Most times I get anything from LinkedIn it goes directly into my junk mailbox. But a few days ago, I received a blog post I thought was helpful. A piece titled "Top Ten Reasons Why Nobody is Hiring You" is from an attorney attempting to recruit new talent to his office. While the article is about how to land a job, nearly every idea he offers also applies to being a better writer in the classroom. Here are a few examples...
--You don't follow instructions
The author automatically puts any resume he receives in the trash that doesn't follow the basic submission requirements. In other words, if the post asks you to send a cover letter, a resume, and transcripts, but you only submit a resume, you're headed for the circular file. The same goes in writing classes. Before a teacher ever checks your thesis, your grammar, or your paragraph structure, he will check to see if you've followed the basic instructions of the assignment. If you can't do the basics, how can anyone expect you to tackle the details?
--Typos
If you send in a job application that has typos or other grammar errors on it, you will not be hired. The author says, "You have tons of time to work on your application materials; polish them; get them perfect. If someone can't perfect an application packet, then they'll never come close to putting out technically flawless work product on a daily basis. The application goes in the trash." Same goes in class. You always have plenty of time to perfect your essays, so get them spotless. If you can't pay attention to the details, you won't get the job you want, and you won't get the grade you want.
--You use meaningless jargon
The author describes applicants that litter their resumes with vague words that only sound impressive to the employee--no one else cares. He hates words like, "Multi-talented, self-starter, team-player, organized, dynamic, highly-intuitive, emotive, visionary. I'm not even joking. Somebody applied for a paralegal job and listed 'Visionary' as one of their attributes. Doing this - listing out a bunch of random attributes - is a complete waste of time and a sure fire way to get your application thrown in the trash." I see the same thing in student writing. Using words you think are fancy are probably just fluff. Use concrete language and clear ideas so we all know the intentions of your words.
--Everything is over-the-top
If you are a potential employee or a composition student and you tend to use a lot of hyperbole, unverified claims, or (God forbid) exclamation points, be ready to never be heard from again. Bosses don't like it and neither do writing teachers. Any talents you may have are being overshadowed by your use of phony rhetoric. Be honest, be clear, and be efficient. Your grades and future income depend on it.
Take a look at the article for more tips. And remember that writing for the workplace is one of the most important skills anyone can develop. I would say, Good luck! in your job search, but if you're a good writer, you won't need it.
--You don't follow instructions
The author automatically puts any resume he receives in the trash that doesn't follow the basic submission requirements. In other words, if the post asks you to send a cover letter, a resume, and transcripts, but you only submit a resume, you're headed for the circular file. The same goes in writing classes. Before a teacher ever checks your thesis, your grammar, or your paragraph structure, he will check to see if you've followed the basic instructions of the assignment. If you can't do the basics, how can anyone expect you to tackle the details?
--Typos
If you send in a job application that has typos or other grammar errors on it, you will not be hired. The author says, "You have tons of time to work on your application materials; polish them; get them perfect. If someone can't perfect an application packet, then they'll never come close to putting out technically flawless work product on a daily basis. The application goes in the trash." Same goes in class. You always have plenty of time to perfect your essays, so get them spotless. If you can't pay attention to the details, you won't get the job you want, and you won't get the grade you want.
--You use meaningless jargon
The author describes applicants that litter their resumes with vague words that only sound impressive to the employee--no one else cares. He hates words like, "Multi-talented, self-starter, team-player, organized, dynamic, highly-intuitive, emotive, visionary. I'm not even joking. Somebody applied for a paralegal job and listed 'Visionary' as one of their attributes. Doing this - listing out a bunch of random attributes - is a complete waste of time and a sure fire way to get your application thrown in the trash." I see the same thing in student writing. Using words you think are fancy are probably just fluff. Use concrete language and clear ideas so we all know the intentions of your words.
--Everything is over-the-top
If you are a potential employee or a composition student and you tend to use a lot of hyperbole, unverified claims, or (God forbid) exclamation points, be ready to never be heard from again. Bosses don't like it and neither do writing teachers. Any talents you may have are being overshadowed by your use of phony rhetoric. Be honest, be clear, and be efficient. Your grades and future income depend on it.
Take a look at the article for more tips. And remember that writing for the workplace is one of the most important skills anyone can develop. I would say, Good luck! in your job search, but if you're a good writer, you won't need it.