Caught between Originality and Conformity: Resume Design in China

Caught between Originality and Conformity:Resume Design in China Yining Hu Baotong Gu Huangshan University Georgia State University ATTW Conference New York, March 21, 2007

Overview Content Design Direct persuasion Political, ethical, and moral content Issue of privacy Originality vs. conformity Format Design: Individuality

Resume Content—Direct Persuasion (Example 1) • Self Assessment • A love for education… • Long-time English training instructor for…, with excellent spoken English • Great teaching experience… • Strong research skills • Strong and independent personality • Concluding Remarks (at the end of the resume) • Dear respected university leaders, … If I’m fortunate enough to become a member of your university, I’ll do my best to utilize my enthusiasm and abilities to make my tiny contribution to the future development of your university and to become an excellent instructor.

Opening Remarks Dear Respected Sir or Madam: Greetings! When you open this page, you have opened, for me, the first door to opportunities and success. I really appreciate your taking the time out of your busy schedule to read my application, which, I hope, distinguishes itself from the other applications in your hand and will help you find the satisfactory well-rounded candidate amid the strong competition. Please read the content that follows. I hope it won’t disappoint you. Resume Content—Direct Persuasion (Example 2)

Concluding Remarks As you finish reading this application, I have a few things to tell you. I was born in the mid seventies of the last century and possess the kind of diligence characteristic of that era and a strong sense of teamwork. My years of education and professional experience have provided me with the qualifications needed for college-level teaching… Resume Content—Direct Persuasion (Example 2 Continued)

Resume Content—Political, Ethical, and Moral Example 1 • I firmly support the Community Party’s basic principles and policies, abide by the Four Basic Principles, am a law-abiding citizen, am progressive in thoughts, and … (from the self assessment part of a resume for a teaching position) Example 2 • This student abides by the Four Basic Principles, studies hard the Communist Party’s policies, is progressive politically, and has submitted membership application for the Communist Party. He is also an active participant in various school and department activities and has been judged to be excellent in moral virtues (from an official recommendation by the university)

Gender Ethnicity Marital status Date of birth Height Health status Resume Content--Privacy

Originality vs. Conformity Conformity • Every pawn (soldier) has its uses, but without the chess board, it can only be a pawn.

Originality vs. Conformity Conformity • Do you need me?

Originality vs. Conformity Originality • The Extraordinary 2005 • Self Recommendation I know myself; I know if I’m appropriate for the job; Therefore, I recommend myself.

Originality vs. Conformity Originality and Conformity • I may not be a trump card, but I’m definitely a good card.

Originality vs. Conformity Originality and Conformity • I am this bowl of tea (big-bowl tea). • Which looks plain but has a long lasting taste. • I am the pure bred (the hidden talent); are you the one to discover me?

Format Design—Individuality and Metaphors

Far from Conclusive • An overwhelming trend to include political content • An intriguing emphasis on ethics and moral virtues • A puzzling willingness to relinquish one’s rights to privacy of information • The dilemma to balance between originality and conformity • An increasing trend to emphasize originality and individuality, especially in format design • The subtle tactics of persuasion to sell one’s credentials while preventing any signs of complacency • Cultural ideologies at work?

Caught between Originality and Conformity: Resume Design in China