Words Create Worlds

29 September 2017

The words you use matter – enormously.

Microcopy is a term used by web designers to refer to the small instructional text that guide people when they visit a web site (e.g. submit, save, update, new, sign up, try for free, learn more, search…).  Web designers know to test A and B versions of all their microcopy, as small changes can have enormous impact on the user experience and trust of the site (e.g. testing if: A “Don’t worry we will only use your email address once” is better than B “Your email address is safe with us”).

Microcopy is just as important for your résumé and your job applications.  The small words you use create a sense of you and leave an impression that lasts.  It is important for you to know if you come across as complex, long winded, stuffy, super intelligent, open, transparent, soppy, direct, caring, inclusive, etc.…  Ideally the tone you communicate will be authentic and reflective of you.  You also want it to convey you in a way that is appropriate for the role, with hopefully, the two things being the same. 

So, what is the tone you wish to convey about yourself?

Every word on your résumé counts to create this tone, from the headings you decide to use (e.g. ‘Training’, or ‘Professional Development’, or ‘Short Courses’), to the way you describe your skills and attributes, to the salutation you sign off with (e.g. ‘Yours truly’, or ‘Sincerely’, or ‘Cheers’, or ‘With Regards’).

The thing is, it is virtually impossible to get distance enough from your own writing to have a sense of the impact of your microcopy. You know how you intend the words to come across, and this knowledge overshadows your ability to have objectivity.  It can help to review and re-read your résumé at times when you are not getting it ready for use. Pre-writing and refining stories you might use in job applications is another. 

Getting someone else to read your résumé or application (especially if they do not know you that well) is another great way to check the tone that is being conveyed.  Ask them to reflect on the following questions, and offer to do the same for them:

• Being honest, (an knowing I am resilient) what 3 ‘negative’ words come to mind after reading this résumé or application?
• On a scale of 1 – 10 to what degree does the writing present me as [insert how you want to be perceived]?
• Are there specific words in the writing that jarred with you?
• How clear and succinct is the writing?

“Words Create Worlds” is founded from the change process Appreciate Inquiry, and it is so true.  Very often in selection processes, through processes of social constructionism, the words you use on documents become the main source of trust, and open or keep closed the gateway to the next stage of the selection.  Pay careful attention to the microcopy and use words that create the world you want to be a part of.

As always wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine