Welcome to your first discussion. This week you will be focusing on the importance of writing and how it can make you more marketable to potential employers.
Why is Writing Important? How do you think it can it help you to have more to offer a potential employer?
To prepare read the article: http://www.binghamton.edu/ccpd/parents/help-your-student/skills-employers-want.html
POST (150 words or more):
First, write a paragraph summarizing key points from the article as they relate to writing and technical communication. Make sure to provide at least one in-text citation from the article and respond to it critically. Be precise. Use examples from the reading and from relevant experience to support your points.
Next, write a short reflection. Why do you think proficiency in writing and communication skills are lacking? How can classes like this one help you to achieve your goals and help you gain the soft skills needed to offer employers? Why is it even relevant? What do you hope to learn this quarter (hint: see the syllabus/course major instructional areas).
At least 2 REPLIES (100 words or more each):
Respond to at least two peers during the week.
Additional Resources Related to Week 1:
Netiquette: http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/frankm/573/netiquette.html
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Email Etiquette: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/636/1/
Reader Centered Strategies for Memos and Email:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/624/ and/or
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/624/1/
Resume Help:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAthQKLhBTs and/or
www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/gsas/resumehandout2011.pdf
http://www.law.harvard.edu/current/careers/opia/toolkit/resumes/sample-resumes.html
Quick tips from the Harvard video/resources above: use action verbs (see the list of action verbs for help), include "accomplishment statements", quantify your statements by showing how you "made a difference" or added value (what specifically did you "increase, decrease, modify, change"), why do you fit the position ("why you for that position?"), and make sure your document is easy to digest so you will be able to make a quick impression in just about 5 seconds.
Also, use key words and make sure your skills match the job description for which you are applying.
Other experts often say to "tier" out your skills (again, these should align or match the job descriptions for which you are applying and a potential employer should be able to find them quickly in just a few seconds).
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook:
Nursing: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm or
IT: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
