For younger generations, the content of the message is far more important than the structure. Employers have to ask: Does this represent shortcomings in skills and know-how? Certainly, some professions require a solid grasp of the rules of grammar. Those seeking careers in areas like journalism, corporate communications and publishing should be able to demonstrate above-average writing and verbal communication skills. And for the most part, it would behoove all job candidates to spend extra time proofing and reproofing their résumés and cover letters. However, there are many positions in which written communication is rare. Yet candidates for these positions are frequently eliminated based on their use of poor or nontraditional grammar. It is important to remember that younger generations, particularly the generation entering the work force today, grew up texting, sharing on Facebook and tweeting — using as few words as possible to get their messages across. For younger generations, the content of the message is far more important than the structure. They rely heavily on shortcuts and are quick to abandon the conventional rules of grammar and punctuation. Employers have to ask themselves whether these nontraditional forms of communication necessarily represent shortcomings in technical skills and know-how. Indeed, if a candidate can convey in 140 characters what took me 300 words – even if it means cutting some grammatical corners — I would say that person brings a useful talent to the table. “Consider the Candidate and the Position” Reader Comments
For younger generations, the content of the message is far more important than the structure. Employers have to ask: Does this represent shortcomings in skills and know-how? Certainly, some professions require a solid grasp of the rules of grammar. Those seeking careers in areas like journalism, corporate communications and publishing should be able to demonstrate above-average writing and verbal communication skills. And for the most part, it would behoove all job candidates to spend extra time proofing and reproofing their résumés and cover letters. However, there are many positions in which written communication is rare. Yet candidates for these positions are frequently eliminated based on their use of poor or nontraditional grammar. It is important to remember that younger generations, particularly the generation entering the work force today, grew up texting, sharing on Facebook and tweeting — using as few words as possible to get their messages across. For younger generations, the content of the message is far more important than the structure. They rely heavily on shortcuts and are quick to abandon the conventional rules of grammar and punctuation. Employers have to ask themselves whether these nontraditional forms of communication necessarily represent shortcomings in technical skills and know-how. Indeed, if a candidate can convey in 140 characters what took me 300 words – even if it means cutting some grammatical corners — I would say that person brings a useful talent to the table. “Consider the Candidate and the Position” Reader Comments
Grammar-Day-Activity-Analyzing-Articles.docx