Principles of Business Writing

Business writing conveys relevant information in a professional setting clearly and concisely. There are four broad categories:

1. Instructional: Guides the reader (e.g., user manuals, directional memos).
2. Informational: Records business info accurately (e.g., financial statements, meeting minutes).
3. Persuasive: Aims to influence decisions (e.g., proposals, sales emails).
4. Transactional: Day-to-day workplace communication (e.g., emails, invoices).

Key Principles: Ensure clarity of purpose, avoid jargon, be direct (put the crux in the first 150 words), and avoid verbosity (don't use five words if three will do).

Resume Writing (PYQ Essential)

What is a Resume? (PYQ 2020, 2022) A resume is a concise summary of your education, employment experience, and skills. It is a marketing document aimed at promoting your suitability to a prospective employer. Its primary goal is not to get you the job, but to get you the interview.

To market your skills effectively, you must tailor your resume to the specific role (PYQ 2024).

Dos and Don'ts of Resume Writing

• DO use bullet points to keep information succinct.
• DO use white space and easy-to-read fonts (like Calibri).
• DO use keywords from the job description so recruitment software doesn't reject your application.
• DON'T use jargon or excessive paragraphs.
• DON'T lie or exaggerate.
• DON'T include hobbies unless they directly support your professional candidacy.