Academic english iii

1. Academic english iii Class 17 May 8, 2013

2. Today A departure from ‘Academic’ writing

3. 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 Davidson1234 Dave St. Burbank California 95401 daved@gmail.com 707-555-6390

4. Today Business Writing - Differences between academic and business writing - Introduction to job applications Résumés Letter of application (next class)

5. Some kinds of writing Text-messaging a friend Writing a note to a friend Writing an e-mail to a professor Writing in a journal Writing an essay for class Writing a research paper Inviting a guest speaker to your class Introducing a new product to a client Informal/casual formal Informal or slightly formal Formal - academic Formal – business

6. 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

7. 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) - Written for a general audience (‘the reader’) Source: www.joeydevilla.com

8. Academic Writing vs. Business Writing Terry, from the accounting department Business Writing: - 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

9. 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…

10. 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?”

11. 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.

12. Compare these two examples.

13. 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

14. Vs.

15. 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,wehave 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

16. 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.”

17. Business Writing One important form of business writing is applying for a job: Job applications: - Résumé. - Letter of application (cover letter).

18. Résumé - A résumé may be the most important document for your job search.

19. Résumé – What is it? A résumé is not: - Your life story. - Your emotional autobiography - A college transcript.

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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.

24. X

25. 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.

26. 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.

28. 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.

29. Résumé - What employers like to see 5. Accuracy • Make sure: - grammar - spelling - dates - names -titles -programs Are ERROR-FREE Inconsistencies and errors say: “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Source: thechive.com

30. Résumé - What employers like to see 6. Currency (current) • Make sure that ALL information is up-to-date.

31. 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.

32. Résumé - What employers like to see Which of these do you have?

33. 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?

34. 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?

35. 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?

36. 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)

39. Parts of a résumé Contact information At the top of the résumé: - Your name (avoid nicknames) - Address - telephone number - e-mail address.

40. Parts of a résumé Contact information Gwen Gao42 Lanark Street, Clayton, VIC 3168Ph: 010-6388-5030gwen.gao@email.com.au Note: avoid unprofessional e-mail addresses Cool_guy31@gmail.comprincess13@naver.com

41. Parts of a résumé Career objective Create an objective that directly related to the position you have applied for. Consider: • What kind of job am I Iooking for? • What kind of job am I qualified for? • What abilities do I have that match the position?

42. Parts of a résumé Career objective Avoid: “I want to join a company.” “Looking for high-paying job that brings personal satisfaction.”

43. 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 e-commerce and communication to develop and expand a company base.

44. 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!

45. Balancing Education and Experience Any part-time work (paid, or not), vacation job, volunteer experience, or internshipshow 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.

46. 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.

47. 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.

50. 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.