To protect consumers, some states have passed “Plain English” laws that require
businesses to write policies, warranties, and contracts in language an average reader can
understand.
Answer:
In the block letter format, all lines (including beginnings of paragraphs) begin at the left
margin.
Answer:
Unprofessional Thank-you Message for an Interview
After a job interview, a written message of appreciation shows professional courtesy
and helps the interviewer remember you. Even if you don’t want the job, interviewers
may forward your resume to others who may be seeking applicants.
Stephanie has interviewed with a company that has communicated with her exclusively
by email. She sends the following thank-you message via email as a follow up to her
interview.
To: Trjenkins@Tristate.com
From: sillygirl@hotmail.com
Subject: thanks :-)
Chuck,
I just wanted to send a quick thanx for the interview yesterday. I think we had a good
chat and that you now know a little about me. It was great to meet all the neat people at
your place and I think I would fit in real well with everyone. I have a lot to offer and
I’m a hard worker. I’d like to hear from you ASAP as to whether or not I got the job. If I
haven’t heard from you by next week, I’ll check in with you. I’d like to wrap things up
with you guys or move along to some other job possibilities. I’m sure you understand
that.
Steph
Required: Rewrite this unprofessional thank-you message for a job interview.
Answer:
How can proofreading be seen as an ethical responsibility of a communicator?
Answer:
Explain how a counterproposal may be used to preserve a positive relationship when
denying a request or when delivering bad news.
Answer:
Discuss the implications behind the statement that “the customer is always right” in
light of the fact that a company must at times deny a customer’s request.
Answer:
While all actions that are ethical are legal, some actions that are legal may not be
ethical.
Answer:
Email is a channel of choice for business messages that must be sent to several
recipients in a timely manner.
Answer:
Zappos focuses on customer service throughout the company as the means to building
customer loyalty.
Answer:
An RFP describes a problem that needs to be solved and invites respondents to describe
their proposed solutions.
Answer:
Corrective Email to Staff
Analyze the following email message for content, formatting, and email practices.
Revise the message.
TO: Staff
SUBJECT: Changes
It has come to my attention that some of you apparently do not have enough work to
keep you busy. In the past six months since I assumed the position as your boss, I have
observed many of you playing computer games, making personal phone calls, and
spending far too much time in personal conversations with each other. We have far too
much work in this department for all of you to waste time like this.
Effective immediately, the following changes will be enforced: 1)No personal use of the
computer will be tolerated. 2)No personal phone calls unless emergency.
3)Conversations must be limited to break time and lunchtime, in the lunchroom only.
I expect your cooperation. Thank you.
Just a final reminder that we will have a staff meeting tomorrow at 3 p.m.
Answer:
In a structured interview, the interview format evolves as interaction between the
interviewer and the candidate takes place.
Answer:
Explain how apostrophes are used to form possessives.
Answer:
To minimize disappointment and maintain a positive relationship, the inductive strategy
is the best way to organize messages that refuse requests.
Answer:
Concise Language Adds Punch to a Resume
Interviewers quickly scan a resume in about 40 seconds to learn about a job candidate’s
skills, accomplishments, and attributes. Because interviewers spend such a short time
reading resumes, the writing must be direct and simple. Victor, a recent college
graduate, is applying for a job and has written the following sentences in his résumé to
describe his accomplishments.
I was a receptionist at a doctor’s family medical practice.
My work included taking appointments, filing charts, answering phones, and running
errands.
I was a sales person at a hardware store where I worked with selling windows, doors,
tools and other customer service.
I eventually became a manager at the hardware store, ordering products and supplies, as
well as supervised five employees.
I spent two summers working at the university’s admission office, showing prospective
students the campus and answering phones and other clerical duties.
I was a summer camp counselor with kids that have special needs. My responsibilities
included handling special activities and providing daily assistance to kids as needed.
Required:
Rewrite Victor’s work experience section of his résumé so that it is more effective.
Answer:
Interpretation and analysis of a graphic should appear before the graphic is shown.
Answer:
Ken is preparing a persuasive message to business owners in his community. Before he
writes his message he should try to understand what characteristics these owners have
in common, such as the goals and educational status.
Answer:
The need for preliminary and addenda items is influenced by the length of the report
and its formality.
Answer: