Blog Response Week #11

ENG 301

3/30/15

Word Count: 844

Introduction:

From what I have been able to view on my own in the course content, I have attempted to prepare myself for the upcoming Employment Project. I have learned that I will have to compose multiple technical documents that will ultimately assist me in applying for potential employment opportunities. The aforementioned documents will assess my current skills set and how I plan on applying them in a work environment; these include a resume, an application letter (or a letter of intent), a skills inventory, and a job advertisement analysis. 

Description:

Having already created several resumes as well as application letters to multiple employment opportunities, I feel- for the most part- fairly confident beginning this project. I have acquired certain technical literacies throughout the course of this class and these skills will allow me to improve the documents that I have already composed in the past. The most challenging part for me, I think, will be planning the job search and deciding on what type of position I want to apply for. I have had a lot of experience in the customer service industry, both food and retail, which I know I could apply to other jobs in the future. However, I am very interested in the arts (as it is a part of my studies here at ASU, along with my business minor) and have been hired for commission on several occasions to complete projects for both companies and individuals. I would love to be able to find a job opportunity where I can utilize my artistry, my business knowledge, and my recently developed technical communication skills. 

There are many ways in which to begin a job search; I could go through a university placement office, a published job advertisement, I could look through websites of certain organizations, use personal connections, and much more. Once I come across an organization that peaks my interest, it is essential that I learn as much as possible about it using appropriate techniques of primary and secondary research (Markel, 400). Once I have decided where I would like to apply, I will need to reevaluate the resumes that I have already developed in the past, making sure that these documents have generous margins, clear type, adequate spacing, and that the organization of the information is specific and balanced. Elements of the chronological Resume include: identifying information, summary of qualification, education, employment history, interests and activities, and references- professors or previous employers who are will to speak or write on your behalf and with whom you have worked closely with (Markel, 415).

An application letter, or a letter of intent, needs to be planned carefully and composed specifically for the organization that one might to apply to. In the introductory paragraph, I will identify the position I am interested in and I wish to be considered for said position. Next, an education paragraph will be included and it will discuss the aspects of my education that most directly fits the job requirements; the following employment paragraph will develop an idea that my work background has given me special skills that will make me well suited for the available position. “The purpose of the concluding paragraph is to motivate the reader to invite you for an interview” (Markel, 428).  In order to ensure success, I must make sure to reference my resume, politely request for an interview with confidence, and include my phone number and email for contacting purposes.

In past employment experiences, I have developed many professional literacies, even though I may not have been aware of it at the time. Recently, I was commissioned by Copper Blues: Rock Pub & Kitchen to compose elaborate chalk drawings throughout the interior of their newest location in Tempe. In order to keep track of what I charged, I created an invoice which allowed me to report the work I did, the amount of time it took me and the correlating prices. In my current job as a retailer, I am constantly using both verbal (in-person meetings with peers and employers) and written communication (writing and receiving formal emails to supervisors about upcoming events or time requested off). I communicate and collaborate effectively with teammates by using the appropriate level of formality, and by communicating honestly and correctly (Markel, 373). 

Conclusion:

A study of over 400 U.S. companies found that some “very important” skills for new college graduates to have coming into the workplace included oral communication, teamwork and collaboration, professionalism and work ethic, and written communication (Markel 3). I believe that through my past work experiences, I have developed all of these over time, however, I believe I could benefit from participating in more written communication since my current occupation is driven mostly by verbal communication. I exude a strong work ethic, I work well with others, I can compose successful technical documents, and I am currently working on improving speaking professionally and confidently in a formal setting. I hope that these skills I have acquired will assist me in finding a good employment opportunity.