Professional writing

• Resume


  A document that contains a brief account of a person's education, skills, work experience, and other qualifications
• Basic guidelines for a standard resume


  • Contact information
  • Objectives
  • Education
  • Work Experience
  • Skills
  • Extra-curricular Activities
  • References
• Contact information


  Complete name, full current address, phone numbers, and email address
• Objectives


  One (1) to two (2) sentences long that describes the type of job you want, the type of organization you prefer and how you can contribute to the position/organization
• Education


  Includes college and high school information only. Includes name of school, degree, term of graduation, academic awards/recognition, or other awards sponsored by the school
• Work Experience


  Includes employer (name of organization), number of year/s employed, job title, and results and accomplishments on the job
• Skills


  Includes the languages you speak and other special skills – e.g., typing, records filing, driving, etc. Computer/technical skills and level
• Extra-curricular Activities


  Includes the name of the organization, duration of participation, position, and results and accomplishments
• References


  Include name/s, positions, organization, and contact number of person/s
• Application Letter


  A document that provides additional information about a job applicant, also known as cover letter
• Parts of an Application Letter

  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion
• Introduction


  Opens the letter and specifies the position that you are applying for
• Tips for writing an attention-grabbing introduction


  • Name the source of your information specifically
  • State the job title and explain how your qualifications match its requirements
• Body


  Emphasizes your strongest points and shows how you meet the employer's needs. Highlights the benefits that the organization will get from accepting you
• Conclusion


  Where you request for an interview. Sound enthusiastic and appreciative. Include your contact information
• Business Letter


  A formal type of written communication used by professionals in their day-to-day transactions
• Parts of a Business Letter

  • Return Address
  • Date Line
  • Inside Address
  • Salutation
  • Body
  • Complimentary Close
  • Signature Line
• Return Address


  The sender's address, usually included in the letterhead. If not using letterhead, include the sender's address at the top of the letter one line above the date
• Date Line


  Indicates the date the letter was written
• Inside Address


  The recipient's address. Write to a specific individual at the firm
• Salutation


  Use the same name as the inside address, including the personal title
• Body


  Contains the message of the sender. Friendly opening, statement of main point, justification with background information and supporting details, restatement of purpose and request for action
• Complimentary Close


  Begins at the same vertical point as the date and one line after the last body paragraph
• Signature Line


  Contains the signature and the full name of the sender. Sender can also put their title before their name
• Office Correspondences


  Written communications between employees and employers, clients and customers, in a more professional manner
• Commonly used office correspondences

  • Letters of recommendation
  • Acknowledgment
  • Inquiry
  • Request
  • Complaint
  • Apology
  • Resignation
• Recommendation Letter


  Focuses on the professional relationship between the applicant and the sender and the positive points that may convince the receiver to consider the ongoing application
• Acknowledgment Letter


  Expresses acceptance or receipt of a prior correspondence and lets the receiver know if an action has already taken place
• Inquiry Letter


  Asks a specific question or elicits information from the addressee
• Request Letter


  Asks for a particular information, permission, favor, or service using polite yet straightforward language
• Complaint Letter


  Expresses a problem, discontent, or protest about a particular situation in a formal tone, avoiding rude or harsh language
• Apology Letter


  Expresses regret and intention to make amends for a mistake or infraction, explaining the reason/s and providing a specific way to resolve the situation
• Resignation Letter


  Written by an employee who wishes to formally leave their job position, including the reason/s for leaving, future career plans, appreciation for work experiences and career opportunities provided