✎ School?
✎ Work?
✎ Home?
The truth is, most of us weren’t taught how to do it; or how to do it well.
People often struggle to find the right words when job searching.
They know they want a job, but aren’t sure what to say or how to phrase things when there isn’t a person standing in front of them.
When writing business correspondence in your job search (like an email, cover letter, resume LinkedIn profile, or planning a phone call) set aside time to identify and clarify your goal. What do you want to achieve? Yes, the end goal is to have a job offer, but what are the steps in between sending in your resume and receiving a job offer?
In the book “Business Writing for dummies” by Natalie Canavor, 2021 Natalie suggests this formula:
𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 + 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 = 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭
Identify the goal or purpose of your message
Have a clear understanding of what’s important to your audience
Voila, you’ve created your content.
Here’s an example:
✍ I want (goal of your message):
To be invited to interview for the role of Director of Communications
✍ The audience (employer) needs to know:
I can deliver the specific results noted in the job posting
“Your organization is looking for a Director of Communications who can bring to life the organization’s mission and vision. Having spent the last 15 years developing and implementing strategies for (Company ABC), I have delivered X, Y and Z for leaders in this industry. [Go into detail as to how you can help the employer]… I look forward to meeting with you in person to explore the many assets I offer in this role.”
Try this formula the next time you’re stuck trying to figure out what to say in an email or your next LinkedIn connection request.
Related Categories: Job Search, Resumes & ATS
About The Author
Maureen McCann is an award-winning career coach, master resume writer, and master certified interview, employment, and career strategist whose clients include C-level executives, managers, and professionals in all industries including the Canadian banking, oil and gas, healthcare, IT, and government sectors.