Practical models for technical communication - Shannon Kelley 2021

Conclusion
Job materials

The fact that so many people find applying for a job stressful can work to your advantage. If you are mindful of the recommendations in this chapter and thoughtfully create your job documents, you can set yourself apart from the competition. Producing clear and engaging job materials is not as difficult as many people think. Doing so requires clarity and an awareness of your audience, as with all technical communication.

Your job materials are strategic marketing tools. You may feel uncomfortable with that idea, but consider how many other people may be applying for the same position. You must strategically promote yourself and your skills in order to stand out.

Remember that most colleges and community centers offer job material workshops. Take advantage of these resources. Your qualifications will not speak for themselves. Your document must do the talking and build the claim that you are the right person for the job.

And what if you’re not yet the right person for the job? Take this experience as your clue to start looking for opportunities, courses, mentors, and internships to build the skills employers seek.

Notes

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Americans at Age 33: Labor Market Activity, Education and Partner Status Summary,” Released May 5, 2020, https://www.bls.gov/news.release/nlsyth.nr0.htm.

2. Amy Adkins, “Millennials: The Job-Hopping Generation,” Gallup online, accessed August 27, 2020, https://www.gallup.com/workplace/231587/millennials-job-hopping-generation.aspx.

3. Robin Madell, “What’s More Stressful than a Root Canal? Finding a Job,” U.S. News and World Report, December 12, 2016, accessed September 8, 2020, https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/2016-12-12/whats-more-stressful-than-a-root-canal-finding-a-job.

4. “Getting Your Resume Read,” Deloitte online, accessed August 27, 2020, https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-recruiting-tips-getting-your-resume-read.html.