Chapter 2, 9 & 10 post

Chapter 2 A reader centered approach to writing your resume

This chapter describes four activities for the reader centered resume writing process.

1. Defining objectives
2. Planning
3. Drafting
4. Revising

As I read this chapter I was amazed at the amount of planning you should consider when preparing to write your resume. I have written and rewritten my resume on several occasions. I have to admit that it is not a process that I enjoy. However, I never went through an extensive planning process. I think that if I went through this process it would improve the quality of my resume. I cannot decide if I should be writing an experiential or skills resume. I think that I have somewhat blended the two approaches. I am excited about taking a fresh look at my resume with the reader centered approach.

Chapter 9 Beginning a communication

I have always struggled with the beginning of written communication. How long should I make it? Is it complete? This chapter gave me some good guidelines to follow. As long as the readers know why they should read the communication, its main point, its organization and scope and any necessary background information then I know that I have done my job.

Guideline nine on ethics spoke of situations in which you might be asked to write something that violates your sense of what is ethical. I have personally experienced this. Fortunately I have a boss who very quickly realized that he was asking me to do something that I was uncomfortable with. I liked the options the book gave for remedying this situation. You can plant seeds of change, use reason and not accusation, and also try to remain open to others points of view.

Chapter 10 Ending a communication

The ending of your communication is an excellent opportunity to get your readers to transition from reading to taking action. You can stress the main point of your communication one more time. Often times its the last thing read that people remember the best. At work it is important to list any action items and who is responsible for them. This is a great way to sum up your communication.