Writing & Speaking for Business

1. Writing & Speaking for Business Chapter Seven By William H. Baker

2. Chapter Agenda Application Letters Resumes Interviews Follow-up Letters

3. Application Letter Opening: Explain purpose Last: Ask for an interview Middle: Explain attributes

4. Application Letter

5. Resume John H. Doe 740 N. 600 E. #1 Provo, UT 84606  (801) 356-3274  john.doe@myplace .com • Your Resume • Your resume is a self-promotion document. Therefore, be appropriately creative. • List education & experience in reverse-chronological order. • In employment history, highlight specific results. • Proofread carefully. • Pay careful attention to appearance.

6. Interviews When you are being interviewed Do your homework Speak confidently, clearly, and fluently Be prepared Be sensitive to appearance and body language Be honest; don’t pretend to be something you aren’t

7. Interviews When you are being interviewed Sell three or four main credentials or attributes Connect all your answers with the job requirements Be prepared to answer surprise questions Use “results” statements and PAR stories Be sensitive to appearance and body language Have two or three questions to ask the interviewer Write a thank-you letter

8. Interviews When you are the interviewer Start with a warm-up phase Take good notes Prepare interview questions in advance Avoid illegal questions Use closed and open questions effectively

9. Interviews When you are the interviewer (cont’d.) Use probing questions appropriately Use behavioral questions appropriately Be a good listener Have a list of appropriate questions ready

10. Follow-up Letters Write within a day or two of the interview Include sincere thanks Include a statement showing interest in the job Include something reminiscent of the interview

11. Thank-you Letters/Notes