Chapter 1: Introduction to Rhetoric and the Rhetorical Situation
Section 1.1 Rhetorical Analysis
Rhetoric in the Job Search
Sample scenario: Rhetorical Analysis of Applying for a Job
To give an example of the rhetorical situation, let’s analyze the rhetorical situation for the particular context of applying for a job. As an applicant, you may often create two genres, or document types, such as a resume and a cover letter, for the purpose of sharing your qualifications and experience, with special attention toward how your skills compliment the job for which you are applying.
Both the cover letter and resume highlights your skills, but does so in different ways. A resume functions merely to list your education, experience, and other qualifications. A resume is simply a list of facts about you. A cover letter’s purpose is to focus in on some of those facts to highlight them telling a particular story about your education and experience. These stories will highlight to your potential employer, in this case your audience, how and why you would be a good fit for the particular position you are applying for.
Of course, to write your cover letter and resume effectively you need to also do some research on the employer, location, and the position for which you are applying. This means that as the applicant you will have to survey the company website, if applicable, to learn more about the employer’s values and mission. Then you have to consider how you can enrich those values and mission using your experience and skills. You also need to find out information about the area in which the job is located, further persuading the employer you would also be an asset within that particular community and location. Finally, you will have to convince the employer you are the best fit for that position. What in your experience and education makes you a good fit for the job? What can you bring into that position that may be new or help the company to move forward? Remember that the cover letter is not just about you as an applicant, but also about how you can help that potential employer be successful in the future.
The Rhetorical Analysis of the Job Search
In this scenario, you have located a job that you would like to apply for as you feel your skills, experience, and education all fit the job as described. You have a resume drafted, and a cover letter template drafted, that you can modify to fit the job details. Below are considerations you may need to make as you modify the resume and cover letter.
- Education
- List relevant degrees and certifications. As a new or recent graduate, these are often listed first in a resume, but may be listed second.
- In your cover letter, identify how your education applies to the position.
- Experience and Skills
- Ensure all experiences and skills relevant to the position are in your resume. When appropriate, briefly describe key data or activities that you can discuss further in a cover letter or during an interview process.
- Be sure skills listed are specific. For example, team-player is probably a bad skill to list as it isn’t very specific. Sharing experience in a programming language is something more specific.
- Location
- Location matters. Consider in your cover letter how you may fit into the community. Do you have connections? Is this a place you want to live? Be prepared to discuss these things during a job interview.
- Job or Position
- Being able to have the relevant skills and education for a job posting is imperative, but you should also consider what you can bring to the job and company. This is something you can mention briefly in your cover letter, but discuss more during an interview.
These items listed above are all ways you apply the rhetorical situation to a job search. Other elements may apply as well, and work into the above categories, such as professional and personal goals.
