Suggested length of assignment: approx. 3-4 pages (not including references or appendix) Format requirements: double spaced, font size 12, 1 in. margins Writing skills to practice: 1)analyzing genres 2)explaining findings drawn from analyzing data 3)formatting appendixes in APA style 4)using comparison/contrast transition words accurately 5)self-edit writing

QUESTION

Suggested length of assignment: approx. 3-4 pages (not including references or appendix)

Format requirements: double spaced, font size 12, 1 in. margins

Writing skills to practice:

1)analyzing genres

2)explaining findings drawn from analyzing data

3)formatting appendixes in APA style

4)using comparison/contrast transition words accurately

5)self-edit writing

Assignment description:

The purpose of this assignment is for you to practice analyzing a genre that is unfamiliar to you. You should analyze the genre using steps outlined in the Conducting Genre Analysis handout.

You may analyze any genre that you expect to write in the future, either in your courses or job. Below are some genres students have analyzed in the past (you are not restricted to the below genre and may choose other genres, but your choice must be approved by me):

lab reports

job cover letters + resume (must find examples from your discipline)

statement of purpose (for graduate school application)

artist statements

artist portfolio

report of teaching observations (for education major courses)

software design specification (for computer science work)

annual company report (for accounting work)

newspaper editorials (for journalism work)

restaurant reviews (for journalism work)

GRE essay

Your essay should describe your findings, particularly from your observations in steps 2, 4, and 5 of the handout. It should include an appendix of the writing samples you analyzed. In your essay, focus on explaining your findings (conclusions about how the genre should be written and why) in an organized manner and supporting findings with evidence drawn from the samples. Your evidence can be example phrases from your sample texts or references to the sample texts (e.g, “Sample 1”). Do not simply state the data (the textual features) without explaining the point you are trying to make about how the genre should be written. Your essay should also include a list of references if you consult websites to answer step 2 of Conducting Genre Analysis and if you found your sample texts from websites.

ANSWER

Genre Analysis of Job Cover Letters and Resumes

Introduction

Genre analysis is a valuable skill for writers as it helps them understand the conventions and expectations of different genres. In this assignment, I chose to analyze the genre of job cover letters and resumes, as it is a genre that I expect to encounter in my future career. By examining the textual features and rhetorical strategies employed in this genre, I aim to gain insights into how to effectively write cover letters and resumes. This essay presents the findings from my genre analysis, focusing on steps 2, 4, and 5 of the Conducting Genre Analysis handout.

Step 2: Collecting Data

To collect data for my analysis, I consulted various websites that provide examples of cover letters and resumes within my discipline. The websites CareerBuilder, Indeed, and LinkedIn proved to be valuable resources. I selected a diverse range of cover letters and resumes that represented different positions, levels of experience, and industries.

Step 4: Analyzing the Genre

Audience Analysis

One important aspect of genre analysis is understanding the target audience. In the case of job cover letters and resumes, the audience typically consists of potential employers and hiring managers. The primary purpose of these documents is to convince the reader that the applicant is the ideal candidate for the position.

Textual Features and Structure

During my analysis, I found that cover letters and resumes share certain common textual features and structures. Cover letters usually begin with a salutation and an introduction that captures the reader’s attention (Herrity, 2023b). They then include paragraphs that highlight the applicant’s relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences. Resumes, on the other hand, often include sections such as personal information, education, work experience, skills, and references.

Rhetorical Strategies

Effective cover letters and resumes employ various rhetorical strategies to engage the reader and showcase the applicant’s strengths (Herrity, 2023). Some common strategies include the use of persuasive language, active voice, and concise and clear sentences. Additionally, many successful cover letters and resumes utilize bullet points to present information in a scannable and easily digestible format.

Step 5: Drawing Conclusions

Based on my analysis, several key findings emerged

 Tailoring the Content: The analysis revealed that successful cover letters and resumes are tailored to the specific job requirements. Generic documents tend to be less effective, while customized ones that address the needs of the employer and highlight relevant experiences and skills are more likely to capture attention.

Demonstrating Transferable Skills: The analysis highlighted the importance of showcasing transferable skills. Applicants should emphasize skills gained from previous experiences that are relevant to the desired position, even if they were acquired in different contexts (Pelta, 2023).

Conciseness and Clarity: Clear and concise writing is crucial in cover letters and resumes. Employers often receive numerous applications, so it is essential to present information in a succinct and easily understandable manner.

Visual Organization: Utilizing formatting techniques such as headings, bullet points, and white space can improve the visual organization of cover letters and resumes. These elements help guide the reader’s attention to important information and make the document more visually appealing.

Conclusion

Through the genre analysis of job cover letters and resumes, I gained valuable insights into the conventions and expectations of this genre. By tailoring the content, emphasizing transferable skills, maintaining conciseness and clarity, and employing effective visual organization, I can enhance my own cover letters and resumes. This analysis has provided me with a better understanding of how to effectively communicate my qualifications to potential employers.

References

Herrity, J. (2023). 7 Key Components of an Effective Cover Letter. Indeed.com. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/parts-of-cover-letter 

Herrity, J. (2023b). How To Format a Cover Letter (With Outline and Examples). Indeed.com. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-format-a-cover-letter-example 

Pelta, R. (2023, June 20). 15 Transferable Skills That Companies Want: Examples and Definitions. FlexJobs Job Search Tips and Blog. https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/transferable-skills/