Category: Writing

The things I write

Writing

Work Samples and Cover Letter- Tips and Tricks

jazmynebisquera

Notes from a “How to Create a Work Sample/Cover Letter” Workshop by Grant Byington, writer extraordinaire:

Work Samples

  • 3 samples is the magic number
  • Beyond resume, first thing an employer requires to make a decision
  • Work samples are the “test drive” for the interviewer
  • In a screening process, they push the door open to interview
  • Keep a copy of work samples in an interview just in case
  • Short, self-contained work is the best kind of sample
    •    Can be read in one sitting
    • If it is formatted or designed, that is ideal
    •  If it’s in a magazine/booklet/brochure/etc, then that is awesome.
  • Have interesting, timely topic
    • Topics that relate to the past ain’t that great. Ones that are in the present are best
  • If something has been written that is applicable to a job that I’m applying for, include it
  • If something hasn’t been written, demonstrate that you can write that type of thing
  • Designed sample
    •  Your best choice
    •  Obtain permission from the person who commissioned the work
    •  If there is designed work, then have high-resolution files
    •   Print pieces ONLY if on website. Send URLs under separate cover
  • Formatted samples
    •  Still good choice
    • Use standard formatting
      •   1 inch margins
      • Calibri or Times New Roman 12pt
      •  Use header and footer for easy identication
    • White paper, black ink
  • NO:
    •  Hand-written work
    • Unedited work (EVERYTHING SHOULD BE EDITED)
    •  Unproofed work (EVERYTHING SHOULD BE PROOF-READ
    • Work in progress
  • Read stuff backwards to catch every word
  • Read it outloud
  • It is sometimes okay to show work done with a group

Cover Letter

  • Follow a business letter format
  • Why you’re writing someone
  • Refer to stuff on works and resume
  • And why you’re an ideal candidate for the job
  • Be personal without being too informal
  • Gives them a sense of what to do next about me
  • Have a call to action

Check out Grant Byington and his blog: http://www.grantbyington.com/

Writing

Creating a Resume – Tips and Tricks

jazmynebisquera

Notes from a “How to Create a Resume” Workshop by Grant Byington, writer extraordinaire

  • Headhunter=coaches on what to do ‘bout jobs
    Have RELIABLE contact information (correctly-spelled name, reliable telephone number, etc.)
  • Resume=contact information
  • Contains:
    • Name that you want to be called
    • Experience
    • Recognition and awards= attention grabbers
    • (have all achievements and experience remembered and know what happened. Only list achievements and experience you know how to talk about)
    • Be sincere, authentic, and straightforward
  • SELL YOURSELF
  • Resume gets you in the room, is with you at the table and stays in the room after you leave.
  • Does NOT contain:
    •  A page of goals in the workplace (i.e. how much you want to get paid)  A page of fabrications (i.e. Lying about awards and work experience)
    •   A page of contact information for references
      •    Do not contain a reference sheet if the workplace doesn’t require it
      • If they do require a reference sheet, then print and have one on a separate piece of paper, titled, “Reference Sheet”, not on the resume.
  • Do NOT lie in the interview
  • Have 2 different resumes
    • Chronological resume- lists thing according to work history (by date, most recent first)
    • Functional resume-highlights of work history arranged in a way that appeals to the person hiring (i.e. have a functional resume for being an actor. The work experiences that relate to being an actor should be at the beginning)
    • Curriculum vitae- Education and what you’ve learned, the classes taken, the certificate or awards in any special interests. History of school and classes.
  • Have a “presence” in the community in which you are trying to find a job
    • 80% of the people who get jobs get it through the “side door”
    • Side door of a company=somebody knows you. You’ve got connections.
    • “Somebody knows someone who has an aunt who knows the boss.” 
    • Put yourself out there. Be out there, be present and authentic.
    • You can develop a persona that is your “writing self”, separate from actual self.
    • Make the resume ONE SHEET OF PAPER, front and back.
  • For acting resumes- don’t have more than 10 characters/plays
    • “References available upon request”, have a list of references.
  • Choose one font, white paper, black ink, prominent name and contact information

 

 

Check out Grant Byington and his blog: http://www.grantbyington.com/

Poems, Writing

“Watching the Waves at Midnight” Poem

jazmynebisquera

“Watching the Waves at Midnight” by Jazmyne Bisquera

Souls belong to the water- buoys silently bobbing in place

That were thrown into the ocean and are drifting away.

Our spirits sing the sea’s siren songs,

The rumbling percussion of crashing waves

But bodies belong to the earth

Veins cling to the sand and bid us

Stay.

Our hearts beat to the pace of the tide

One-two, Three-four.

Answer their call,

And meet me at midnight.