CTAE3 - Level 3 - Communication (Lesson)

Communication in the Workplace

Introduction

In the job application process, your first opportunity to make an impression and demonstrate your communication skills is through your résumé.  

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A  résumé  is a document that summarizes your education, skills, talents, employment history, and experiences in a clear and concise format for potential employers. Traditional résumés are created with word processing applications using formatting to draw attention to key details to make it appealing to human readers.  

The cover letter is usually the first item an employer reads from you. Your letter should immediately indicate what position you are applying for and then give information that demonstrates why you should be considered for the position. Do not repeat all of the information contained in your résumé. Instead, highlight or elaborate on résumé items that are directly applicable to the position for which you are applying.  

 

What About Cover Letters?

A cover letter informs potential employers of your interest in working for their company and how your qualifications relate to the available position.  

Even if the job advertisement didn't specify a cover letter, it is a good idea to include one. A cover letter submitted electronically follows the same formatting guidelines as your résumé by using a plain text file format so it can be scanned by a computer.  

Tips for bringing attention to your information:      

  • Capitalize words for emphasis  
  • Use asterisks where you normally would use tabs or bullets.  
  • Use blank space and white space to separate information  

Electronic Résumés and Cover Letters

It is common for employers to request résumés electronically. Résumés transmitted electronically are called electronic résumés . If you already have a traditional résumé, you can convert it to an electronic, scannable résumé by modifying the formatting to an ASCII, text-based file. A cover letter submitted electronically follows the same formatting guidelines as your résumé by using a plain text file format so it can be scanned by a computer.  

Click the Next button to read more about electronic résumés

 

When and What To Send

Prepare and send a résumé and cover letter in plain text or ASCII when:  

  • An employment listing provides an electronic mail (e-mail) address to forward your résumé.  
  • An organization requests on its website that you use its email address to deliver your résumé.  
  • An organization provides an online form on its website to quickly forward your résumé and cover letter in ASCII text.  
  • A hiring manager or recruiter requests one.  

How to send a résumé and cover letter electronically  

Electronic : Send the résumé and cover letter in one file. Paste the cover letter before your résumé. Put the title of the position applied for and the reference number if included in the job posting as the subject line of the email.  

U.S. Mail:  If you are mailing your cover letter and résumé, it is a good idea to send two copies. One traditional version with formatting and one in electronic format.  

Most job postings will explain the process for submitting résumés and cover letters. If not, call the human resources department and ask for the correct procedure.  

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Dos and Don'ts Résumés and Cover Letters

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You have just a few seconds to make a good first impression. Will your résumé pass the test?   

 

Challenge

Do you know the rules of communication? Try the challenge below to test your knowledge.   

Takeaway 

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Your résumé is your first impression.

In the job application process, your first opportunity to make an impression and demonstrate your communication skills is through your résumé.

Resume Summary

A résumé  is a document that summarizes your education, skills, talents, employment history, and experiences in a clear and concise format for potential employers. The résumé serves three distinct purposes that define its format, design, and presentation:  

  • To represent your professional information in writing  
  • To demonstrate the relationship between your professional information and the problem or challenge the potential employer hopes to solve or address, often represented in the form of a job description or duties  
  • To get you an interview by clearly demonstrating you meet the minimum qualifications and have the professional background needed  

 

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS OR OPEN SOURCE