1) Read the interview, the poem, and the sample/template letters attached.

Transcription

1 Poetry and Plumbing: Finding Voice for Successful Business Communication Liberal Arts Beyond Bars (LABB) Lecture Series February 5 th & 7th Mark Petterson and Ken Brown, University of Iowa A successful job search, especially in the context of re-entry, is a challenge that requires navigating multiple hurdles. Based on survey results of IMCC clients, we have identified finding and keeping meaningful employment as one of the most critical challenges. Associated with that challenge is the ability to communicate in ways that allow you to motivate both yourself and others. What stories do you tell yourself to keep up your motivation as you look for a job? What stories do you write in a letter asking for an interview? What stories do you prepare to tell as a way to impress others that you are up for the challenge of building a life on the inside and outside? We believe that the answer to these questions can be found in both the profound and the profane, in the high art of poetry and the basic plumbing work of writing business letters. In fact, a common saying in business is that the path to accomplishing any meaningful goals involves being able to do both poetry and plumbing. We will take this seriously and, in this class, ask you to read and write poetry as well as compose business letters. Here is how we d like you to prepare: 1) Read the interview, the poem, and the sample/template letters attached. 2) Consider a job you might like to apply for, and what personal strengths and experiences you have that you could write about to convince someone, in an application letter, that she should interview you. You don t have to write a formal letter at this point, but jot down a few key things about the place you would like to work and about yourself that would go into the letter. 3) Begin work on a poem about yourself that helps you see your strengths and skills. What is good about you that you d like to remind yourself and tell others? The key here, as noted in the interview, is not to brag, but to connect with others in your life as a way to show who you are. So the poem might be about you, but it would reference other people in your life. Or it might focus on someone important to you, like a friend, teacher, or former boss. There is no format required here! Just start writing down your thoughts. We will workshop it later. Our hope from this class is that you will learn to see connections between the art of poetry and the mundane, plumbing-like activity of writing business letters. And in learning about this and practicing, you will be better prepared to use your voice for successful poetry and plumbing.

2 Readings 1) Master the Art of Storytelling - interview with writer Robert McKee (from the radio podcast Bulletproof ) 2) Who Understands Me but Me poem by Jimmy Santiago Baca 3) Sample Cover Letter, Cover Letter Worksheet, Sample Letter of Introduction from University of Iowa Career Center 4) Sample Re-entry Cover Letter

3 The Bulletproof Executive 2013

4 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 2

5 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 3

6 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 4

7 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 5

8 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 6

9 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 7

10 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 8

11 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 9

12 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 10

13 Bulletproof Toolbox Podcast #232, Robert McKee 11

14 1/2/2018 Who Understands Me but Me by Jimmy Santiago Baca Poetry Foundation Who Understands Me but Me BY JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA They turn the water off, so I live without water, they build walls higher, so I live without treetops, they paint the windows black, so I live without sunshine, they lock my cage, so I live without going anywhere, they take each last tear I have, I live without tears, they take my heart and rip it open, I live without heart, they take my life and crush it, so I live without a future, they say I am beastly and fiendish, so I have no friends, they stop up each hope, so I have no passage out of hell, they give me pain, so I live with pain, they give me hate, so I live with my hate, they have changed me, and I am not the same man, they give me no shower, so I live with my smell, they separate me from my brothers, so I live without brothers, who understands me when I say this is beautiful? who understands me when I say I have found other freedoms? I cannot fly or make something appear in my hand, I cannot make the heavens open or the earth tremble, I can live with myself, and I am amazed at myself, my love, my beauty, I am taken by my failures, astounded by my fears, I am stubborn and childish, in the midst of this wreckage of life they incurred, I practice being myself, and I have found parts of myself never dreamed of by me, they were goaded out from under rocks in my heart when the walls were built higher, when the water was turned off and the windows painted black. I followed these signs like an old tracker and followed the tracks deep into myself, followed the blood-spotted path, deeper into dangerous regions, and found so many parts of myself, who taught me water is not everything, and gave me new eyes to see through walls, and when they spoke, sunlight came out of their mouths, and I was laughing at me with them, we laughed like children and made pacts to always be loyal, who understands me when I say this is beautiful? CORRECTION: the last line of the first stanza was corrected to read "who understands me when I say I have found other freedoms?", and the first line of the second stanza was corrected to read "I cannot fly or make something appear in my hand," on November 15, /2

15 1/2/2018 Who Understands Me but Me by Jimmy Santiago Baca Poetry Foundation Notes: Jimmy Santiago Baca, Who Understands Me but Me from Immigrants in Our Own Land and Selected Early Poems. Copyright 1990 by Jimmy Santiago Baca. Reprinted by permission of New Directions Publishing Corporation. Source: Immigrants in Our Own Land and Selected Early Poems (New Directions Publishing Corporation, 1990) CONTACT US NEWSLETTERS PRESS PRIVACY POLICY POLICIES TERMS OF USE POETRY MOBILE APP 61 West Superior Street, Chicago, IL Hours: Monday-Friday 11am - 4pm 2018 Poetry Foundation 2/2

16 JANE Q. DOE 123 Main Street Iowa City, IA ( Date Name of Contact Person His/Her Title Organization Name Street Address City, State, Zip Dear Contact Person (Mr./Ms. and last name): (If a contact name is not listed, call the organization to ask for the appropriate contact. If you cannot locate a specific individual, address your letter to Members of the Search committee or Human Resources Director) Opening Paragraph Use this paragraph to get the employer s attention. Show your initiative, and what you have learned about the company that makes it attractive to you. Identify what position you are applying for and how you learned about the position. If you have been referred to the position by someone in your network, include that information here. Your goal is to convince the employer that you are a strong candidate qualified for an interview. Body of the Letter This section of the letter is where you justify why you should be considered as a candidate. Relate your qualifications to the specific job requirements, using examples of your experiences and achievements to convey your knowledge and skills. Do not simply duplicate the information your resume; rather highlight or add pertinent details of interest to the employer. Use wording similar to the job description and make a connection between your experiences and the duties/tasks of the position. Closing Paragraph The final paragraph is used to express an interest in an opportunity to interview for the position or to meet to discuss your qualifications. Indicate a willingness to supply the employer with additional information. Also, indicate that you will take the next step, which may be a follow-up phone call (be sure to mark your calendar and then make the call). If you wish, state that you will call within two weeks to ensure that your materials were received or to talk more about the position in detail. Remember to thank the employer for reviewing your application. Sincerely, Your Signature (use black ink) Your typed name Enclosure (if you are including a resume or another document with your cover letter)

17 Cover Letter Worksheet An effective cover letter will improve your chances for an interview and ultimately a job offer. Take some time to think about yourself what makes you special, what you ve accomplished, what abilities you most enjoy using, etc. Address your strongest attributes and don t attempt to include everything about yourself. Thinking through the following questions will help you write a letter that connects your qualifications with an employer s needs. Consider your USP (Unique Selling Proposition an advertising term used to market a product) What are your unique qualities and strengths? What is it about this employer that attracts you? How would you utilize your talents with this organization? Think about your Job and Internship Experiences What skills and abilities have you used to accomplish your work? What accomplishments did you achieve? What are you most proud of? Identify examples where you exhibited qualities employers are looking for: Communication skills Strong work ethic Teamwork Initiative Interpersonal skills Problem-solving Analytical skills Flexibility/adaptability Computer skills Review your Coursework and Identify what you have Learned What class assignments and group projects have resembled real world experiences? Identify the knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities you have acquired through your coursework Think about your Campus and Community Involvement What organizations have you been involved with? What leadership positions have you held? What skills have you strengthened or developed?

18 Job Search Correspondence : Letter of Introduction Sample Letter of Introduction February 1, 20XX Ms. Tracy Johnson V.P. Human Resources XYZ Company 355 1st Avenue New York, NY Dear Ms. Johnson: Karen T. Smith 1201 Summer Street Iowa City, IA Martin Drive Elgin, IL karen-smith@uiowa.edu A recent issue of Business Week included a very interesting article on XYZ Company describing the excellent customer service you provide. This is an essential component of a successful non-profit organization, so I am writing regarding my interest in a public relations internship with your company. I am interested in learning more about your work, as well as any anticipated openings on your staff. I have enclosed my resume for your review and my specific qualifications for a position in public relations include: Public Relations projects with both Wells Fargo and the Muscular Dystrophy Association 2 years of Event Planning experience while a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at the University of Iowa Work experience as a Sales Associate at a local retail store Pursing a B.A. in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations During the week of March 15, I will be visiting New York City. If your schedule permits, an opportunity to meet to discuss my qualifications and your hiring needs would be greatly appreciated. I will call your office next week to see if such a meeting can be arranged. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you. Sincerely, Karen T. Smith Karen T. Smith

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