Memorandum
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT: Joan Davidson—Applicant for Technical Writing Instructor/Consultant
With a varied background in both writing and speaking, Joan Davidson demonstrates the ability to design and deliver curriculum material in an articulate manner. Although she lacks experience in sales, Joan seems eager to participate in our training program to overcome this void. I recommend we hire her as Technical Writing Instructor/Consultant at a starting salary of $28,000.
Strengths
• B.A., M.A. in journalism
• Extensive writing experience: has published papers in major social-sciences and engineering journals; has published college-level text supplement for writing course; has written and edited training manuals, employee handbooks, procedures for several major corporations; has written advertising copy for local and national bookstore chains; has published three plays.
• Good verbal skills: has presented papers at three national conferences; has taught business writing and technical writing courses at two junior colleges for a total of six years; is permanent fill-in for local TV talk-show host; was articulate during interview and fielded questions about handling client situations well.
• Pleasant personality: is open to suggestions about training; shows evidence of creative problem-solving skills; is self-motivated.
Weakness
• No formal sales experience: suggest training program and self-directed study, to which applicant wholeheartedly has agreed.
I have made a thorough check of all references; former employers have nothing but praise for her teaching skills, her writing efforts, and her on-the-job consulting and client relationships arranged through their offices. They verify her reasons for leaving past jobs have to do solely with lack of opportunity for advancement.
After reviewing approximately 60 résumés and conducting 15 interviews, I’m convinced Joan is the best-qualified candidate for this position and will make a valuable, long-term contribution to Harper. Her complete résumé is attached.
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