Teaching Job Search Written And Oral Communication Skills Through An Integrated Approach

Abstract

Business educators understand the value of improving students written and oral communication skills. However, too often assignments used to develop these important skills are taught in isolation. The purpose of this article is to enhance a students written and oral skills by integrating all aspects of the job search written documents and interview practice while utilizing a student-selected job announcement. Each student must find a job announcement for an internship or career position that is consistent with the students major. The job announcement should list the organizations needs in terms of degree required and specific skills. This article outlines an integrated process of teaching written and oral communication skills through the entire job search. Thus, the job announcement is the focal point for the students resume, cover letter, career portfolio, and mock interview. Student feedback from the integrated process described in this article has been very positive and rewarding. Students consistently indicate their satisfaction when they successfully apply their self-marketing tools and secure a desired position prior to graduation.