ACADEMIC ENGLISH III
Class 17
May 8, 2013
Today
A departure from ‘Academic’ writing
- Samsung Electronics, Sales Manager
2003 – 2007
- Fluent in Japanese (spoken and written)
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
- Kia Motors Company, Sales Assistant
2000 – 2001
- Master’s of Business Administration, Harvard
2001-2003
- Photoshop
- Upper-intermediate English (spoken and written)
- Regional sales representative using my proven skills in e-commerce and
communication to develop and expand a company base.
- Bachelor’s of Commerce, University of Southern California
1995 – 1999
- David Davidson
1234 Dave St. Burbank California 95401 daved@gmail.com 707-555-6390
Today
Business Writing
- Differences between academic and business writing
- Introduction to job applications
Résumés
Letter of application (next class)
Some kinds of writing
Text-messaging a friend
Informal/casual
Writing a note to a friend
Writing an e-mail to a professor formal
Writing in a journal Informal or slightly formal
Writing an essay for class
Formal - academic
Writing a research paper
Inviting a guest speaker to your class
Introducing a new product to a client
Formal – business
Business writing - Purpose
Business writing may be used to:
- make an inquiry.
- make a complaint.
- introduce or promote a product.
- apologize
- apply for a job
- give an update on a project
Academic Writing vs. Business Writing
Academic Writing:
- No personal pronouns (I, my, we, you, etc.)
- No contractions (can’t, don’t, wouldn’t)
- ‘Academic’ vocabulary
give – provide, but – however, just – simply
- Objective, ‘academic’ tone (neutral)
Source: www.joeydevilla.com
- Written for a general audience (‘the reader’)
Academic Writing vs. Business Writing
Business Writing:
Terry, from the accounting
department
- Personal pronouns are often necessary
i.e., “I am writing to inform you about next
week’s meeting…”
- Contractions are permitted at times
- More direct, action-oriented vocabulary
- Usually uses a positive tone
- Written for a specific person or group
Source: thegotya.blogspot.com
Business writing
One important aspect of business writing:
-It usually represents a direct communication between one
person and another.
- For example, a business letter is usually addressed
specifically to someone (not writing for a “general reader”).
i.e.,
Dear Mrs. Kim,
I am writing to request some information about
your company’s latest product…
Business writing
Because it is a direct communication,
The writer (you) can take the recipient’s needs into account.
When writing a business letter, ask yourself:
“How would I feel if I received this letter?”
Business writing
“How would I feel if I received this letter?”
- This helps highlight an important feature of “”Business
Language”.
 Try to be as positive as possible
(even in relatively negative situations).
- Being overly negative does not help any business.
Compare these two examples.
Dear Mr. Kim,
You didn’t get into our school. Your grades were too low, and
your interview was bad.
We here at Keimyung Adams College insist on only accepting
high-quality applicants into our school. However, you are not a
high-quality applicant
It would be better if you applied to another university. Good luck
with your applications.
Sincerely,
Dr. KAC
President, Keimyung Adams College
Vs.
Dear Mr. Kim,
Thank you for having expressed an interest in the Keimyung
Adams College). The Admissions Committee has given careful
consideration to your application.
The Committee regrets to inform you that we are unable to offer
you a place in our first year class. You have been a competitive
applicant; however,we have had many similarly qualified
students applying for admissions. Therefore, many desirable
candidates have been turned away.
We thank you for your interest in our college and wish you
success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Dr. KAC
President, Keimyung Adams College
Examples - Differences?
In the second letter:
The tone remains optimistic despite the negative message
being delivered.
- “Thank you for having expressed an interest…”
 First, the writer thanks the recipient.
- “The Committee regrets to inform you…”
 This has an apologetic tone, which is more positive
than “You didn’t get in.”
Business Writing
One important form of business writing is applying for a job:
Job applications:
- Résumé.
- Letter of application (cover letter).
Résumé
- A résumé may be the most important document for your
job search.
Résumé – What is it?
A résumé is not:
- Your life story.
- Your emotional autobiography
- A college transcript.
Résumé - – What is it?
- A résumé is a factual and concise summary of your
qualifications.
- A résumé shows prospective employers that you have the
education and experience for the job you are applying for.
Think of it like a persuasive advertisement about yourself.
- It’s your billboard
Résumé - What employers like to see
1. Honesty
- Be truthful about your qualifications:
- education
- experience
- skills
i.e., if you were the manager’s assistant, don’t say you
were the assistant manager.
Résumé - What employers like to see
2. Attractiveness
- The document should be “pleasing to the eye.”
- Appropriate spacing
- font
- use of boldface
This tells the employer that you are visually smart.
Résumé - What employers like to see
3. Organization
- Careful organization of information is:
- easy to follow
- logical
- consistent
This shows your ability to process information.
Résumé - What employers like to see
4. Concise
- Keep to your purpose (get the job).
- Generally, your résumé should be 1 page (2 at the most).
- Résumés are written in SHORT sentences
- They do not use the word “I”
- Use “action-packed” verbs.
Action-oriented language - Examples
Duties at my last job:
I made the company website
 Designed the company website.
I helped with lab reports
 Assisted lab report composition.
I changed programs to suit each customer
 Customized programs for customers.
Résumé - What employers like to see
5. Accuracy
- Make sure:
- grammar
- spelling
- dates
- names
-titles
-programs
Are ERROR-FREE
Source: thechive.com
Inconsistencies and errors say: “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Résumé - What employers like to see
6. Currency (current)
- Make sure that ALL information is up-to-date.
Résumé - What employers like to see
7. Relevant
- Make sure the information is appropriate for the job.
Employers are looking for necessary education and
experience.
Résumé - What employers like to see
Which of these do you have?
Writing your résumé
Consider these questions:
1. What classes did you excel in?
2. What papers, reports, or presentations earned you your highest
grades?
3. What computer skills have you mastered?
Writing your résumé
Consider these questions:
4. What technical skills (other than computer skills) have you acquired?
5. What jobs have you had?
6. Have you ever been promoted or chosen for special duty or tasks?
Writing your résumé
Consider these questions:
7. Do you work well with people?
8. Can you organize complicated tasks or identify and solve problems
quickly?
9. Have you had experiences/responsibilities managing money?
10. Have you won any awards or scholarships or received a raise,
bonus, commendation, and/or promotion at work?
Parts of a résumé
Do not include:
- Salary demands or expectations.
- Work schedule preferences, days off, overtime
- Travel restrictions
- Your citizen’s number
- Height, weight, hair color
- Religion, political affiliations
- Hobbies, interests (unless they are relevant)
Parts of a résumé
Contact information
At the top of the résumé:
- Your name (avoid nicknames)
- Address
- telephone number
- e-mail address.
Parts of a résumé
Contact information
Gwen Gao
42 Lanark Street, Clayton, VIC 3168
Ph: 010-6388-5030
gwen.gao@email.com.au
Note: avoid unprofessional e-mail addresses
Cool_guy31@gmail.com
princess13@naver.com
Parts of a résumé
Career objective
Create an objective that directly related to the position you
have applied for.
Consider:
1. What kind of job am I Iooking for?
2. What kind of job am I qualified for?
3. What abilities do I have that match the position?
Parts of a résumé
Career objective
Avoid:
“I want to join a company.”
“Looking for high-paying job that brings personal satisfaction.”
Parts of a résumé
Career objective
Be focused:
Internship in marketing to apply the training earned through
my education.
Regional sales representative using my proven skills in ecommerce and communication to develop and expand a
company base.
Parts of a résumé
Credentials (Education & Experience)
- The order can vary.
- If you are a recent (or soon-to-be) graduate with little
experience, list education first.
- Only include relevant items!
Balancing Education and Experience
Any part-time work (paid, or not), vacation job,
volunteer experience, or internship show an
employer that you are responsible and
knowledgeable.
i.e,. If you worked at GS 25, it shows that you can
work with money and provide customer service
and take responsibility for your own duties without
supervision.
Parts of a résumé
Credentials - Education
- Begin with most recent education first, then list everything
significant since high school.
Include:
Name(s) of school(s)
Dates attended
Degree/Diploma/Certificate earned.
- This includes relevant training courses or military training.
Parts of a résumé
Credentials - Education
IMPORANT: A résumé is NOT a transcript, though. Do not
simply list all the courses you took.
- Instead, concentrate on describing the skills you learned.
Parts of a résumé
Credentials - Experience
- A key category for many employers
- Show that you have held a job before and that you are
responsible.
Parts of a résumé
Credentials - Experience
- Begin with most recent position (reverse chronological
order).
Include:
- Company name
- Location (city, province, country [if necessary])
- Your job title
- Dates of employment
Parts of a résumé
Credentials - Experience
- For each job, provide a short description (one or two
lines) of your duties and achievements.
March 2010 – June 2012
Promotions Assistant, Promostaff
- Managed product research studies in supermarkets
- Collated results and highlighted critical feedback items.
- Promoted to team leader due to excellent feedback
from clients.
Parts of a résumé
Credentials - Experience
- You may include any relevant volunteer work you have
done.
Parts of a résumé
Related skills and achievements
- Indicate any additional languages you speak or write,
extensive travel, certificates or licenses, and
memberships to professional organizations or community
groups.
Parts of a résumé
Computer skills
- Knowledge of computer hardware, software, word
processing programs, etc. is extremely valuable in the job
market.
Parts of a résumé
Honors/awards
- Include only if they are relevant.
i.e.,
Community service awards
Academic awards
Parts of a résumé
References
- Usually, you state:
References available upon request.
Parts of a résumé
NAME
Contact information
Career objective
Credentials (Education and Experience)
Related skills and Achievements
Computer skills
Honors/awards
References
Homework - 1
Journal: Imagine yourself as a university junior (3rd year)
Write about yourself: Since high school – ‘now’, what skills have you acquired?
Use these questions to help you think about this:
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Planning a résumé: consider the following
1. What classes did you excel in?
2. What papers, reports, or presentations earned you your highest grades?
3. What computer skills have you mastered?
4. What technical skills (other than computer skills) have you acquired?
5. What jobs have you had?
6. Have you ever been promoted or chosen for special duty or tasks?
7. Do you work well with people?
8. Can you organize complicated tasks or identify and solve problems quickly?
9. Have you had experiences/responsibilities managing money?
10. Have you won any awards or scholarships or received a raise, bonus,
commendation, and/or promotion at work?
Deadline: Friday (5:45 p.m.)
Homework - 2
Do the readings on the website (“Files” section).
Homework - 3
Start thinking about internships you might be interested in
by the time you are a junior.
- Do a web search for internships
i.e., “advertising internship positions”
- Ask your professors, administration, or older students
about the internships available at KAC.