Friday, November 30, 2012

December Tips from Neumont's Writing Center


When it’s time to write a business letter, you have many resources at your fingertips.  You can open your favorite browser and search for a ready reference, or simply open Word and use a template. In case you're ready to commit these steps to memory for use in your cover letter to potential employers, here are some tips from the Neumont Writing Center. 

Of course don't forget the biggest: Write, Simplify, Review, Repeat!

Task 1:  “Remembering Basic Formatting”

1A:  Think about a business letter you have written or that you have read in the last few weeks.  Without looking or searching, identify the first block of text that should appear first in every business letter.  What is it?

Answer:  It depends.  If you are not using letterhead, the first block of text that should appear in every business letter is the sender’s address (include only the street address, city, and zip code).  If you are using letterhead, this information is already contained in letterhead—no need for redundancy here!


1B:  Name what comes after the sender’s address (or the letterhead).
        
 Answer:  The date.  For example:  November 13, 2012.

1C:  Now for a more challenging task—describe what block of text follows the date.

Answer:  The “inside address” or recipient’s address is situated below the date.  It’s always best to write to a specific person—even if it requires a visit to the company website or for you to make a call.

1D:  Following the inside address, business letter writers should include the salutation.  What name should writers include in the salutation?

AnswerWell, the recipient—right?  If you know the recipient, it’s acceptable to use the person’s first name followed by a colon (for example—Dear John:).  In all other cases, use the person’s full name and title followed by a colon. 

Task 2:  “What a Body!”

2A:  Think about and list the qualities of the body of a superior business letter.  Compare your thoughts with the following: 

For block and modified block formats, single space and left justify each paragraph within the body of the letter. Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point. The next paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs, continue justification with background information and supporting details. The closing paragraph should restate the purpose of the letter and, in some cases, request some type of action (Booher, 2011, p. 76).

Task 3:  “Closing Out and Taking Away”

When closing a business letter, capitalize the first word only (for example:  Thank you,) and leave four lines between the closing and your signature. 

3A:  As you prepare to close this e-mail and go on with your work, think about what you can do to make your business letter writing more effective.  The next time you have the opportunity to write a business letter, make a plan to incorporate these ideas.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Neumont's November Safety Tips

Neumont After the winter's first big snow storm

Because we take the safety of our Neumont community very seriously, we feel it would be helpful to begin a monthly email containing safety tips that all of us can implement ...

Now that we are approaching the winter months it is a great time to focus on a few small things that will make a big difference in the case of an emergency.   Please take a moment to read this month’s tips on how to stay safe as the cold season approaches.

November Safety Tips
  • It’s November, and here in Utah the weather and traffic can be unpredictable.  Because of that, always make sure to carry a few extra items in your car during the cold months.  A good start would be: a flashlight, extra gloves, a few water bottles, a spare jacket or coat, a blanket, and jumper cables.  These items will help you if and when you find yourself stuck or stranded, and can be easily stowed in your trunk.
  • Next, I would recommend a good pair of walking shoes and extra socks (also in your trunk.)  If you get stuck and help isn’t close, you may have to walk a bit in order to get help, and a pair of comfortable shoes will really come in handy.
  • Finally, try to fill-up your gas tank when you hit the half-full mark.  The last thing you want is to run out of gas in bad weather or unsafe traffic.  Keeping your tank at least half full insures you extra time and travel in case an emergency hits.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Neumont Career Week November 2012


Fall CAREER WEEK IS November 12-16

TECHTALK SCHEDULE:
  • MONDAY: Noon (Room 300):  Knowledgeblue
  • TUESDAY: Noon: Rentler
  • WEDNESDAY: Noon: Extend Health
  • WEDNESDAY: 6 PM: LDS Church (LDSSA employer presentation)
  • THURSDAY: Noon (Room 300): CR England
  • THURSDAY: 1:30 PM (Room 300): Multivision
  • FRIDAY: Noon: AtTask
BOOTH FAIR:
 
THURSDAY- 3:30-5 PM: Overstock.com, Electronic Arts, Wahoo Studios, 1800 Contacts, Xerox, IHC, LDS Church, State of Utah, Vivint, CR England, AtTask, Rentler, Mutlivision, Mastercontrol, Marketaxess, Mokinetworks, Extend Health, Netsteps, Versik Health, IDS, Leadmedia, Dealertrack, Knowledgeblue

*All Career Week events will take place in Room 200 unless otherwise specified

THE DRESSING ROOM

Daily, between 8AM- 4 PM, J.P. will be hosting the Dressing Room in his office where he will be able to advise and assist you regarding professional appearance. There will be shirts and ties to borrow, if needed. J.P. can also assist you with tying your tie or shining your shoes.  An ironing board and iron will also be available for you to use.  Please email J.P. at John.Peppinger@Neumont.edu to make an appointment.  Professional apparel is a must for all events and any scheduled interviews.  

Stop by the University Relations Department for more information. Let us help you take advantage of every Career Week opportunity!

 


Neumont Twitter Feed