PB1A

There are many different types of literary writings. Textbooks, novels, essays, and even tweets are all divided into separate categories based on their unique characteristics. For example, while textbooks may contain pictures, tweets may include hash-tags. Similarly, because the conventions of a resume are different from other types of writing, a resume is characterized into its own category. If these conventions are commonly found in a particular literary piece, then it can be distinguished as a resume.

A resume’s rhetorical features is what mainly differentiates it from other documents. The purpose of it is to effectively communicate one’s assets to an employer in clear, succinct writing, or in layman’s terms, a life summary. The audience and tone are very crucial features in writing a resume. It is almost always a formal piece of writing intended for an employer of some sort. Most often, resumes are given alongside a job application, so the utmost professionalism in the writing is integral if one wished to be granted the job. In addition, just as important as showing formality is having the qualifications, which is shown in the context. Resumes often include headings such as education, work experience, honors, etc. to help prove one’s competence. This is where one “brags” about himself or herself to justify his or her capabilities. A short statement about each idea in its respective heading is encouraged as sentences are often omitted. Writing in a concise manner is imperative to remember when writing. A solid grasp in each of these facets can create a strong resume that can persuade an employer.

                Some other elements of resumes are often absent in other writings. For example, resumes include confidential information and references. Although other genres of writing also include the author’s name, unlike the others, resumes often consist of phone numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. And not only does it contain extra contact information about oneself, but it also contains contact information about references, or other parties that can verify some of the material on the resume. Bullet points, bold words, and underlining are also found in many resumes. They are often confined to one single page. As one can intuitively acknowledge, resumes are very different from other writings.

                While textbooks, essays, and novels are always finalized and published, resumes are never truly finished until there is no need to inform employers. Because a resume is in fact a self-marketing tool using one’s life as the basis, it is important to note that they are dynamic in that one should always continue to add to its context. Many resumes are created by the method of listing each fact, so as one gains more work experience or honors, one should continually update his or her resume.

                Many forms of writing can allow the author to ignore common conventions of the respective type because the boldness can often lead to brilliance and innovation. However, when viewing a resume, employers often expect one to know and follow the accepted conventions, so it is vital to realize that the absence of certain conventions of resumes is usually more costly than genius. Therefore, when creating a resume, follow the established templates because it is these conventions that make a resume.