Notes for writing about yourself

Use these questions to find out what works in your writing, and what needs to be improved.

3 categories:

- Intentions

- Focus

- Style

Assessing intentions

Who are my readers? What are my main point? What do I want my reader to believe?

> don't brag about! at your stage your readers will probably simply wish to confirm that you have a seriousness of purpose, and that you have the ability to envision some concrete plans

Focus

Where do I make central points clear to readers?

Which qualities do I want to emphasize? What benefits will I bring? What special talents set me apart?

Areas of skills and qualities:

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

PROBLEM-SOLVING/CREATIVITY

INTERPERSONAL ABILITIES/TEAMWORK SKILLS

DIVERSITY SENSITIVITY

PLANNING + ORGANIZING

LEADERSHIP + MANAGEMENT

Effective communication

You can locate, understand and interpret written information in … languages at … level

(See Level descriptions of the Common European Framework of References for Languages to assess your level: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_European_Framework_of_Reference_for_Languages )

You can communicate thoughts, ideas, information and messages in writing and create documents such as...

Have power of concentration At ease in public situations Insightful and adaptable Can discuss unclear points, reach agreements, etc.

Problem solving / creativity

You can recognize a problem and devise a plan of action to deal with it

You generate new ideas

Innovative Work with enthusiasm Adapt to new situations

Interpersonal abilities

You respect the feeling of others assert yourself when appropriate, and take interest in what the others say

You show understanding and adaptability in group settings

You work cooperatively with others, contribute ideas and efforts

Mediate problems Negotiate agreements Motivate people Readiness to accept advice

Diversity sensitivity

You work well with people who have different ethnic, social, or educational backgrounds

> take the sensitivity quiz: http://www.2oceansvibe.com/2012/03/07/take-the-controversial-london-olympics-sensitivity-quiz/

Diplomatic and tactful Anticipate needs Flexible and easy-going

Planning and Organizing

You can set realistic personal goals and monitor progress toward these goals

You can use efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills

Analyze data and facts Keep records Remember information Run meetings Committed to your work Punctual Can meet deadlines

Leadership and management You communicate thoughts and feelings to

justify the position you champion, encourage or convince others

You present the facts and arguments of your position and listen to and understand other party's position, create possible ways to resolve conflict and make reasonable compromises

Desire to learn and improve Solve problems Accept supervision Work independently Ability to work under pressure

Style

Is the tone appropriate for my purpose? What sentences seem most effective? How are they grouped together? Are there grammatical/syntactical problems?

> Remember: grammar slips sink jobs!

Mistakes to avoid

Sentence fragments

“Although I work in Detroit, making 200 dollars an hour.” NO

“Although I work in Detroit, making 200 dollars an hour, I would like to move to Chicago.” YES

Mistakes to avoid

Run-on sentences

“I finished writing my cover letter, it's great!” NO

“I finished writing my cover letter. It's great!” YES

Mistakes to avoid

Dangling participles

“Running across the water, we saw a huge water beetle” NO

“Running across the water, we saw a huge water beetle” YES

Mistakes to avoid

Misplaced modifiers:

“Ben taught the dog, an inveterate womanizer, to bark at all blonde women” NO

“Ben, an inveterate womanizer, taught the dog to bark at all blonde women” YES

Remember

Use abbreviation only if you have previously written out what the abbreviation stands for:

UCSD

University of California, San Diego

Remember

Use commas anywhere you would pause if you read the sentence aloud

Use commas in series: “cover letters, resumes, and interviews make up part of the job search process”

Capitalize titles of Departments, companies, and agencies:

“U.S. Department of Labor”

“Ministero del Lavoro”

Transferable skills

Baby-sitter / many siblings / camp counselor- Natural skills in household management High level of trust and respect Sensitive to the needs of others Patience in dealing with children Provide well-organized recreational activities Enjoy social interactions

Transferable skills

Waiter / waitress / bar-tender / cashier / pizza delivery driver

- can bear sustained physical effort

- can meet peoples' needs

- care for others

- pleasant and respectful

- manage money

Transferable skills

Hostess / tourist guide / reception desk Reliable in every situation Keep control under pressure Strong relational skills Can quickly assess situations and identify solutions Willing to work flexible hours Enjoy helping people Punctual Pay attention to details

Transferable skills Moved to a new location Resolved a non-recurring health problem Organized a trip around Europe with your

friends Volunteered in a charity group Volunteered in a music festival Played a sport at a professional or semi-

professional level Writing a journal since you were 14