Because these writing types are SUPER USEFUL when it comes to thinking about your application packet, including cover letter, resume, and additional work samples.
Too many people treat the resume as an informative piece of writing.
And I understand why—the application provides a narrative about professional experience. It’s supposed to be truthful of course, and it should provide information to a potential employer.
Sounds like informational writing to me. BUT your goal in submitting an application packet isn’t just to inform.
You are trying to persuade the hiring manager to give you a chance, an interview, a job!
What does that mean for your application packet?
TARGET, TARGET, TARGET.
If you haven’t taken our resume class (and you should), Amy Rossi will tell you that you have to target your resume (and entire application) to the job posting and company’s needs.
PITCH YOURSELF IN YOUR COVER LETTER.
Admittedly, some hiring managers don’t request cover letters, and others don’t read them. Still, if the job posting says to include a cover letter, then the cover letter is a GREAT place to highlight your strengths for the company and the position. The general form letter is informational, but the targeted cover letter works to persuade the hiring manager to see you as a viable candidate.
CHOOSE SAMPLES STRATEGICALLY.
If you have to include work samples, make sure that they give a hint at what you can provide to the company. (You can even explain them in your cover letter so that the hiring manager understands their demonstrated value.)
SUBMIT WITH PURPOSE.
Really, the bottom line is, whatever you are including in the application, do so with the purpose of persuading the company to hire you.
Don’t just give them the information and expect them to connect the dots.
Persuade them to offer you a chance, an interview, a job!
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If you are interested please send your resume to Bianca Nafpliotis, Career Corps Volunteer Program Coordinator at [email protected].
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The Resume is Persuasive, Not Informative
By: Jamie Boyle