Heraldnet.com
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009 2:56 pm
LocalNorthwestNation & WorldPoliticsSpecial ReportsPhotosColumnistsMultimedia 
Blog
Michelle Dunlop
Boeing shares soar as 787 first flight draws near
Blog
Amy Rolph
Obama: Repair small business credit
Mike Benbow
Business editor Mike Benbow's insights into all things business.
•Latest: Gift cards can show a personal touch
Steve Tytler
Steve Tytler answers your questions about real estate.
•Latest: Here’s how home foreclosure sales really work
 
WEEK IN REVIEW
Sunday


Swine flu lingers, making traditional flu seaso...
Two vie to serve as Snohomish County prosecutor
Families get an early gift: free Christmas trees
Saturday


Gift charity draws Snohomish County families in...
Fears over commercial air service at Paine Fiel...
Donated safe gives Marysville museum a mystery
Friday


From behind bars, pal tells Colton Harris-Moore...
Commercial airlines would cause few problems at...
Fund set up to benefit children of couple kille...
Thursday


5 die of swine flu in Snohomish County
Red Cross honors acts of heroism, many by ordin...
Barista clothing rules delayed by County Council
Wednesday


Father gets 13 years in 6-year-old's fatal shoo...
‘One bad choice' blamed in death of 4 fri...
Reps. Larsen, Inslee split on Obama's plans for...
Tuesday


Lynnwood swimmer turns therapy into competitive...
Highway 9 crash is worst alcohol-related accide...
Crash victim warned his students against DUI
Monday


Victims of Highway 9 crash ID'd; suspect booked...
Suspect in officer killings eludes law in Seattle
New laws for Snohomish County bikini baristas?
 

ADVERTISEMENT

Business   Print This Article  Email This Page  Subscribe Now! facebook digg reddit del.icio.us fark stumble

 
ADVERTISEMENT

 
 
CONTACT THE HERALD
Mike Benbow, Business Editor
benbow@heraldnet.com
 
Published: Wednesday, April 1, 2009

How to wow potential employers with words

Good writing captures the attention of its readers. It holds their interest, arms them with information and motivates them to respond. As a serious job hunter, your written documents play a vital role in your success.

Employers respond well to strong writing, which means that your talents in this area may propel you forward in your job search. The key is to showcase your ability up front -- in your resume or cover letter, and possibly in a separate narrative essay.

Here are a few different kinds of narrative documents you may encounter in your job search:

Teaching philosophy. In the teaching profession, educators are often asked to submit a written statement about their perspective and philosophy on teaching. These personal essays give you the opportunity to present a first-person account of your teaching strategy and style. They typically run between one and three pages.

Writing tip: For a reader-friendly result, try to organize your thoughts before you begin. Use open, accessible language when describing your approach to teaching. Let your passion for teaching enliven the text and grab hold of your readers.

Professional biography. They may be short, snappy documents (generally one page, single spaced), but professional biographies can make a powerful impact in your job hunt. In fact, an excellent biography provides slam-dunk proof of your writing skills, which can prompt an on-the-fence employer to call for an interview.

Biographies are used by people who have stories to tell. They serve as targeted mission statements for self-employed consultants and impressive employment summaries for high-profile executives. They often accompany artists' portfolios, resumes, and other personal or business marketing materials, offering background into complex or multifaceted careers.

Writing tip: Create your document like the "About Us" page on personal and professional Web sites. Streamlined and concise. Most bios are written in the third person ("she graduated" rather than "I graduated"), in reverse chronological order.

Extended cover letter. Many job seekers miss out on employment opportunities by sending poorly written cover letters. Don't waste this valuable communication tool!

Instead of developing a three-paragraph outline of your work history, prepare a short, attention-grabbing personal essay written in letter form. Use your document to bridge the gap between the brisk, professional language of your resume and the explanatory focus of your interviews.

Writing tip: If you have something to explain to an employer, such as a career change or employment gap, your cover letter can be a great outlet. Just don't overdo it. Choose your words carefully, get to the point quickly, and concentrate on your positive attributes.

Knowledge, skills and abilities. When applying for federal positions, you may be required to prepare a narrative statement. The questions (listed with the vacancy announcement) often ask about your experience with key aspects of the position, such as communication skills or knowledge of project management methodology.

Writing tip: Your answers will be evaluated for content and writing technique. Be bold in your claims, but back them up with specific examples from your career.

Even if personal essays are not required in your industry, your writing style can make a significant difference in your employment search. Sharpen your resume. Refine your cover letter. While you're at it, consider preparing a narrative document that demonstrates your talent and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.

READER COMMENTS
Be the first to comment.
You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet.

To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click hereLog out

1. Good grief!
2. Swine flu lingers, making traditional flu season unpredictable
3. Two vie to serve as Snohomish County prosecutor
4. Last hurrah for Huskies’ Locker?
5. Koster for Congress? He’s still undecided
6. Here’s how home foreclosure sales really work
7. A store credit card can save you cash, but is it worth it?
8. New site sought for Snohomish pool project
9. Families get an early gift: free Christmas trees
10. Prep Roundup: Lake Stevens wins two wrestling meets
Enterprise Newspaper Snohomish County Business Journal
Wildcats fall to familar foe in semis
‘Nutcracker' times three
Road warrior
Mavericks reloading
Holiday Lightings & Santa Sightings
Cities prepare for winter blast repeat
Wolfpack duo takes last shot at state tourney
This Weekend in Your Town
Tips for the stormy season
The Enterprise Online Newspaper


20% Off Dinner
Up to $75 Value!

Holiday Getaway
$99 dbl Occupancy

FREE 6 lb. Pad w/
30yd Carpet Purchase

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE
Lube Oil Filter

Always Free
Transmission Diagnostic

75% OFF
Many Items. Hurry!

Oil - Snohomish County
Low Prices - Fill Now!

Special Rebate Offers!
Plus Get Additional 30% OFF!

Holiday Specials
up to 25% off!

$2 OFF
at Box Office

Buy 1 Dinner Entree
Get 2nd 50% Off

$2.99 Chili Dog
$3.99 Fish Burger

15% Off
All Repairs!

$5 Off
Stylecut

We've Got You Covered for hte Holidays!
20% OFF Re-Upholstery or Custom Furniture!

25% off Bath & Groom
New Customers

Over 1 Million Lights
Lights of Christmas

$95 Dryer Vent Cleaning!
$99 Whole House Duct Cleaning Special!

Nutcracker
Family Packs Available

FREE 6 lb. Pad w/
30yd Carpet Purchase
Completely Floored
TODAY'S TOP JOBS
 View All Top Jobs 
Top Cars
Top Homes

ADVERTISEMENT