The document discusses resumes and cover letters. It recommends using a chronological resume that is 1-2 pages, with a legible font of at least 11 points. The resume should be tailored for applicant tracking systems by including keywords from the job description. Cover letters should follow the AIDA model to grab attention, spark interest, create a desire, and inspire action. They should not just summarize the resume but show fit for the position.

1. Business Communication
Adapted from NETA PowerPoint for Essentials of Business Communication by
Lisa Jamieson
Resumes and Cover Letters

2. Functional Resume:
Do not use!
Image source

3. Infographic Resume:
Do not use!

4. Chronological Resume

5. Do’s and Don’t’s
DO
• Length: 1-2 pages
• Legible font, no
smaller than 11 pt
• Send resume in
requested format
DON’T
• No personal data
• No “References upon
request”

6. Digital Tools: ATS
Maximize keyword hits
• Specific keywords and phrases
• Focus on nouns
• Use variations of job title
• Concentrate on skills section

7. Cover Letters

8. Persuasive Cover Letters
•A ttention
•I nterest
•D esire
•A ction
Image source

9. Cover Letter: Final Tips
• Don’t just
summarize your
resume
• Show, not tell
Image source

10. Email Cover Letter

11. Summary
• Learned how to organize and format persuasive
chronological and functional resumes
• Discussed how to write a persuasive cover letter to
accompany your resume

12. References
Guffrey, M. E., Loewy, D., & Almonte, R. (2019). Essentials of business communication
(9th Canadian Edition). Nelson.
Jamieson, L. (2019). Chapter 12: Communicating in the digital-age workplace
[PowerPoint slides]. Nelson.
Green, A. (2018, November 13). You need to write a better cover letter. Ask a Manager.
https://www.askamanager.org/2018/11/you-need-to-write-a-better-cover-
letter.html
Green, A. (2013, February 5). More terrible ideas: your resume should not be an
infographic. Ask a Manager. https://www.askamanager.org/2013/02/more-
terrible-ideas-your-resume-should-not-be-an-infographic.html

13. Image Sources
[Functional resume] [Illustration]. (2020, November 25). Indeed.
https://images.app.goo.gl/eTRU1EuWJuN7qXew8
[Hand writing a CV] [Illustration]. [n.d.] EnvantoTut+.
https://images.app.goo.gl/AUaSG4T5UrLGYLmp7
[Man writing in journal with coffee] [Illustration]. [n.d.]. TopCV.
https://images.app.goo.gl/HAbhz61CmvPoueoP8