English 421Y: Technical Writing Online

     The first thing I noticed in this week’s suggested readings is how each author emphasized the importance in tailoring the cover letter to match the position one is applying for. This was also made apparent in the previous weeks’ readings that emphasized the same concept but applied to resumes.

     The set of suggested readings for this week presented, nay, exposed some truths that many individuals don’t often anticipate in drafting resumes. I, for one, was rather surprised by some of the frank statements I came across. Consider the following by Douglas Richardson of CareerJournal.com: “My job description doesn’t include extending charity to job seekers and resume writers. On the contrary, I find I approach every resume with a certain impatient cynicism.” I almost took offense to this.

     Fast Enterprises: Software Engineer position

     Chapter 8 of TCT offers forth one of the single most important guidelines to follow in writing any paper but applies fully, in concept and application, to technical documents. That guideline is, “tell them what you are going to tell them. Tell them. Then, tell them what you told them,” (TCT). For instance, in my line of work we deal with white-papers quite often.

     Chapter 15 of Technical Communication Today outlines how to begin searching for future career positions as well as how to pursue and follow-up to any potential leads. I found it interesting, and perhaps a bit ironic, that one of the single most important skills to possess in locating a job is the ability to properly search for available positions.

     Chapter 3 of "Readers and Contexts of Use" introduces the concept of profiling the target audience as a preliminary planning phase to anticipate the goals and requirements of the final documents. It suggests that “the knowledge gained in profiling your audience is essential to effective technical communication” (TCT). I agree fully; as times change and technology evolves, people often take on busier schedules which yield a desire and demand for simplicity in every aspect of their lives.