978-0073403267 Chapter 27 Answers to Textbook Assignments

Type

Quiz

Book Title

Business Communication: Building Critical Skills 6th Edition

ISBN 13

978-0073403267

April 6, 2019

Module 27 - Résumés

Part 2: Answers to Textbook Assignments

Questions for Comprehension

27.1 How do you decide whether to use a chronological or skills résumé? (LO 27-3)

Use a chronological résumé when your education and experience

Are a logical preparation for the position for which you’re applying.

Show a steady progression leading to the present.

27.2 In a chronological résumé, in what order do you list your experience? (LO 27-4)

27.3 Why should you think about dividing a section that has more than seven items? (LO

27-5)

manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.

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Module 27 - Résumés

27.4 Is it ethical to omit information that might hurt you, such as a low grade point

average? (LO 27-1)

27.5 Should someone who is having trouble creating a good résumé pay a resume service to

create a document for him or her? (LO 27-1, LO 27-2)

While paying to have someone typeset the résumé may not be a problem, applicants should

provide the content and specify the layout. In addition, many résumé services use the equivalent

27.6 Suppose that you know that people with your qualifications are in great demand. Is

there any reason for you to take the time to write a strong résumé?

(LO 27-1, LO 27-2)

While it’s true that applicants whose skills are in great demand probably will have an easier time

in the job market, they should still present themselves as well as possible. Competition for good

jobs can be fierce, and practicing proper writing skills can prepare applicants for a future when

27.7 What are the arguments for and against listing references in your résumé? (LO 27-5)

Including references anticipates the employer’s needs and removes a potential barrier to your

getting the job. To make your résumé fit on one page, you can omit this category. However,

include references if you’re having trouble filling the page. Don’t say “References Available on

manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.

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Module 27 - Résumés

27.8 Analyzing Your Accomplishments (LO 27-1)

Some students initially have trouble coming up with 10 accomplishments because they think

exclusively of the sorts of accomplishments that get recorded in yearbooks: being valedictorian

This assignment helps students identify the skills, knowledge, and personal trait that they most

enjoy using; they can then look for jobs that use these or similar skills, knowledge, and traits.

For example, 7 of the 10 accomplishments that Kitty lists in her introductory memo to business

communication students—Appendix 1-A through Appendix 1-C—involve writing or speaking:

27.9 Remembering What You’ve Done (LO 27-1)

Students can use this problem to develop details for their résumés and letters of application. You

may want to suggest that they complete the assignment even if you do not collect or grade it. An

advantage of looking at students’ answers is that you can give students feedback. Occasionally

27.10 Evaluating Career Objective Statements (LO 27-1 to LO 27-3)

1. Problem: Tells reader that student plans to stay with the employer only long enough to gain

experience.

Solution: Omit.

manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.

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Module 27 - Résumés

3. Problem: Vague—could apply to teaching, counseling, preaching, or child care.

Solution: Training and Development Officer to help employees improve the interpersonal

and technical skills that their jobs demand.

5. Problem: Vague.

27.11 Writing a Paper Résumé (LO 27-1 to LO 27-3)

You can use this assignment independently or as part of a job package—job listing, letter of

application, and résumé.

Many students are surprised to find out how long it takes to create an effective résumé, even

though it is a factual document and even though they are writing about themselves. Try to spend

Most colleges offer students model résumés; many copy shops also have examples. Kitty and

Steve think most of these examples are ineffective, even if students love them. Check with your

Students can find additional sample résumés at the BCS Website: w ww.mhhe.com/bcs6e. You

27.12 Writing a Scannable Résumé (LO 27-7)

You can use this assignment independently or as part of a job package—job listing, letter of

application, and résumé.

While scannable résumés should be detailed, they should also contain key words that an

electronic scanner will detect. These words can often be found in want ads; alternately, students

manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.

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Module 27 - Résumés

Polishing Your Prose: Proofreading (Odd-numbered answers are in the back of the

textbook.)

In some cases, multiple answers are possible (e.g., abbreviations versus using the complete

terms; appropriate format changes).

Résumé for Kathy Jones

332 W. Long St

Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 555-8188

Experience

2000 to Present Day: Assistant manager for high-end sports equipment distributor. Responsible

for identifying potential new customers.

1997: Received a plaque for “Most Promising Executive of the Year” from Columbus Monthly

magazine.

1996: Delivered address to local high school seniors on why accuracy is important for business.

Special Skills

Type 70 or more words per minute.

manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.

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