Video Cases

This case and its discussion questions are based on a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation video that accompanies the textbook. In addition to whatever in-class use your instructor may have given the video, it's available on this website for online viewing. If directed to do so by your instructor, you can also answer the discussion questions online and email the results.
     These videos are intended only for students using the 1st Canadian Edition of Business Communications. To view the video, you'll require a password. Refer to page 541 in your textbook and use the first word appearing in the main text column as both 'username' and 'password.' Use of the word is case-sensitive.
     The free RealPlayer plug-in is required in order to view the videos. If needed, the plug-in can be downloaded from Real.

Résumés
Résumés. How many of you really enjoy writing them? Most people know they should update them periodically to keep track of new work and credentials. And they must be updated for the new job you're applying for. In fact, the best résumés are targeted for each job applied for. There are ways to make your job of writing your résumé easier.
     While the myriad books on the subject may give you tips, they may also confuse you. Some books say you should put your education at the front of the résumé, while others say you should put education at the end. Some say you should forget about references, while others say you should offer references upon request. And while some say you should add hobbies, others say you should ignore them.
     The résumé is your ticket to an interview, and no one can analyze your qualifications and the job you're applying for better than you. With careful consideration of your options –a chronological résumé, a skill-based résumé, or a functional/combination résumé—you can come up with the formula that works best for you. While a chronological résumé may stress education, the other formats may not, and in those formats your education will come later on in the résumé.
     Although some employers like a short, one-page résumé, a two–page résumé is now more common and is more likely to be read. Space your résumé so the white space sets off the copy and headings stand out. Make it visually attractive. Know that computers are increasingly used to scan résumés. Be sure you set your résumé up accordingly and avoid italics, bolding, and underlining. Proofread carefully, and check spellings of all names of people, institutions, and businesses. Whether humans or computers scan your résumé, the initial time your résumé has to make the mark may only be a few seconds.
     When presented with conflicting advice, use common sense. If several jobs in your past show growth and diversity in your field, you will want to indicate that. If your past several jobs imply that you may have had a lack of focus or an inability to stick with jobs, you will want to present your skills in a different way. You may leave out the ones that don't help towards the job you are applying for.
     You are unique. Take the time to think about all of your options. Choose the format and order of parts that shows your uniqueness and your suitability for the position in the best way possible.

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View Résumés

1		What are some ways students can get energized and enthused about writing a new résumé?
2		What are some advantages and disadvantages of having your résumé professionally written?
3		What are key considerations for the References if they are requested, or even if a References page is included?