opportunities.
 Your personal interests and hobbies are only relevant if they're related to the job in
question. There is one exception: volunteer work. Unpaid positions and community
involvement show initiative, and according to research conducted by Deloitte,
candidates who list their volunteer experience on their resume may be more likely to
catch an employer's eye. Include your time at the animal shelter or years as a mentor
under a "Relevant Experience" header or in a separate, dedicated section.
 Be mindful of tense. Always use the present tense when referring to your current job
and the past tense for positions you no longer hold.
 Only use abbreviations that are widely known. Otherwise, write out the full phrase
first and include the abbreviation after.
 Don't be repetitive. If you're using the same words over and over again, use a
thesaurus (there are free ones online) to shake up your verbiage.
 References aren't necessary, and it's understood that "references are available on
request" so there's no need to mention that.
 Quadruple check your spelling and grammar. Reading your resume out loud can help
you analyze the content for flow and catch any missing words. Use an online
proofreading tool, like Grammarly, which will point out both typos and grammatical
errors. Also, ask a friend to review your document.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 34


4.7 Model Letter of Application (Cover Letter) with Resume,
Drafting the Application
How to write an application letter
Follow these steps to compose a compelling application letter:
1. Research the company and job opening
Thoroughly research the company you're applying to and the specifications of the open
position. The more you know about the job, the better you can customize your application
letter. Look for details like:
 Recent awards the company has received
 Major accomplishments or distinguishers that set this business apart from competitors
 Specialized certifications, skills or knowledge that are necessary or helpful for the job
 The size of the company
 The company culture
 Charitable projects the company is involved with
 The name and title for the hiring manager
2. Use a professional format
This letter should follow a professional format and include your name, your contact
information, the date and the company's information. Begin with a professional salutation,
such as "Dear X," and address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. If thorough
research doesn't yield the hiring manager's name, you may use "Dear [Department] Hiring
Manager," to address your recipient.
3. State the position you're applying for
Open the letter with a clear statement about the position you are applying for. Mention the
company by name. You may want to specify where you saw the job posting. If you were
referred by someone at the company, be sure to include their name and position.
4. Explain why you're the best fit for the job
In one or two impactful sentences, explain why you're the best fit for this job opening.
Provide clear details regarding your experience, skills, education or certifications.
5. Summarize your qualifications
Mention the top qualifications that make you a good fit for the job. Provide a brief summary
of your background that highlights the most important points from your resume. Consider
what you want the hiring manager to know first. The reader will likely read your cover letter

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 35


before reviewing your application, so this is your opportunity to make a compelling argument
for why the reader should review your resume.
6. Mention why you want the job
Include a personal statement about why you want this position. You've already explained
why the company should want you. This section details why you have chosen this company
and what excites you most about this job opportunity.
7. Include a professional closing
Thank the reader for reviewing your letter, reference your resume and any other attached
documents and offer to provide additional information as needed. Mention that you look
forward to the next steps in the hiring process and conclude with "Sincerely," as a closing.

Application letter template


[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your city, state and zip code]
[Date]
[Hiring manager's name]
[Hiring manager's title]
[Company name]
[Company address]
[Company city, state and zip code]
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
I'm writing to express my interest in the position of [job title] at [company]. [Explain how
you heard about the job and name your contact if you were referred by someone within the
company.] I believe my [skills and qualifications] make me an ideal fit for this job.*
[Use the second paragraph to elaborate on how you would help the company. Reference
specific campaigns or projects when possible.]
[Use the third paragraph to summarize your key qualifications. Elaborate on your most
important accomplishments and include details that you were unable to provide in the more
concise format of your resume.]
[Use the fourth paragraph to briefly explain why you want to work for this company. Mention
the additional documents included with your cover letter, and express your excitement about
moving forward in the hiring process.]

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 36


Sincerely,
[Your name]
Janiqua Williams
304 Town Ave.
Nashville, TN 37201
Jan. 8, 2020
Richard Sandler
Marketing Hiring Manager
Carter Snack Company
3049 Arthur St.
Nashville, TN 37201
Dear Mr. Sandler,
I'm writing to express my interest in the position of marketing associate for Carter Snack
Company. Your sales associate Nick Caudwell referred me to this opportunity. I believe that
my five years of experience in food and drink marketing make me an excellent fit for this job
opening.
In my current position at Fizz Soda Company, I spearheaded several successful campaigns
for new drink products. My aptitude for market analysis helped me identify key
demographics to target these marketing efforts. My most successful campaign of 2019:
• Doubled product sales over three months.
• Included a commercial video that went viral, getting more than 10 million views within a
week.
• Resulted in more than 5,000 new Facebook likes within a month.
I believe that I could bring this level of success to Carter Snack Company and help your
upcoming summer snack food campaigns reach a fresh audience. I see great potential in
marketing to a younger demographic with your snack cakes and would love to discuss the
possibilities with you.
I have PCM Digital Marketing Certification, Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification and
Google Analytics Individual certification. I am also a Facebook Certified Planning
Professional. I have the experience and skills necessary to help your company create a strong
digital presence and greatly increase your social following.
Though I have greatly enjoyed working on the marketing campaigns with Fizz Soda, I feel
that I'm ready for a new challenge and am intrigued by the opportunity to help grow your
smaller snack food company into a behemoth within the food and beverage industry. I've

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 37


been a fan of your snack line since Nick introduced me to your distinctive chip and pretzel
flavors, and I would love the opportunity to share some of your new flavors, like the Sweet
Dill pretzels, with a national audience.
Please find my resume attached. References are available upon request. I look forward to
meeting with you soon.
Sincerely,
Janiqua Williams

4.8 Emails, Blog Writing, Memos (Types of Memos) and other recent communication
types
What is email?
Electronic mail, commonly shortened to “email,” is a communication method that uses
electronic devices to deliver messages across computer networks. "Email" refers to both the
delivery system and individual messages that are sent and received.
Email has existed in some form since the 1970s, when programmer Ray Tomlinson created a
way to transmit messages between computer systems on the Advanced Research Projects
Agency Network (ARPANET). Modern forms of email became available for widespread
public use with the development of email client software (e.g. Outlook) and web browsers,
the latter of which enables users to send and receive messages over the Internet using web-
based email clients (e.g. Gmail).
Today, email is one of the most popular methods of digital communication. Its prevalence
and security vulnerabilities also make it an appealing vehicle for cyber attacks
like phishing, domain spoofing, and business email compromise (BEC).
What are the parts of an email?
An individual email is made up of three primary components: the SMTP envelope, the
header, and the body.
SMTP envelope
The SMTP “envelope” is the data communicated between servers during the email delivery
process. It consists of the sender’s email address and the recipient’s email address. This
envelope data tells the mail server where to send the message, just as a mail carrier references
the address on an envelope in order to deliver a letter to the correct location. During the email
delivery process, this envelope is discarded and replaced every time the email is transferred
to a different server.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 38


Header
Like the SMTP envelope, the email header provides critical information about the sender and
recipient. Most of the time, the header matches the information provided in the SMTP
envelope, but this may not always be the case. For instance, a scammer may disguise the
source of a message by using a legitimate email address in the header of an email. Because
the recipient only sees the header and body of an email — not the envelope data — they may
not know the message is malicious.
The header may also contain a number of optional fields that allow the recipient to reply to,
forward, categorize, archive, or delete the email. Other header fields include the following:
o The ‘Date’ field contains the date the email is sent. This is a mandatory header field.
o The ‘From’ field contains the email address of the sender. If the email address is
associated with a display name, that may be shown in this field as well. This is also a
mandatory header field.
o The ‘To’ field contains the email address of the recipient. If the email address is
associated with a display name, that may be shown in this field as well.
o The ‘Subject’ field contains any contextual information about the message the sender
wants to include. It is displayed as a separate line above the body of an email.
o The ‘Cc’ (carbon copy) field allows the sender to send a copy of the email to
additional recipients. The recipients marked in the ‘To’ field can see the email
address(es) listed in the ‘Cc’ field.
o The ‘Bcc’ (blind carbon copy) field allows the sender to send a copy of the email to
additional recipients. The recipients marked in the ‘To’ field cannot see the email
address(es) listed in the ‘Bcc’ field.
Body
The body of an email contains any information the sender wishes to send: text, images, links,
videos, and/or other file attachments, provided that they do not exceed the email client’s size
restrictions. Alternatively, an email can be sent without any information in the body field.
Depending on the options provided by the email client, the body of an email can be formatted
in plain text or HTML. Plain text emails do not contain any special formatting (like non-black
font colors) or multimedia (like images). They are compatible with all devices and email
clients. HTML emails do allow formatting and multimedia within the body field, though
some HTML elements may get flagged as spam by email filtering systems or may not display
properly on incompatible devices or clients.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 39


What is an email client?
An email client is a software program or web application* that enables users to send, receive,
and store emails. Popular email clients include Outlook, Gmail, and Apple Mail.
Software- and web-based email clients each have advantages and disadvantages. Desktop
email clients often come with more robust security capabilities, streamline email management
across multiple accounts, provide offline access, and allow users to back up emails to their
computers. By contrast, web-based clients are usually cheaper and easier to access — since
users can log in to their account from any web browser — but are reliant on an Internet
connection and can be more susceptible to cyber attacks.
*Originally, ‘email’ referred to desktop email clients and ‘webmail’ referred to web-based
email clients. Today, the term ‘email’ encompasses both systems.
What is an email address?
An email address is a unique string of characters that identifies an email account, or
‘mailbox,’ where messages can be sent and received. Email addresses are formatted in three
distinct parts: a local-part, an “@” symbol, and a domain.
For example, in the email address employee@example.com, “employee” denotes the local-
part and “example.com” denotes the domain.
Imagine addressing a letter: the domain signifies the city where the recipient lives, while the
local-part specifies the street and house number at which the letter can be received.
Local-part
The local-part tells the server the final location of an email message. It may include a
combination of letters, numbers, and certain punctuation marks (like underscores). The
maximum number of characters for an email address (including both the local-part and
domain) is 320, though the recommended length is capped at 254 characters.
Domain
The domain may be a domain name, like example.com, or an IP address, like 192.0.2.0. In
the former case, the SMTP protocol uses DNS to translate a domain name into its IP address
before delivering the message to the next server.
Like the local-part, the domain also has to adhere to certain formatting requirements
established by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Approved domain names may
include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. An email
address can also be formatted with an IP address in brackets instead of a domain name,
although this is rare. The character limit for a domain name is 63.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 40


4.8 Blog Writing, Memos (Types of Memos) and other recent communication types
What is a blog post?
A blog post is any article, news piece, or guide that's published in the blog section of a
website. A blog post typically covers a specific topic or query, is educational in nature,
ranges from 600 to 2,000+ words, and contains other media types such as images, videos,
infographics, and interactive charts.
Blog posts allow you and your business to publish insights, thoughts, and stories on your
website about any topic. They can help you boost brand awareness, credibility, conversions,
and revenue. Most importantly, they can help you drive traffic to your website.
But in order to begin making posts for a blog — you have to learn how to start one, first.
Let’s dive in.
How to start a blog?
1. Understand your audience.
2. Check out your competition.
3. Determine what topics you'll cover.
4. Identify your unique angle.
5. Name your blog.
6. Create your blog domain.
7. Choose a CMS and set up your blog.
8. Customize the look of your blog.
9. Write your first blog post.
1. Understand your audience.
Before you start writing your blog post, make sure you have a clear understanding of your
target audience. To do so, take the following steps.
Ask yourself exploratory questions.
To discover your audience, ask questions like: Who are they? Are they like me, or do I know
someone like them? What do they want to know about? What will resonate with them?
Jot down your notes in a notepad or a document. This is the time to brainstorm audience
attributes from scratch, no matter how out of left field they may feel. You should also think
about your audience's age, background, goals, and challenges at this stage.
Save time creating blog posts with these free templates.
 "How-to" Post
 "What is" Post
 Listicle Post

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 41


 And More!
Get Your Free TemplatesLearn more
Carry out market research.
Doing market research sounds like a big task, but in truth, it can be as simple as accessing a
social media platform and browsing user and blog profiles that match with your potential
audience.
Use market research tools to begin uncovering more specific information about your audience
— or to confirm a hunch or a piece of information you already knew. For instance, if you
wanted to create a blog about work-from-home hacks, you can make the reasonable
assumption that your audience will be mostly Gen Zers and Millennials. But it’s important to
confirm this information through research.
Create formal buyer personas.
Once you’ve brainstormed and carried out market research, it’s time to create formal buyer
personas. It’s important because what you know about your buyer personas and their interests
will inform the brainstorming process for blog posts.
"Buyer personas aren’t just for direct marketing. They can be a handy way to keep a human
in mind while you’re writing. If you’ve got other marketing or sales teams handy, coordinate
your personas," says Curtis del Principe, user acquisition manager at HubSpot. "Chances are
that your existing customers are exactly the kind of people you want to attract with your
writing in the first place. Your sales and service teams can also have great insight into these
people’s needs and pain points."
For instance, if your readers are Millennials looking to start a business, you probably don't
need to provide them with information about getting started on social media — most of them
already have that down.
You might, however, want to give them information about how to adjust their social media
approach (for example — from what may be a casual, personal approach to a more business-
savvy, networking-focused approach). That kind of tweak is what helps you publish content
about the topics your audience really wants and needs.
Don't have buyer personas in place for your business? Here are a few resources to help you
get started:
2. Check out your competition.
What better way to draw inspiration than to look at your well-established competition?

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 42


It’s worth taking a look at popular, highly reviewed blogs because their strategy and
execution is what got them to grow in credibility. The purpose of doing this isn’t to copy
these elements, but to gain better insight into what readers appreciate in a quality blog.
When you find a competitor’s blog, take the following steps:
Determine whether they’re actually a direct competitor.
A blog’s audience, niche, and specific slant determine whether they're actually your
competitor. But the most important of these is their audience. If they serve a completely
different public than you, then they’re likely not a competitor. That is why it’s important to
define your buyer personas before taking other steps in the blog creation process.
Look at the blog’s branding, color palette, and theme.
Once you determine that they’re your competitor, it’s time to take note of their techniques so
that you can capture a similar readership. Colors and themes play a huge role in whether you
seem like part of a niche — for instance, a blog about eco-friendly products should likely use
earthy tones instead of bright, unnatural colors such as neon yellow or pink.
Analyze the tone and writing style of the competition.
Take note of your competition’s copywriting. Is it something you feel like you can
successfully emulate? Does it ring true to the type of blog you’d like to create? What do
readers most respond to? For most, creating a tech blog might be an excellent idea, but if
journalistic, review-based writing doesn’t work for you, then that might not be a good fit. Be
aware of what you can feasibly execute or hire freelance writers.
3. Determine what topics you’ll cover.
Before you write anything, pick a topic you’d like to write about. The topic can be pretty
general to start as you find your desired niche in blogging.
Here are some ways to choose topics to cover.
Find out which topics your competitors often cover.
One easy way to choose topics for your blog is to simply learn what other blogs are writing
about. After you determine your competitors, go through their archive and category pages,
and try to find out which topics they most often publish content about. From there, you can
create a tentative list to explore further. You might find, for instance, that a competitor only
covers surface-level information about a subject. In your blog, you can dive more deeply and
offer more value to readers.
Choose topics you understand well.
No matter what type of blog you start, you want to ensure you know the topic well enough to
write authoritatively about it. Rather than choosing a topic you’ll need to research as you

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 43


write, think about those that come most naturally to you. What has your professional
experience been like so far? What are your hobbies? What did you study in college? These
can all give rise to potential topics you can cover in depth.
Ensure the topics are relevant to your readership.
You may find that you hold deep expertise in various topics, but how relevant are they to the
audience you understood back in step one?
Del Principe suggests checking in with sales and service teams as well. "What kinds of things
do they wish customers already knew? What kinds of questions do they get asked a thousand
times? What kind of objections come up from potential customers, and how do they address
them?"
If you’re not serving their needs, then you’d be shouting into a void — or, worse, attracting
the wrong readership. For that reason, after identifying the topics you can feasibly write
about, ask yourself whether those are subjects your audience would like to explore.
Do preliminary keyword research.
Keyword research is the process of searching for topics using a keyword research tool, then
determining whether there is demand by looking at each topic’s (or keyword’s) search
volume. If you found the perfect topics that are the perfect cross between your expertise and
your reader’s needs, you’ve struck gold — but the gold will have no value unless people are
searching for those terms. Only then can you capture the audience that is waiting out there.
Save time creating blog posts with these free templates.
 "How-to" Post
 "What is" Post
 Listicle Post
 And More!
Get Your Free TemplatesLearn more
Pro tip: If you need help brainstorming ideas or lack inspiration, you can use HubSpot’s blog
topic generator. It can generate title ideas and even outlines based on a brief description of
what you want to write about or a specific keyword.
4. Identify your unique angle.
What perspective do you bring that makes you stand out from the crowd? This is key to
determining the trajectory of your blog’s future, and there are many avenues to choose in the
process.
Here’s how you can find your unique selling proposition in crowded blogging niches:

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 44


Write a professional and personal bio.
Knowing your own history and experience is essential to determine your unique slant. To get
started, write a professional bio that explains, at length, who you are and which experiences
most inform your blogging efforts. While I could write a lengthy exposition about my
childhood, that history isn’t essential unless I’m launching a blog about raising children.
What unique experience makes you a trusted expert or thought leader on the topic? You can
use your answers to that question to find your angle. Use this information to populate
your “About me” page on your blog and share more about yourself.
Determine the special problem you will solve for readers.
Your readers won’t trust you or return to you unless you actively help them solve a problem.
As you try to find your angle, think about ways you can help your audience surmount
challenges typically associated with the topics you’ve chosen for your blog. For instance, if
you’re creating a blog about sustainability, then you might help readers learn how they can
compost organic materials in their home.
Choose an editorial approach.
Will you share your opinions on trending debates? Teach your readers how to do something?
Compare or share original research? The editorial approach you choose will in part be
informed by the topics you cover on your blog and the problems you’re helping your readers
solve. If your blog is about marketing trends and your goal is to keep marketers up-to-date on
the latest changes, then your editorial approach should be journalistic in nature. This is only
one example of how to choose a technique.
5. Name your blog.
This is your opportunity to get creative and make a name that gives readers an idea of what to
expect from your blog. Some tips on how to choose your blog name include:
Keep your blog name easy to say and spell.
No need to get complicated at all with your name, though it might be tempting, since there
are so many blogs out there. While choosing a unique name is essential, it’s also important to
choose one that is easy to memorize for readers. It should also be simple to remember as an
URL (which will come into play in the next step).
Link your blog name to your brand message.
The more related your blog’s name is to the topics you cover, the better. For instance, DIY
MFA is all about writers doing their own Master of Fine Arts in writing at home. The brand’s
message is all about delving deep into one’s writing practice without needing a formal

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 45


degree. Try to do something similar for your own blog name: Alluding to your blog’s
message, value proposition, and covered topics in one sweep.
Consider what your target audience is looking for.
Your blog name should tie directly into what your readers want to achieve, learn, or solve.
DIY MFA is about writers who don’t have the money for graduate school, but who still want
to develop their writing skills. The HubSpot Marketing blog is — you guessed it — about
marketing trends and tips.
It’s okay if your blog name feels “too straightforward.” Straightforward names accurately
communicate what you’re about and effectively attract the right audience.
If you still need more assistance, try using a blog name generator. One last tip: Make sure the
name you come up with isn’t already taken, as it could lessen your visibility and confuse
readers looking for your content.
6. Create your blog domain.
A domain is a part of the web address nomenclature someone would use to find your website
or a page of your website online.
Your blog‘s domain will look like this: www.yourblog.com. The name between the two
periods is up to you, as long as this domain name doesn’t yet exist on the internet.
Want to create a subdomain for your blog? If you already own a cooking business at
www.yourcompany.com, you might create a blog that looks like this:
blog.yourcompany.com. In other words, your blog's subdomain will live in its own section of
yourcompany.com.
Some CMS platforms offer subdomains as a free service, where your blog lives on the CMS,
rather than your business's website. For example, it might look like this:
yourblog.contentmanagementsystem.com. However, to create a subdomain that belongs to
your company website, register the subdomain with a website host.
Most website hosting services charge very little to host an original domain — in fact, website
costs can be as inexpensive as $3 per month when you commit to a 36-month term.
Pro Tip: You can connect your custom domain to free hosting with HubSpot’s free CMS or
in premium editions of Content Hub. This includes access to built-in security features and a
content delivery network.
Here are five other popular web hosting services to choose from:
 GoDaddy
 HostGator
 DreamHost

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 46


 Bluehost
 iPage

Create and customize your own business website with an easy drag-and-drop website
builder.
 Build a website without any coding skills.
 Pre-built themes and templates.
 Built-in marketing tools and features.
 And more!
7. Choose a CMS and set up your blog.
A CMS (content management system) is a software application that allows users to build and
maintain a website without having to code it from scratch. CMS platforms can manage
domains (where you create your website) and subdomains (where you create a webpage that
connects to an existing website).
HubSpot customers host web content via Content Hub. Another popular option is a self-
hosted WordPress website on a hosting site such as WP Engine. Whether you create a domain
or a subdomain to start your blog, you'll need to choose a web hosting service after you pick a
CMS.
Pro Tip: You can get started for free with HubSpot’s free blog maker. Our free CMS offers
everything you need to get started– including hosting, a visual editor, and hundreds of free
and paid themes to choose from.
8. Customize the look of your blog.
Once you have your domain name set up, customize the appearance of your blog to reflect
the theme of the content you plan on creating and your brand.
For example, if you're writing about sustainability and the environment, green might be a
color to keep in mind while designing your blog.
If you already manage a website and are writing the first post for that existing website, ensure
the article is consistent with the website in appearance and subject matter. Two ways to do
this are including your:
 Logo: This can be your business‘s name and logo — it will remind blog readers of who’s
publishing the content. (How heavily you want to brand your blog, however, is up to
you.)
 “About” Page: You might already have an “About” blurb describing yourself or your
business. Your blog‘s "About" section is an extension of this higher-level statement.

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 47


Think of it as your blog’s mission statement, which serves to support your company's
goals.
9. Write your first blog post.
Once you have your blog set up, the only thing missing is the content. While the design and
layout are fun and functionally necessary, it's the content that will draw your readers in and
keep them coming back. So how do you actually go about writing one of these engaging and
informational pieces?
Writing Your First Blog Post
You’ve got the technical and practical tidbits down — now it’s time to write your very first
blog post. And nope, this isn’t the space to introduce yourself and your new blog (i.e.
“Welcome to my blog! This is the topic I’ll be covering. Here are my social media handles.
Will you please follow?”).
Start with “low-hanging fruit,” writing about a highly specific topic that serves a small
segment of your target audience.
That seems unintuitive, right? If more people are searching for a term or a topic, that should
mean more readers for you.
But that’s not true. If you choose a general and highly searched topic that’s been covered by
major competitors or more established brands, it’s unlikely that your post will rank on the
first page of search engine results pages (SERPs). Give your newly born blog a chance by
choosing a topic that few bloggers have written about.

4.8 Memos (Types of Memos) and other recent communication types


What Is A Memo?
A memo is short for memorandum, a short written message for workplace communication. It
can be a bulletin on the notice board, a policy change, a meeting schedule or reminders for
teams. The type of memorandum depends on its purpose. Different types of memos are often
used as a means of mass communication within an organization instead of personal one-to-
one messaging.
Here are three ways in which multiple types of memorandums are often cascaded in an
organization:
1. Downward
These kinds of memos travel from senior management to their teams and down the chain
of command at the workplace. For example, you may have appointed somebody as the

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 48


new head of a team. You may announce your decision to your employees using a memo.
This is an example of the downward flow of communication via memos.
2. Upward
In this case, memos are used by junior-level or mid-level employees to communicate with
their respective managers or team leaders. For example, as a mid-level employee, you may
seek constructive feedback on the business strategy you planned and proposed. You may
reach out to your team leader through a memo.
3. Horizontal
These kinds of memos are used for communication between employees or coworkers at
the same level of seniority within an organization. For example, say you’re collaborating
with another team and you wish to understand their work schedules. You may use a memo
to ask the other team to share their work calendars.
Types of Memos
Memos can take different forms depending on the end goal they’re trying to achieve. The
important thing to remember is that your memo should be short, direct, and convincing.
Harappa Education’s Writing Proficiently course will help you structure your ideas so that
you can write memos that are clear, crisp and impactful. The PREP–Point, Reason, Example,
Point–framework in the course will help you summarize the key components of your memos
more efficiently.
Some of the Different Types of Memos Are:
1. Request Memo
The objective of these types of memos is to gain a favorable response to a request. A
request memo should use persuasive language because the end goal is to convince others.
For example, let’s say you have come across a business conference that’s relevant to your
position. You’ll send a request memo to convince your manager to allow you to attend
this conference. A few key pointers you may want to keep in mind while writing a request
memo are:
 State The Request Clearly
 Justify Your Request With Proper Reasons
 Explain Or Justify Any Financial Costs That The Organization Will Have To
Bear
 Present Your Recommendations For Action
 Keep Your Language And Tone Formal And Neutral
SAMPLE MEMORANDUM

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 49


To Michael Bruno
Provost
VIA Laura Lyons
Interim Vice Provost for Academic Excellence
VIA Dean of College
From Chair of Department
Subject Request approval to hire an out of state employee. Change subject as needed if
requesting approval for current employee to work from out of state.
Request should include the following information:
 Name of individual
 Location they will be working from
 Reason for seeking approval (e.g. Is this an emergency situation? Have there been
failed attempts to find someone that can perform the function locally?)
 Proposed duration for working out of state (with an explanation of why the specific
time frame is requested)
 A description of work expected to be performed while working remotely

APPROVED / DISAPPROVED
Michael Bruno, Provost

2. Confirmation Memo
These memos are used to confirm in writing something that has been agreed to verbally.
Examples of these types of memos can be observed in situations that need agreement
between two or more parties. For instance, you agree to finish your project on time if your
manager agrees to let you hire three interns. A few things to remember when confirming
agreements in writing are:
 Highlight The Significant And Important Details That Were Agreed To Verbally
 Be Specific In Your Demands And Targets
 Ask For Feedback On Any Unclear Or Misunderstood Points
3. Suggestive Memo
These types of memos are usually circulated to find efficient solutions to problems. One of
the building blocks of success in any organization is the creative thinking of its
employees. Managers or team leaders often encourage group discussions
and brainstorming sessions through suggestive memos. The purpose could be gathering

Writing Skills {Sajan} Unit IV: 50


innovative new ideas or generating out-of-the-box solutions to problems. Here are a few
things to be conscious of while writing a suggestive memo:
 Write In An Encouraging And Positive Way And Tactfully Present Suggestions
For Change
 Use Headings Or Titles To Differentiate Between Multiple Groups Of Ideas
 Be Specific In Stating Your Expectations
Conclusion
Over time, the medium of internal communications, and especially memo writing, has
changed. Most memos are communicated in electronic formats in current times. No matter
which medium you choose to deliver your memos in, keep reaching out to your employees
and connecting with them. It’s a good idea to remind yourself and your coworkers about the
perks of open communication from time to time!

4.8 Other recent communication types


Importance of Communication
Effective communication is critical for personal relationships, professional success, and
societal cohesion. Clear and concise communication leads to understanding, collaboration,
and conflict resolution. It’s so important in all aspects of life, helping you build strong
connections and solve problems.
Variety in Communication: Choose Wisely
We are lucky as humans to have a whole host of communication types available for us at our
fingertips. But with great variety comes the responsibility to choose your method wisely!
For example, the best way to apply for a job is a written message (preferably over email) to
the hiring manager — not a verbal, spoken message in passing. Similarly, you may not want
to break bad news using a written form over text, but rather in verbal/visual form where you
can accurately portray your message in a sensitive matter. More on these types below!
Interpersonal Communication
When referencing communication types, people are usually speaking about interpersonal
communication, as opposed to intrapersonal communication. The difference is simple.
Interpersonal communication is communication that occurs between people or between
groups, whereas intrapersonal communication is communication that occurs within one’s
own mind.

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One common form of interpersonal communication is that which occurs between a small
group of people. Group members are usually face-to-face and participate in dialogue with one
another, which can either be directed, planned, or spontaneous. Having open interpersonal
communication with others helps to break down barriers and increase understanding. It
important for intercultural communication, workplace communication, and for personal
relationships as well.
Types of Communication
The five types of communication you need to know about are verbal communication,
nonverbal communication, written communication, visual communication, and listening.
1. Verbal Communication
Verbal communication encompasses all communication using spoken words, or unspoken
words as in the case with sign language. It is important to understand how to effectively
communicate your ideas verbally in order to avoid misunderstandings and maximize interest
while you speak. Make sure to use the right type of language, speak clearly, know your
audience, respond in the best way, and use an appropriate tone when speaking.
2. Nonverbal Communication
What is actually being said is only half the battle — the rest lies in what isn’t being said. This
means your tone, facial expressions, body language, hand movements, and eye contact. When
you make yourself aware of what the rest of you is doing as you speak, you can make
corrections and eventually use all the right nonverbal cues to convey your point.
3. Written Communication
Written communication is a form of verbal communication, but it is so different than spoken
verbal communication that this form gets its own separate type. Written communication can
take the form of anything you write or type such as letters, emails, notes, texts, billboards,
even a message written in the sky! With written communication, it is important you know
your audience, your purpose, and maintain consistency throughout your written message.
4. Visual Communication
Visual communication is one you may not have heard of, but it is one that complements the
other types of communication well. Visual communication is delivering information,
messages, and points by way of graphical representations, or visual aids.
Some commonly used examples are slide presentations, diagrams, physical models, drawings,
and illustrations. When you use visual communication in addition to verbal, nonverbal, and
written communication, you create a very effective way for your message to be heard and
understood.

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5. Listening
Listening is a surprisingly important part of communication and in order to be a great
communicator, you must master the art of listening. Remember that listening doesn’t just
mean hearing, or politely waiting for your turn to speak. When others are speaking, you
should practice active listening, which means that you are engaging your mind while the
person speaks, intently focusing on what they are saying.
Formal Communication vs Informal Communication
Another way that types of communication can be broken down into is in formal vs informal
communication. There are times when one should be used over the other, such as when
delivering a speech (formal), or when making brunch plans with a friend (informal).
In formal communication, where conversation partners are part of a group, organization, or
society, there are three types of communication:
 Vertical: Information flows freely up and down the organizational structure. For
example, your boss’s boss speaks to you, you speak to your boss, and you speak to the
employees under you.
 Horizontal: This is where information or communication flows across a structure. For
example, you and your coworkers speak together back and forth.
 Diagonal: Finally, there is diagonal formal communication where all levels communicate
with one another in any direction.
Online Communication
Communicating over the internet comes with special considerations. When you combine
anonymity with a wide reach, messages can get muddled. Just think about how
communication works on social media platforms.
With the University of the People, however, we make it a point to deliver the most effective
online communication possible — we are 100% online, after all. Through their discussion
boards and peer assessments, students communicate thoughts and ideas wherever and
whenever they want.
Emotional Awareness in Communication
One of the most poorly covered, but very important aspects of communication is emotional
awareness. Emotional awareness is the ability to understand others’ feelings as well as your
own, and take note of how that may be affecting a current situation. It is imperative that you
have high emotional awareness in order to be an effective communicator. Here are some
ways to improve your emotional awareness in communication:

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 Use Empathy: Empathetic people are able to understand others’ emotions. Once you
have that down, you can start to relate to them during your conversation.
 Consider Your Own Emotions: Your own feelings may be getting in the way of either
delivering or receiving the message clearly. Check how you are feeling and be aware of
how that may influence your communication ability.
 Think of Others’ Emotions: Remember the ways your own mood and emotions affect
your ability to communicate and apply that to others. Take time to consider that
someone’s mood or previous experience may be affecting their actions.
 Build Trust: You can build trust by having open and honest conversations, as well as
matching your nonverbal cues such as tone, facial expressions, and body language to your
verbal ones.
 Recognize and Correct Misunderstandings: Misunderstandings are the barrier to great
communication. The more quickly to discover and correct them, the more calm everyone
will be, and the quicker you’ll get on the right track.
Communicating in Difficult Situations
One of the hardest parts of communication is when you need to deliver some not-so-great
information. It’s important to choose the best type of communication in that case, whether it
is in person, written, formal or informal — only you know the message and who you need to
deliver it to.
When you communicate in difficult situations, it can be overwhelming or emotional for both
the sender and receiver of the message. Try to remember emotional awareness in difficult
situations and you will do fine!
Tips for Improving Your Communication Style
Enhance your communication skills with these practical strategies:
 Active Listening: Focus fully on the speaker, avoid interrupting, and respond
thoughtfully. This shows respect and ensures you understand their message.
 Clarity: Speak clearly and concisely. Use simple language and avoid jargon to make your
message easy to understand.
 Empathy: Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Understanding their feelings and
perspectives helps build stronger connections.
 Adaptability: Adjust your communication style based on the context and audience.
Different situations may require different approaches.
 Continuous Practice and Feedback: Regularly practice your communication skills and
seek feedback to refine and improve them.

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By focusing on these areas, you can improve both your verbal and non-verbal
communication, leading to more effective interactions.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to know and understand all types of communication so that you can learn to use
them effectively and become a great communicator. You are already on your way there after
reading this guide — happy communicating!

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