Mastering the Art of Job Applications: A Workshop for English Majors
On March 3, 2020, Hassan Costello spearheaded an enlightening workshop, 'Resume and Cover Letter Essentials,' meticulously crafted under the supervision of Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality. This event, specifically tailored for senior students and alumni of the Bachelor of Arts in English program, was aimed at furnishing attendees with the tools required to present their skills and qualifications in a compelling manner to potential employers.
Acknowledging the apprehensions that students and alumni frequently express about constructing resumes and cover letters, Mr. Costello emphasized that these documents should be seen as essential instruments to secure interviews, not merely formalities. He expanded on the concept of an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and illustrated how ATS-optimized resumes and cover letters can provide job seekers a crucial edge. The workshop saw attendance from Dr. Dawood Mahdi, Supervisor of the Guidance and Counselling Unit, Mohsin Khan, Alumni Unit Coordinator, and a motivated cohort of 25 students.
Given the widespread use of ATS software by HR departments, Mr. Costello's workshop was crafted to guide students on enhancing their resumes and cover letters - especially those with limited experience - to effectively navigate these automated systems and engage directly with recruiters.
One of the key elements of Mr. Costello's presentation was the 'transferable skills' challenge often encountered by English majors. He motivated attendees to consider how their proficiency in writing, editing, critical analysis, and managing information could be leveraged in a professional environment. He further underlined how courses like ENG 431 (Novel Course) contribute to honing critical thinking skills.
Participants received informative handouts covering crucial topics such as:
- Communicating skills and capabilities to potential employers without professional experience,
- Constructing a functional, ATS-friendly resume,
- Crafting an ATS-optimized cover letter,
- Implementing targeted keywords effectively.
While acknowledging that creating ATS-friendly documents can be demanding, especially with limited experience, Mr. Costello reassured participants that many desired skills are cultivated within the Bachelor of Arts in English Program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation.
As the workshop neared its conclusion, Mr. Khan and Dr. Mahdi revealed an exciting opportunity: the introduction of the new LinkedIn Learning program. They clarified that this opportunity is accessible to the first 50 students who apply. Boasting over 13,000 courses, LinkedIn Learning provides an exceptional platform for students to enhance vital 'soft skills' like creativity, persuasion, and collaboration.
