Resume writing in today's common English can keep you from getting job interviews. Why? The English of everyday communication is making formal English a foreign language. Here is a simple sentence most people know the meaning of: I thought the Bennifer would be BFF OMG LOL BRB. While today the news in that sentence is ancient, just fifteen years ago no one would know what I was talking about. In fact I would not even be able to explain the meaning of that sentence to people fifteen years ago by simply using today's terminology. I could say Bennifer is a super couple but super couples did not exist then. I would explain that BRB is a texting abbreviation for be right back but would then need to explain what texting is.
There are tens of thousands of abbreviations, words and phrases that have been invented and coined in the last fifteen years. As big as they are now it's hard to imagine that Facebook, Twitter, Googling, texting, YouTube, and many other common everyday words did not exist as late as the year 2000.
Because of the technology of texting, posting, twittering, chatting, and email the English language is experiencing what might be the greatest metamorphosis in history. Standard English grammar has taken a barrage of communication short cut artillery and is in critical condition. All the new words, abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols now in daily use are making English a foreign language compared to the curriculum that has been taught in formal English education for decades.
There is a widening gap between resume writing English and everyday communication English. While all these grammar shortcuts and new words are perfectly comprehensible in many widespread forms of communication such as texting they are frowned upon in a resume and cover letter. Employers expect to see certain standards of English language and grammar on a resume. While this type of language is still being taught in school, when a person's education is not applicable to daily use, the subject is more difficult to learn and the information often not retained.
Determining what words, grammar rules, and even punctuation an employer might find objectionable can be difficult for most of today's job hunters. Attempting to create resumes and cover letters that adhere to the standards of English grammar rules and writing can be nearly impossible for many candidates. Numerous job hunters are discovering that the world of texting and online communications has made formal English a foreign language.
Face facts: HR personnel and employers are judgmental because they can be and also because they want intelligent candidates. You need to make sure your writing is grammatically correct on all your documents and in your email communications. Do not take a casual approach to any type of correspondence with employers. While I receive many impeccable resumes, they are often introduced by informal and error prone emails. Sending your resume that you painstakingly created or paid for and introducing it with a sub-par email is like sending an expensive present wrapped in a used garbage bag. When you do this, employers do not want to open your package.
Job seekers have several choices that can help them produce acceptable documents. There is an abundance of resume writing and cover letter resources available, however determining what is and is not acceptable is a challenge. The Resume Dictionary can help your resume writing achieve acceptable standards of English and help you create an exceptional resume. While you are there get a copy of the free book The 197 Words You Should NOT Use on Your Resume. Copyright 2010 by Phil Baker "The Hire Authority" Freely distribute this article but please leave article, author name, copyright info, and links intact.
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