Targeted Communication

Considering the people who will read your writing- In terms of applying for jobs

Need to understand your topic and discover your message

To get a job: (1) know somebody, (2) targeted communication- what do you think they are looking for?

Assess your target

Imagine what a day in the life of your audience members looks like- what type of language is most effective for them? Where do they live? Why are they reading your job application? How much time/emotional energy do you think they are going to invest? What drives them, what’s their passion? What keeps them up at night? How can you solve their problem? How might your audience resist?

Plan to write to someone very busy so make your point clear and concise.

Do the thinking for them, make the connections, and make it easy for the reader.

Two sides: not just the audience, also the speaker/writer. How do you affect this communication?

Think about relevant stories you have to tell, maybe to come up in the interview; things that will connect you to the other person.

Consider your role in information delivery

What unique expertise and experience do you contribute? What is your purpose for communicating information? What do you share in common with your audience? What are your desired outcomes? What stories you have that might be relevant?

Presentation skills

Be prepared, know the content and respect your audience. Answer/consider/respect all questions.

Chris Costello: Addresses a big problem. Makes it understandable.

Job Application

It must be, at a minimum, readable and concise. In addition, it should be compelling and relevant to job. Looking for someone with expertise in the area. Conclusion is what they read first. Represent yourself accurately.

9/29/09 - Linda Halabi & Laura Hamman