I use "texting language" in casual emails to firends and family on almost a daily basis. Yet I would never even think of using it in a professional or formal setting. That type of shorthand is simply inappropriate in my opinion and is reserved for private correspondence - not for documents that may make or break your career.

Leonicka

posted 7 months ago

Rob, I see an endless stream of resumes as a recruiter for hospitality in Western Canada. I haven't seen this language used in cover letters and resumes as yet, but I see only manager and executive level resumes and that may make a difference. However, I do see this "texting language" used in the email correspondences these applicants are sending. It makes an impression and not a positive one. It definately harms and applicant's standing with me but if this is the only detractor in their application I will still move forward with a screening interview, keeping in mind their lack of professionalism and laziness in the email message. Anything that takes away from the professionalism in an application is the responsibility of the applicant to correct and improve upon. I would let them know how their choice of language in the email impacted their application.

posted 7 months ago

Probably not if it is a brief personal and casual email. Nevertheless - you should be able to spell out words as well... and use spell check. You should avoid clichees where possible and not use street language to bring a finer point to the fore.

I once used to teach senior in highschool who were incapable of stringing a descriptive sentence together to give expression to their experiences and feelings. Stuff and things and sh... are not the words to use in those circumstances. It must be difficult if there is a universe spinning in one's head and no means to express its richness...

posted 7 months ago

This is nothing new.

In government work we are swamped with acronyms where people pepper their memos, presentations, etc where audiences invariably don't understand what is being said.

Abbreviations in textilng would be served better to use a complete phrase when a shortcut is first used in a chat session e.g. I am laughing out loud (LOL.)

In this way, the short cut is understood and it would be impressive that you completely define it when first used - I would think it would show that you are a thorough communicator with a strong desire to have the listener understand fully what you are trying to get across. You don't want to come off as someone who is just showing off a certain body of knowledge - this can work against you when improperly used or when challenged "What does LOL mean - Last on List?"

I wouldn't use these type abbreviations in a formal letter. I have found that the cover letter to your resume is what actually sets you apart from the crowd showing how you are ideal for the position and a strong desire to get hired for your dream job. This should be setting your best foot forward - therefore it would be best to stick to a polished formal presentation. You shouldn't say "I want to get back to the "Bureau"" if applying for a contract position with the FBI. (But I would think that FBI as an abbreviation would not have to be spelled out if that is the target agency in question.)

As an old ham radio telegraphy operator, I used lots of standard abbreviations. We even have "Q" signal codes where 3 letter combination such as QTH "where is your location" or QRS 10 "Please slow down send at 10 words per minute" would save considerable time in communicating. CB operators and government radio communicators use numeric codes such many start with the number "10" as "1020" for location information.
A typical QSO "Radio contact" would communicate Name, QTH RST and WX (Name location and a weather report) quicker than actually speaking this information. When texting becomes more widespread and a norm of everyday communication, these type standard abbreviations would not need pre-definition in a message.

Any communication needs to convey your desire to accurately get your message across with sensitivity and respect to your targeted audience. If appropriate, texting jargon may fit in well.

I would allow it to be used in E-mails. Here brevity is an asset if beinf read by your target with (Portable Communication Device) PCD

posted 7 months ago

That use of language in any form of business context is a bad idea as far as I'm concerned. A business letter is a formal document and should avoid the use of too much slang, vernacular, etc. on basic principle.

Now there are probably exceptions to the rule - and that is a case of the corporate culture. It may be acceptable or even beneficial in a limited amount of cases - here in Silicon Valley you'll actually see job ads, billboards, advertising using internet-speak and jokes (my favorite was "You can haz job?"). That is again, limited and a case of someone making a call.

Will it change? Somewhat. Certain chatspeak elements are very useful (BTW is a good example) and I expect them to get more and more commonplace. But for the business side of things, formality is usually the rule.

posted 7 months ago

I believe that communication skill is largely a matter of know "when to use what". That depends largely on the preferred channel of your intended audience. If I'm communicating in print or email with a masters-trained C-suite executive, I'll try not to sound like my 20-year old hacking away on his iPhone.

For an article on the subject that explores that angle, see

Links:

• http://www.technologyreview.com/biztech/17927/

posted 7 months ago

Good day Rob,

I'm not sure about the data supporting whether or not this is the case; however, the ability to communicate effectively is an important attribute within a myriad of situations (including pursuing one's career aspirations).

Regards,

John S. Rajeski

Links:

• http://guerrillajobhunting.typepad.com/
• http://www.amazon.com/Guerrilla-Marketing-Job-Hunters-Unconventional/dp/047...
• http://rajeski.com/

posted 7 months ago

Greetings Rob,

I think so... I'm inclined to think that texting language whose key characteristic is writing hastily with no regard for grammar, could not only harm job prospects but grammar itself probably without becoming aware of it... and a resume can pay the consequences.

As an almost bilingual professional, I must double check my writing style; it helps me to correct mistakes (including when I use that texting language) although some minor one slips some times (working on paying more attention to those fine details).

Regards.

posted 7 months ago

Using texting in the context of trying to obtain a job is a terrible idea! It says so many negative things about a candidate. Abbreviations are used in order to save time. When you use them in a cover letter or an introductory email, you're sending the message that you're trying to save time in the process in introducing yourself to a company.

I have occasionally run into candidates devolving to texting language during the course of the back and forth emails leading up to an interview. I usually let them know that we won't be proceeding with their candidacy, and I let them know why. My intention isn't to scold, but to educate. My assumption is that they have no idea that this isn't appropriate. My hope is that armed with this knowledge, they will take the professionalism up a notch when dealing with the next perspective employer.

The only exception to this is if I'm using Twitter to communicate with a candidate. That 140 character limit makes using proper English virtually impossible!

posted 7 months ago

Candidates should always put their best foot forward. "Texting language" during the job process suggests an informal relationship. Do you really want to start your professional career on that level. Candidates should still follow up interviews with hand-written notes and manners. Business social skills are lacking and it will set you apart from other candidates.

Why jeopardize your opportunities with today's job market.

You are your personal brand.

posted 7 months ago