Ooh, Ooh, Pick Me!

This is a functional resume and the accompanying cover letter for one of the jobs I plan on applying for after graduation. The formatting is a little messed up here. Unfortunately, the GPA might be, too...

Jaime L. Redpath

1234 Connecticut Ave. Apt. 2

New Castle, PA 16105

(724) 856-xxxx

April 18, 2011

Ms. Susan Hobbs
Steel Town Promotions
50 S. 7^th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Dear Ms. Hobbs,

As a poor college student, I worked on promotional advertising and public relations for six different theatre productions in my “spare” time. While working at my local video store, I organized and executed two separate large-scale fundraising events just because I wanted to. I once helped a former teacher run for School Board, and I have campaigned for everything from gay rights to keeping government funding for public radio and television. These are the types of things I enjoy putting my efforts into. This is my passion.

My first career was in the restaurant industry, and I did very well. I had a love for cooking, but once I had my daughter, I no longer had a love for the cuts, burns, heavy lifting, and long hours standing on my feet. I decided to go back to school for Communications and took a part-time job in customer service. I discovered that I have a knack for public relations and moved into independent sales. Throughout my life, I’ve always held leadership positions and had the opportunity to train others. My positive attitude and professionalism has allowed me to excel at every endeavor I’ve undertaken.

As a recent graduate, I would love enter into a field that allows me to combine my skills with my interests. Steel Town Promotions caught my eye, not only because it is in the heart of a city I love, but because it appears as though you value people who are excited about what they do. I believe that my college education, along with my previous work in the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment industries, makes me an ideal candidate to work for your company.

I am incredibly excited about this career opportunity and would welcome the chance to meet with you for an interview. I’m sure you will see that my enthusiasm is boundless, and I am prepared to face any challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn. I hope to hear from you soon about joining your team.

Sincerely,

Jaime L. Redpath

************************************************************

1234 connecticut ave · Apt. 2 · new castle, pa 16105

(724)856-xxxx · Jaimestrange@yahoo.com

Jaime L. Redpath

objective

I am a recent college graduate looking for an entry-level position in public relations, advertising, or marketing that will allow me to grow as an individual while supporting my family.

Functional summary

I believe that working for this company would allow me to develop the skills necessary to succeed in my chosen field. I plan to use my prior experience, drive, and determination to take advantage of any opportunities, management or otherwise, that would lead to career advancement.

Summary of qualifications

·         Responsible and reliable

·         Positive and friendly attitude

·         Excellent professional work ethic

·         Strong communication and problem solving skills

·         Real world experience in Public Relations and Advertising

·         Real world experience in organizing charitable events

·         Currently self-employed

Employment

4/11-present Vantel Pearls Foxboro, MA

Independent Sales Consultant

·         Completed Elegant Start Program

·         $4,000 Total Sales Volume within first 60 days

8/09-4/11 Family Video New Castle, PA

Customer Service Representative

·         Keyholder/Shift Leader

·         Event Organizer

·         Certified Trainer

Education

2/10-10/11 Ashford University Clinton, IA

BA in Communications

·         3.73 GPA

·         Graduated Summa Cum Laude

·         Member: Alpha Sigma Lambda

A Different World

In my Advanced Communications in Society Class, we read a very interesting article about how anonymous online venues may hold the key to better understanding between cultures. We were asked to give our take on how this new form of social interaction could affect our lives...

            The article “Understanding Islam Through Virtual Worlds,” written by Joshua Fouts and Rita King, suggests that Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs) are an ideal place for people with differing views to meet. They suggest that this venue allows for people to discuss their customs and beliefs without judging one another on first sight. In the modern world, MMOs may be able to help break down barriers and bring people together in a way that was previously unimagined. They present users with a neutral ground where everyone is the same, with equal influence and abilities.

            There are benefits and drawbacks to this type of interaction. It is obvious that one would not be judged by their appearance regarding race, age, or beauty, because a user has the power to manipulate these characteristics in a way that may not be true to life. The program also has the ability to translate for you, making differing languages a non-issue. Shyness is not a factor, since others can only see a virtual representation of users; they most likely feel that they can speak freely, without fear of judgment, or at least without that judgment leading to repercussions.

            Users are not limited by sickness or disability, nor are they limited by distance or environment. Someone in a wheelchair becomes the same in the virtual world as an able-bodied person. There is no chance of catching a cold or other communicable illness through a computer. People from China can sit down and have a conversation with people from Australia without knowing each other; all they need is an internet connection. Heat, rain, wind, and snow do not keep people from meeting; all interaction is done from the comfort of your own home.        

            The virtual world allows users to venture to places that they would not normally go, or even be allowed to visit, such as the place of worship of another religion. This allows someone to harmlessly observe rituals that they are not a part of, and gain insights that they would otherwise lack. There also may not be a need to adhere as strongly to the normal customs and courtesies of the real world, although that can be problematic. The chances of meeting people who will be accepting of others’ differences is higher, presuming that the intent of those who enter into this space is to have these experiences; you are automatically presented with an open-minded audience.

            One of the most liberating benefits, however, may be freedom. The freedom to do more things and have more “experiences” than you could ever imagine. Characters in the virtual world are able to fly, have unlimited strength, and can climb mountains without ever stopping to catch their breath. Men of modest means can “live” in luxury beyond their wildest dreams. These abilities can stimulate the mind and lead to more creative and imaginative thinking. The entire virtual world can serve as inspiration. Using this type of venue to conduct real-world business can also allow us to multitask. You can sit in on a meeting and eat lunch without ever talking with your mouth full.

            Along with all of these benefits, of course come drawbacks, many of which are not cited in the article. The virtual world that we are speaking of is not actually representative of the real world. There is a definite loss of the human element. Lower and lower-middle class people are not able to take advantage of this new forum because they may not have computers or the free time they need to participate. Therefore, these groups are not represented when it comes to opinions and culture. There are no homeless men in Second Life.

            Another drawback is that some users may neglect the real world, as well as the potential impact they can make on it, because they are too absorbed in the game. Some people may have a loose grasp on reality, and without constant reminders to separate the real world from the virtual one, may end up with some serious problems. Some users may become angry if the aforementioned real-life customs and courtesies are not followed. People may enter into certain situations looking for a fight. The virtual world may bring with it its own type of discrimination – based not on what the user looks like, but rather how they have designed their avatar. Beauty can still be a distraction. Many of the female users of Second Life choose characters that are sexually appealing. The draw to show oneself in the best possible light is too great. Because of this, many male users may objectify women.

            There is also the danger of users masquerading as something they are not for malicious purposes, whether it is assuming someone else’s identity, posing as a different age or gender, or masking a criminal record. The concept of living a life through an avatar can be unsettling, especially when thinking of all of the science fiction stories that have led us to this advancement. This futuristic projection is suddenly a reality, and while there seems to be no limit to its benefits, there is also no telling what evils lurk in the hearts of men, and how they might manipulate these worlds for their own devious intent.