Phase One

1.

Initial Impressions

• letter is quick and concise
• good use of personal qualities

Keywords:

• computer science
• c++
• wayne state university
• general electric

2.

•  no mention of why you want to work for this employer over another
• mention of personal qualities that may contribute to employer’s success but no direct connection to employers goals
• no mention of social skills and how you will work with other employees/in the employers environment

Ethos

• qualifications and past experiences are mentioned
• some credentials mentioned

Pathos

• obvious desire for the position
• needs more enthusiasm about the position

Research

• could do more research about the employer and state employer accomplishments or values that are relevant to this position

Anderson’s Five Goals

• job wanted is identified
• lack of knowledge about the employer (no mention)
• no mention of why you chose this specific employer
• qualifications that may contribute to the position are mentioned but no overall connection to employers goals and values
• no next steps mentioned (ie. requesting a future interview)

Effectiveness as an Argument

• does not mention how his skills will contribute directly to the employer’s mission/goals as well as how they relate to these job requirements
• evidence of how you will be an effective employee but need to relate more to why the employer will directly benefit by hiring you
• no strong reason for why the employer should hire you in paragraph one (could mention goals the employer has that you would like to help accomplish)
• second paragraph mentions why the employer will benefit from personal skills

Reading Task 2:

•  could add more info, bit short
• easy to read
• quick and concise, it flows
• no spelling errors
• correct use of grammar

Phase Two: Reading and Critiquing Resumes 

Reading Task 1: Scan the Resume

1.

• technical expertise clear in the first section of resume
• favorable personal qualities are mentioned (ie. team builder)
• past experience is mentioned and past duties mentioned clearly

2.

• advanced topics studied in University not mentioned
• computer languages mentioned, could mention operating system knowledge
• more field buzz words could be mentioned
• no professional societies mentioned
• interpersonal skills mentioned

Reading Task 2:  Critique Key Sections

Education Section

1. Education section could be placed higher (experiential)
2. Courses not mentioned, just degree program
3. Skills section could be more concise.
4. 4. No special projects or internships.
5. 5. No awards or academic honors mentioned

Work and Skills Section

1. Points in skills section could be expanded on.
2. Accomplishments not really mentioned.
3. Knowledge and responsibilities mentioned.

Reading Task 3

 1. 

• other than pushing education section higher and expanding it, things are in the right order.
• minimal use of verbs
• could look into more parallel construction.

2. 

• resume is ethically sound

Phase Three: User Test and Design Critique of Professional Websites

• No personal details or image, other than name
• Text structures are used to guide the reader but some links do not work
• Looks good, clean and simple
• No extra colour and images other than basic layout
• Design is good, easy to use, just need to add more content
• (No personal touches)
• Easy to follow and understand

Personal Opinion

• Really simple
• Easy to navigate
• Looks good 
• Just lacking content.