Lackawanna ENG115 2021 April Module 5 Discussion (dq1+dq2) Latest

ENG115 Business Communications

Module 5 Discussion

DQ1 Selling Your Skills

Discussion Introduction

One of the best ways to land the job of your dreams is to network. We spent last Module examining the value of knowing your audience, and networking engages you in getting to know an audience of your peers. Not only can this be fruitful in terms of making connections that open doors, but it can also be an inspiring way to generate ideas among diverse thinkers who can, together, advance the field. Plus, it is healthy and wise to know your competition, since it is the best way to surpass them.

In this discussion you will network with one another as you share your current resume and a cover letter with one another. Work with one another to provide suggestions to improve based on your knowledge of the skills, education, and experience required for your field. Also, use the resources from this Module’s Introduction and Lesson to make recommendations that make sense.

Review and comment on as many cover letters and resumes as you can, as comparing and contrasting your peers’ representations of themselves to your own can give you ideas on how to improve even without their suggestions.

However, be sure to look for a classmate who did not receive a review rather than giving advice to someone who already has a reply. This way, everyone will receive some sort of feedback.

At the end of the week you will turn these materials in as an assignment. Be sure to make the revisions recommended to you by your classmates and by me to earn your best grade but, more importantly, to prepare these important materials well enough to earn you the job you want.

Discussion Question

Whose resume and cover letter are you reviewing?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of this cover letter?

Address at least one specific piece of advice from the Introduction or Lesson materials and identify the specific resource from which the advice came.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of this resume?

Address at least one specific piece of advice from the Introduction or Lesson materials and identify the specific resource from which the advice came.

DQ2 You're Hired!

Discussion Introduction

If your resume is strong enough to earn you an interview, you have already made a good first impression. But to keep that impression strong enough to stand apart from the sea of other qualified candidates and actually land the job, effective communication in the interview is more important than ever.

As you have learned through each Module’s reading, notes, and discussions so far, effective communication requires thought and planning. Communicating during an interview is no different.

Before engaging in this discussion, review the following two articles, which offer advice for preparing to answer common interview questions in a memorable and impressive way that showcases your skills, experience, and knowledge.

The Balance's Job Interview Questions, Answers, and Tips to Prepare (Links to an external site.)

Monster's 100 Top Job Interview Questions (Links to an external site.)

 Discussion Question

Choose two classmates to “interview” and ask the same two questions to each classmate. Respond to their answers to engage them more deeply in answering your interview question so you have a thorough knowledge of whether or not they would be a good fit. Would you want to work with this person based on their answer?

Once you are satisfied with their responses, hire one of your classmates. Discuss and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each classmate’s response and clarify what specifically led to your hiring decision.

Remember to incorporate what you learned about developing good news and bad news messages into your explanations.