I came across an article the other day that I thought was a great reminder of how the writing we do in English classes can look very much like the work we may do in a future career. And one employer offers her advice on using your writing to get noticed for that job. What you may notice here is how similar she sounds to an English teacher, even though she works in the business world. So, if you think the quality of your writing is something only mean English teachers look at, think again. Your future boss won't just put a B- on your work; she might just throw it in the trash. Here's why:
1. The Basics
The author describes how writing with fundamental flaws, such as grammar mistakes, instantly get tossed in the garbage. Her reasoning, in very English-teachery language, is that it feels like the applicant rushed through the writing and doesn't really care about this job. She also mentions how phony, fluffy writing that sounds like sucking up and filling space gets immediately discarded. Get to the point, be clear, and be specific, she says.
2. Your Opening
The author hates looking at applications that say what you're applying for. She knows what you're applying for, so you don't have to tell her. This sounds very familiar in student writing when a thesis statement appears that says, "In this essay, I will be telling you about..." Yeah, I can see that you wrote it for this assignment--I'm holding it in my hands, and your name is at the top. Don't tell me what you're going to tell me--just tell me. Your job, she says is to get your reader to keep reading, not want to give up out of boredom from the first sentence. Great advice for all English students, no matter what the writing task is.
3. Using Examples
It can be easy when writing an application letter to simply list qualifications, skills, and achievements. Similarly, when writing a paper for class, it can be easy to simply list arguments, evidence, or sources. But in neither venue is the reader going to find this interesting. Be specific. Be relevant. Explain why this piece of information is important to this precise point of discussion. An employer, like an English teacher, is looking for clarity and a unique perspective. The former wants to hire someone who can provide those things, just as an English teacher wants to give an A to that type of writer.
Read the article, and save it for when you start thinking about applying for jobs. Your writing will matter--trust the author. And your English teacher you have right now won't be the only one grading you in life.
1. The Basics
The author describes how writing with fundamental flaws, such as grammar mistakes, instantly get tossed in the garbage. Her reasoning, in very English-teachery language, is that it feels like the applicant rushed through the writing and doesn't really care about this job. She also mentions how phony, fluffy writing that sounds like sucking up and filling space gets immediately discarded. Get to the point, be clear, and be specific, she says.
2. Your Opening
The author hates looking at applications that say what you're applying for. She knows what you're applying for, so you don't have to tell her. This sounds very familiar in student writing when a thesis statement appears that says, "In this essay, I will be telling you about..." Yeah, I can see that you wrote it for this assignment--I'm holding it in my hands, and your name is at the top. Don't tell me what you're going to tell me--just tell me. Your job, she says is to get your reader to keep reading, not want to give up out of boredom from the first sentence. Great advice for all English students, no matter what the writing task is.
3. Using Examples
It can be easy when writing an application letter to simply list qualifications, skills, and achievements. Similarly, when writing a paper for class, it can be easy to simply list arguments, evidence, or sources. But in neither venue is the reader going to find this interesting. Be specific. Be relevant. Explain why this piece of information is important to this precise point of discussion. An employer, like an English teacher, is looking for clarity and a unique perspective. The former wants to hire someone who can provide those things, just as an English teacher wants to give an A to that type of writer.
Read the article, and save it for when you start thinking about applying for jobs. Your writing will matter--trust the author. And your English teacher you have right now won't be the only one grading you in life.