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Questions and Answers
What should a resume primarily highlight?
What should a resume primarily highlight?
Which of the following is the best practice for formatting a resume?
Which of the following is the best practice for formatting a resume?
What should be included in accomplishment statements on a resume?
What should be included in accomplishment statements on a resume?
Which statement about references in a resume is true?
Which statement about references in a resume is true?
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When is it appropriate to use a skills-based resume?
When is it appropriate to use a skills-based resume?
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What is a key characteristic of an exemplary opening paragraph in a cover letter?
What is a key characteristic of an exemplary opening paragraph in a cover letter?
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Which element would make an opening paragraph rated as satisfactory?
Which element would make an opening paragraph rated as satisfactory?
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What would classify an opening paragraph as unsatisfactory?
What would classify an opening paragraph as unsatisfactory?
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Which of the following would negatively impact the quality of an opening paragraph?
Which of the following would negatively impact the quality of an opening paragraph?
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What does the rubric suggest is essential in constructing a compelling opening paragraph?
What does the rubric suggest is essential in constructing a compelling opening paragraph?
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What is the primary purpose of an effective business letter?
What is the primary purpose of an effective business letter?
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When should the date be placed in a business letter?
When should the date be placed in a business letter?
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What is one key component that should always be included in a business letter?
What is one key component that should always be included in a business letter?
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Is it advisable to send an important letter immediately after writing it?
Is it advisable to send an important letter immediately after writing it?
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Which of the following is typically NOT a standard formatting component of a business letter?
Which of the following is typically NOT a standard formatting component of a business letter?
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What should a writer do if unsure whom to address in a business letter?
What should a writer do if unsure whom to address in a business letter?
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Why is it important to keep a business letter simple and easy to read?
Why is it important to keep a business letter simple and easy to read?
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Which part of a business letter should come directly after the date?
Which part of a business letter should come directly after the date?
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What is the primary purpose of a middle paragraph in a resume?
What is the primary purpose of a middle paragraph in a resume?
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Which characteristic best describes a well-written middle paragraph?
Which characteristic best describes a well-written middle paragraph?
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What should the closing paragraph of a resume ideally accomplish?
What should the closing paragraph of a resume ideally accomplish?
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What is a common mistake made in the closing paragraph of a resume?
What is a common mistake made in the closing paragraph of a resume?
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What does a poorly written middle paragraph fail to do?
What does a poorly written middle paragraph fail to do?
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Which of the following statements about a closing paragraph is true?
Which of the following statements about a closing paragraph is true?
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Which phrase best captures the essence of what a middle paragraph should emphasize?
Which phrase best captures the essence of what a middle paragraph should emphasize?
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What outcome does an effective middle paragraph lead to?
What outcome does an effective middle paragraph lead to?
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What is the primary issue with the organization of the letter?
What is the primary issue with the organization of the letter?
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How fluent are the sentences in the letter?
How fluent are the sentences in the letter?
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What does the letter fail to include in its writing?
What does the letter fail to include in its writing?
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What type of errors are noted in the writing skills of the letter?
What type of errors are noted in the writing skills of the letter?
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How are the sentences described in terms of control?
How are the sentences described in terms of control?
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What is the effect of the missing component in the letter?
What is the effect of the missing component in the letter?
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What issue does the letter face with its sentence mechanics?
What issue does the letter face with its sentence mechanics?
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Which of the following describes the overall appeal of the letter's writing?
Which of the following describes the overall appeal of the letter's writing?
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What size font should be used in the résumé according to formatting requirements?
What size font should be used in the résumé according to formatting requirements?
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Which of the following formatting requirements must be met?
Which of the following formatting requirements must be met?
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What is the significance of the 'Heading' section in a résumé?
What is the significance of the 'Heading' section in a résumé?
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How does the 'References' section of a résumé influence its effectiveness?
How does the 'References' section of a résumé influence its effectiveness?
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Which criterion does NOT contribute positively to the 'Appearance' of a résumé?
Which criterion does NOT contribute positively to the 'Appearance' of a résumé?
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What percentage of the evaluation is dedicated to the 'Heading' section?
What percentage of the evaluation is dedicated to the 'Heading' section?
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Which issue would indicate a failing criterion in 'Personal Information' section?
Which issue would indicate a failing criterion in 'Personal Information' section?
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What could signify an 'Attempted' level of achievement in the 'Personal Information' section?
What could signify an 'Attempted' level of achievement in the 'Personal Information' section?
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What implication does a poorly organized résumé have on its appearance?
What implication does a poorly organized résumé have on its appearance?
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What does the absence of a complete reference list indicate?
What does the absence of a complete reference list indicate?
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Which component is least likely to add to the effectiveness of a résumé?
Which component is least likely to add to the effectiveness of a résumé?
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What can a résumé without specific job titles lead to?
What can a résumé without specific job titles lead to?
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Which statement is true regarding the criteria for 'References'?
Which statement is true regarding the criteria for 'References'?
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What should be avoided to maintain a professional appearance in a résumé?
What should be avoided to maintain a professional appearance in a résumé?
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What is the impact of using a creative but difficult-to-read font in a résumé?
What is the impact of using a creative but difficult-to-read font in a résumé?
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Study Notes
Purposive Communication Module 4.2
- Module Topic: Effective Communication and Oral Presentation in the Workplace: Business Writing
- Learning Outcomes: Write professional communications (business letters, office memoranda, and resumes).
- Preparation Question/Diagnostics: Test understanding of business letter writing.
- Business Letter Essentials: Should be simple and easy to read; it's advisable to wait a day between writing and sending an important letter; the date should appear after the salutation; the recipient's address is usually listed before the salutation; elements of a business letter include: header, date, address, body, and signature.
Business Letter Formats and Conventions
- Letter-Writing is essential: Even with technology, letter-writing remains crucial for business communication. Confirmed written communication is often necessary in telephoned or telegraphed conversations.
- Prioritize the person: Focus on the recipient as a person first, and only as a business contact second. Address the letter to a specific person if possible. If unsure of the recipient, try to find out.
- Professional Tone: Business letters need a professional tone. Be respectful and courteous, using language that is clear, concise, and confident.
Additional Business Letter Types
- Sales Letters: Capture reader interest immediately. Present clear calls to action, benefits of taking action, and essential information to support a reader's decision.
- Order Letters: Convey specific details for ordering goods or services (model number, quantity, and expected price).
- Complaint Letters: Be direct but tactful. Maintain a professional tone to encourage a resolution.
- Adjustment Letters: Factual; explain the outcome of a claim or complaint; whether the outcome favors the customer or not, be clear and professional.
- Inquiry Letters: Short and clear questions to elicit specific information to help satisfy the recipient's need.
- Follow-Up Letters: Communicate about an initial interaction (e.g., sales order, meeting, job application); thank you notes, and update letters.
Business Letter Components
- Heading: Return address (optional if using stationery), date. Leave a space between the heading and inside address.
- Inside Address: Recipient's full address is written here, including title and name. If possible, a full name should be used.
- Greeting: Formal salutation ("Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name]").
- Body: Main part of the letter. The body begins on a new line after the greeting.
- Closing: Formal closing (e.g., "Sincerely"). It's on the same margin as the introduction. A short sentence follows the closing line, stating your name.
- Layout: Maintain consistent spacing. Follow standard format of paper sizes.
- Writing: Fluent, professional, and easy to read.
Resume Format and Guidelines
- Chronological Resume: Most acceptable format; the most recent experience appears first.
- Contact Information: Name, address, phone, and email.
- Objective:(optional) College students seeking internships/jobs don't usually need an objective. Focus on interests in a cover letter.
- Education: Reverse chronological order; recent education first.
- Experience: Recent experience first, internships/volunteer work/part-time employment. Highlight accomplishments.
- Leadership/Activities: Leadership positions, community service, sports.
- Academic Projects: If relevant, include details.
- Additional Information: Optional; skills, languages, and personal experience.
- References: Not on resume; provide information separately.
- Resume Formats/Requirements: One-page resumes are standard; professional format and editing.
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Description
This quiz focuses on effective communication and oral presentation in the workplace, specifically addressing business writing. Test your understanding of business letter essentials, including the proper format and key components necessary for professional correspondence.
