Applicant Request For a Reference by Daniel White

During the application process of looking for a job, it is more than likely that your potential employer will ask for a list of references for them to contact to find out more about you and to verify your resume. Therefore, it is very important that you get in contact with the person you intend on putting as your reference before hand as a matter of courtesy, and simply for permission to use their name. This is especially needed if you have not spoken to the person in a long time and it gives you a chance to reintroduce yourself to said person. It also allows the reference to prepare for possible questions the employer has about you.
When writing your reference for permission, you should include the following things:

- Before saying anything, you must state that you wish to reference him/ her and also mention how the reference will be used (Telephone call/ eMail/ Letter etc.)

- As said above, it is extremely important to reintroduce yourself to the reference and let them know your most recent qualifications so they can relay the information to the employer

- You should also let the reference know what stage of schooling you are in. Things such as your year, your degree, your school and what your career aspirations are so he/she can portray the real you to the employer.

- Let them know that if you do not hear back from your letter that you intend on using their name.

- Include a copy of your resume! It is extremely important to attach a copy because then the reference will have the same information as the employer.

Writing your reference is a very important aspect to your application as they can potentially be the pivotal point as to whether you get the job or not. A letter is deemed very professional and anything positive your reference may have to say can only help the application process.

The lady in the video below pretty much summarizes everything in my post :)



References

Oliu, Walter E., Charles T. Brusaw, and Gerald J. Alred. Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job. 9th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Language in Professional Writing by Megan Clipse

Words, words, words! There are so many but how do you choose? Most of the time when writing, the words begin to flow out without much thought, or at least we hope! However it is important to carefully go back and review your writing for the language that is implied with these words. After all, the words you use do matter and should be carefully thought of to avoid confusing, distracting, or offending your audience.

Language in professional writing is the key to creating a unified and structurally sound piece of work. If you can nail down the following words of advice when writing, you will be well on your way to success!

Context and Word Choice

• In order to be precise in writing, you must use the correct word! In the words of Mark Twain, "The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between 'lightning' and 'lightning bug.'" (Oliu, Brushaw, & Alred 2007)
  
• Keep in mind the context of the word. Sometimes you must be more specific.
  

Conciseness

• Remove unnecessary words, phrases, and sentences. Wordiness or pretentious language may get the job done when trying to meet a required length but also creates confusion!
  

Bias

• To avoid offending audiences, treat everyone equal! Bias and sexist language are breeders for inequality so therfore use nonsexist language. Ex: Policeman--->police officer (Oliu, Brushaw, & Alred 2007).


• Eliminate his and hers unless you are talking about a specific person.
  
• There is no need to identify race, ethnic group, or religion of a person in most professional writing.

Plain Language

• Avoid affectation. Too showy or technical language makes for a convoluted paper. Keep it simple! Looking up synonyms in the thesaurus for all the 'plain' words to sound smarter doesn't always work as planned!

References:

Oliu, Walter E., Charles T. Brusaw, and Gerald J. Alred. Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job. 9th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Standing Out From the Multitude When Applying for a Masters Program by Andrew Kam

Amidst one of the worst economic recessions since the Great Depression, unemployment is surging to levels not seen since the 1930's and that spells bad news for budding college graduates looking to go out into the working world. However, there is always an alternative to starting work immediately after one's undergraduate degree - a Masters degree. Competition is fierce in this current economic times, with applications to masters programs all around the U.S. surging to record levels. How does one then position himself or herself when applying for a Masters program to stand out from the multitude? Here are some tips to consider:

1. Write down a list of your strengths and skills and use these as selling points when you meet new people. What is unique about you? What sets you apart from anyone else?

2. Develop a succinct message or personal statement that you can share with others that takes about 10-20 seconds to deliver.

3. Remember that every time you communicate, this is the opportunity to make an impact. Make sure that anything you put in writing, such as a letter or CV is clear, concise and easy to read. And remember to include the strengths you have identified above.

4. Make a great first impression if you are asked for an interview for the Masters program. People tend to make a first impression of you within the first few minutes of meeting you. When you meet new people, use appropriate eye contact, a firm handshake, and smile!

5. Be resourceful and apply to at least 6 programs of your choice - 2 "dream" programs you would like to get in, 2 "realistic" programs that you should get into based on the your test scores and GPA, and 2 "safety nets" where you know you will definitely get into.

References:

Williams, Karen E. "How to Market Yourself Effectively." Ezine Articles. 2008. .

Communicating Internationally Through Visuals-Daniel White and Megan Clipse

Policy and Manual Writing by Matt O'Shaughnessy

An Employee Policy Manual is a vital management tool which communicates rules and expectations to employees. A good Employee Policy Manual would address issues of employment, health and safety in the workplace as well as employee theft. Although the contents of the Employee Policy Manual will vary from business to business, all should contain the following main sections:

1. Employee Code Outline basic elements such as working hours, vacation time, salary and benefits, overtime, orientation procedures, and performance evaluations. Also, include coverage of customer handling and other issues that arise during the normal course of the workday. Include job descriptions in this section as well.

2. Employee Misconduct Include description of how employee misconduct will be addressed, including issues such as tardiness, persistent lateness, or employee theft.

3. Sexual Misconduct Even small and startup businesses are advised to include a policy item outlining behaviors that are not acceptable within the workplace. Primarily designed to protect women in the workplace, these policies also advance strong guidelines to mitigate the occurrence of sexual misconduct in the work environment.

4. Health & Safety Guidelines When employees share in the responsibility for health and safety issues, the entire business benefits. Guidelines must comply with applicable local, provincial and federal legislation.

5. Internet Policy Include mention of appropriate Internet and email usage. Be sure to specify that employees may not use company email or other Internet components to conduct illegal activities, or to access or distribute pornography or copyrighted materials, such as the popular MP3 music files. Should you ever find yourself in court defending your business because an employee has used your email system to send threatening or harassing emails, an Internet Policy will be to your benefit.



Works Cited


Campbell, June. "Tips for Writing an Employee Policy Manual." Business Writing by Nightcats
Multimedia Productions. http://www.nightcats.com/samples/manual.html.

Tips on Firing An Employee by Cedric Cummings

Firing an employee can be almost as tough as getting fired in some cases. It is sometimes a tough task to set aside our emotions and terminate someone from their job. It is a dirty job but someone has to do it. Here are a few tips on firing employees.

1. Utilize the Company Support: Before an employee is terminated, your supervisor and human resource offices should be consulted. It should be a company decision and not your own. Get the support of the company so there is no perception of a personal attack.
2. Game Plan: You should schedule a meeting with this employee and get in and get out. Explain to them why it has not been working and that they have been terminated. The meeting should last from 5 to 15 minutes and then you should be on your way.
3. Expect the Unexpected: Not everyone has the ability to accept their termination and leave the situation. You have to be prepared for tension and aggressiveness. If necessary have security close for backup if things get out of hand. If the employee breaks down and cries, DO NOT FALL FOR IT. This is not a debate, so the decision is final. It is a done deal. Do not apologize, you are making the best move for the company. You can show remorse but do not apologize or pass the blame onto others. Take full responsibility.
4. Be Professional: Control yourself even if the employee isn't. Maintain a positive attitude and try to prevent any bitterness
5. Move on: After reflecting on what happened, learn from that experience and move on. Do not dwell on the fact that you just took someones job away. You did your job and that is what counts.

work cited.

Terminating Employees. 6 Apr. 2009 .

Love letters by George Erkvania

To Adele Foucher (1821)






"My dearest, When two souls, which have sought each other for, however long in the throng, have finally found each other ...a union, fiery and pure as they themselves are... begins on earth and continues forever in heaven. This union is love, true love,... a religion, which deifies the loved one, whose life comes from devotion and passion, and for which the greatest sacrifices are the sweetest delights. This is the love which you inspire in me... Your soul is made to love with the purity and passion of angels; but perhaps it can only love another angel, in which case I must tremble with apprehension."


Yours forever,
Victor Hugo



The famouse love story of Great Franch man Victor hugo was published after his death when the yellow packet of time-stained letters were found. Today, those letters are called, "masterpieces of Franch literature."













Ever since the advent of internet and phone texting, the writing of love letters became as rare as dinosaurs. How many of you have ever written and shared your feeling trough the love letters? I am sure not too many people have tried to share their feelings thought honesty and passion that called love letter.




One might not be able to write a poetic love letter like Hugo, Beethoven, Volter, but just knowing and using them as an examples can inspire anybody.



Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), one of history's most famous and mysterious composers died at the age of 57 with one great secret. Upon his death, a love letter was found among his possessions. It was written to an unknown woman who Beethoven simply called his *Immortal Beloved.*


July 6, 1806

"My angel, my all, my very self -- only a few words today and at that with your pencil -- not till tomorrow will my lodgings be definitely determined upon -- what a useless waste of time. Why this deep sorrow where necessity speaks -- can our love endure except through sacrifices -- except through not demanding everything -- can you change it that you are not wholly mine, I not wholly thine? Oh, God! look out into the beauties of nature and comfort yourself with that which must be -- love demands everything and that very justly -- that it is with me so far as you are concerned, and you with me. If we were wholly united you would feel the pain of it as little as I! "

Your faithful, Ludwig

Great example of true love letters are written after the amazing love story of Emma and Joseph Smith:

Reference: Famouse love letters of famouse people website.(2004) Retrieved on April 5,2009

from: http://www.dindragoste.ro/love/love-letters.php