Purdue OWL Job Search Writing

Created and maintained by faculty and staff of Purdue University, Purdue OWL (best known as the premiere authority for research and citation resources by college students worldwide) is celebrating 20 years of providing users with easy to understand, self-guided writing assistance. 

Purdue OWL Job Search Writing (POJSW), a division of the Purdue Online Writing Lab, provides detailed explanations and step-by-step instructions for writing topics associated with the job search process: 

• application preparation
• job search letters
• resumes and vitas
• video resumes (recently added)

In addition, POJSW provides grammar and writing tips, job skill checklists, examples of employment documents (cover letters and resume) and other helpful advice to assist job seekers in landing that coveted job.  Applicants creating resumes are offered tips on explaining both limited and extensive work experience, tailoring resumes for specific positions, resume design, choosing the correct format, and other resume-related topics.

The newest component, video resume creation, was introduced this summer.  In June 2014, Purdue OWL launched the video resume "vidcast" on its YouTube channel. This vidcast (one of over 30 Purdue OWL instructional videos) introduces and instructs users in the creation, content requirements and distribution of video resumes.  These specialized resumes use the integration of images, video and text to effectively demonstrate those attributes that are difficult for job applicants to transmit in print:  personality and creativity.

Dr. Muriel Harris, former director and founder of the Purdue Writing Lab, partnered with graduate student David Taylor to create the Purdue Online Writing Lab.  Their goal was to bring free writing assistance to those who were physically unable to go to the Writing Lab.  Over the years, the site has been improved and updated by Purdue OWL staff, Purdue University Associate Professors and professional writing staff who are experts in providing online writing instruction to Purdue students and worldwide users.

Source:

Purdue job search writing (2014).  Retrieved October 19, 2014 from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/6/