Rentz/Lentz, M: Business Communication, 3/e
Chapter 11
Communicating in the Job Search
Critical Thinking Questions
1. “Building a network of contacts to find jobs seems selfish. It involves acquiring friendships just
to use them for one’s personal benefit.” Discuss this view. LO1
2. Do employers who offer unpaid internships take unfair advantage of students’ knowledge and
skills? Under what circumstances might it be a good idea to take an unpaid internship? When
might it not be a good idea? LO1
3. Maryann Brennan followed a broad program of study in college and received a degree in general
management.
She did her best work in English, especially in the writing courses. She also did well in history,
managerial leadership, organizational behavior, and psychology. As much as she could, she
avoided math and computer courses.
Her overall grade point average of 3.7 (4.0 basis) placed her in the top 10 percent of her class.
What ad- vice would you give her as she begins her search for a career job? LO1, 2, 3
4. Discuss the value of each of the sources for finding jobs (a) before an internship, (b) right after
graduation, and (c) after 20 years of work in a specialty. LO1,2, 3
5. Assume that, in an interview for the job you want, you are asked the questions listed in the text
under the heading “Anticipating Questions and Preparing Answers.” on page 342 of the text.
Answer these questions. LO6
6. The most popular arrangement of résumé information is the three-part grouping: education,
experience, and personal details. Describe two other arrangements. When would each be used?
LO4
7. Distinguish between the print résumé and the electronic résumé. When would each be most
appropriate? LO4
8. What is meant by parallelism of headings? LO4
9. Describe the cover message and résumé you would write (a) immediately after graduation, (b) 10
years later, and (c) 25 years later. Point out similarities and differences, and defend your
decisions. LO2, 4, 5
10. What differences would you suggest in writing cover messages for jobs in (a) accounting, (b)
banking, (c) advertising copy writing, (d) management, (e) sales, (f) consulting, and (g)
information systems? LO5
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Rentz/Lentz, M: Business Communication, 3/e
11. Discuss the appropriateness of beginning a cover message with these words: “This is to apply for
. . .” and “I would like to. . . . ” LO5
12. “In writing cover messages, just present the facts clearly and without analysis and interpretation.
The facts alone will tell the employer whether he or she wants you.” Discuss this viewpoint. LO5
13. When should the drive for action in a cover message (a) request the job, (b) request an interview,
and (c) re- quest a reference check? LO5
14. Discuss some of the advantages that writing a thank- you note to the interviewer gives the writer.
LO7
15. Identify some of the benefits one gains from continuing to read professional journals for job
information after one is employed. LO8
Skills Building Exercises
1. Criticize the following excerpts from résumés. (They are not from the same résumé.) LO4
a. Work Experience
2011–2014 Employed as sales rep for Lloyd-Shanks
Tool Company
2012–2013 Office manager, Drago Plumbing Supply, Toronto
2013–2014 Matson’s Super Stores. I worked part time as sales clerk while attending
college.
b. References
Mr. Carl T. Whitesides
Sunrise Insurance, Inc.
317 Forrest Lane
Dover, DE 19901-6452
Patricia Cullen
Cullen and Cullen Realtors
2001 Bowman Dr.
Wilmington, DE 19804
Rev. Troy A. Graham
Asbury Methodist Church
Hyattsville, MD 20783
D. W. Boozer
Boozer Industries
Baltimore, MD 21202
c. Qualifications
• Know how to motivate a sales force. I have done it.
• Experienced in screening applicants and selecting salespeople.
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• Know the pharmaceutical business from 11 years of experience.
• Knowledgeable about realistic quota setting and incentives.
• Proven leadership ability.
d. Education
2012 Graduated from Tippen H.S. (I was in top 10 percent of class.)
2012 BS from Bradley University with major in marketing
2012 to present Enrolled part time in MBA program at present the University of
Phoenix
2. Criticize these sentences from cover messages: LO5
Beginning Sentences
a. Please consider this my application for any position for which my training and experience
qualify me.
b. Mr. Jerry Bono of your staff has told me about a vacancy in your loan department for
which I would like to apply.
c. I am that accountant you described in your advertisement in today’s Times-Record.
d. I want to work for you!
Sentences Presenting Selling Points
a. From 2010–2014 I attended Bradley University where I took courses leading to a BS
degree with a major in finance.
b. I am highly skilled in trading corporate bonds as a result of three years spent in the New
York office of Collins, Bragg, and Weaver.
c. For three years (2011–2014) I was in the loan department at Bank One.
d. My two strongest qualifications for this job are my personality and gift of conversation.
Sentences from Action Endings
a. I will call you on the 12th to arrange an interview.
b. If my qualifications meet your requirements, it would be greatly appreciated if you would
schedule an interview for me.
c. Please call to set up an interview. Do it now—while it is on your mind.
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