As someone who works in writing and publishing, I’m no stranger to the Hubspot Calendar of Holidays and Events. When I’m stuck trying to figure out posts that I need to schedule or looking for a theme, I head over there to see if there’s something I’m missing out in the world. Some days I’m rewarded with something silly (National Awkward Moments Day, I’m looking at you… mark your calendars, folks, March 18th any awkwardness is a matter of celebration rather than a reason to wish you could sink through the floor).
Some days, however, I find out I’m in the middle of a celebration that makes me feel like the world is a good place.
And today is one of those days.
So, thanks to the Hubspot Calendar of Holidays, I’m pleased to let you know that today is Read Across America Day (Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!), and Sunday is the happiest of all days… National Grammar Day.
Some days, however, I find out I’m in the middle of a celebration that makes me feel like the world is a good place.
And today is one of those days.
So, thanks to the Hubspot Calendar of Holidays, I’m pleased to let you know that today is Read Across America Day (Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!), and Sunday is the happiest of all days… National Grammar Day.
(Full Disclosure: If I’m not the Queen of the Grammar Nerds, I’m at least in the line of succession. #Oxfordcommasforlife)
At heart, I’m a reading and writing teacher. I believe they are two of the most important skills any job seeker—strike that, anyone—can acquire.
Although I could happily wax poetic about the first time a child reads a book on their own, or the worlds that can be found in a good book, I’m not here to romanticize reading or writing. While I love reading and sometimes love writing (the draft success to coffee ratio is crucial here), I’m not here to romanticize either of them.
When students proudly confess their hatred or their ineptitude (and it is always with pride), I tend to tell them to “fake it until they make it,” and that I don’t love math, but I learned to do it (ok, that’s actually a lie, I do love math, but anyway…).
So, you’re probably wondering what in the heck this has to do with you.
Why is an employment blog so concerned with reading and writing? How are they related to the job search? To employment? What’s in it for me?
EVERYTHING. (NO REALLY.)
At heart, I’m a reading and writing teacher. I believe they are two of the most important skills any job seeker—strike that, anyone—can acquire.
Although I could happily wax poetic about the first time a child reads a book on their own, or the worlds that can be found in a good book, I’m not here to romanticize reading or writing. While I love reading and sometimes love writing (the draft success to coffee ratio is crucial here), I’m not here to romanticize either of them.
When students proudly confess their hatred or their ineptitude (and it is always with pride), I tend to tell them to “fake it until they make it,” and that I don’t love math, but I learned to do it (ok, that’s actually a lie, I do love math, but anyway…).
So, you’re probably wondering what in the heck this has to do with you.
Why is an employment blog so concerned with reading and writing? How are they related to the job search? To employment? What’s in it for me?
EVERYTHING. (NO REALLY.)
I have simply never seen a “top skills” list that doesn’t include communication in it.
I would also say that 90% of job postings I see list communication skills in some way, whether as a primary requirement or an additional skill.
I’ve heard anecdotally (and experienced) how shoddy grammar can get one’s resume thrown into the recycling bin.
I realize I am probably saying something that you already know—that you are either sitting there nodding your head in agreement or huffing and thinking “duh, Jamie, duh.”
So, why am I wasting your time with this information?
Well, I’m hoping you’ll join my crusade (Do you hear the people sing?). I’m hoping that we can count on you as a proud member of the Grammar Nerd ranks.
Because here’s the thing—I know that someone in your life doubts the importance of this information. It may be a spouse; it may be a young adult.
And someday, sooner or later, that person is going to be looking for work.
It’s going to be an easier road if they have the necessary critical reading skills (read the job posting) and writing skills (cover letter, writing the resume, etc.). They will be significantly better candidates and employees if they buy into the importance of reading (Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!) and writing
(Happy Grammar Day!).
So, join us!
Need some resources? Check out the following!
For general writing information, the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue is where it’s at.
They also have great information on .
Here are some tips for how to read critically, and some more here.
I would also say that 90% of job postings I see list communication skills in some way, whether as a primary requirement or an additional skill.
I’ve heard anecdotally (and experienced) how shoddy grammar can get one’s resume thrown into the recycling bin.
I realize I am probably saying something that you already know—that you are either sitting there nodding your head in agreement or huffing and thinking “duh, Jamie, duh.”
So, why am I wasting your time with this information?
Well, I’m hoping you’ll join my crusade (Do you hear the people sing?). I’m hoping that we can count on you as a proud member of the Grammar Nerd ranks.
Because here’s the thing—I know that someone in your life doubts the importance of this information. It may be a spouse; it may be a young adult.
And someday, sooner or later, that person is going to be looking for work.
It’s going to be an easier road if they have the necessary critical reading skills (read the job posting) and writing skills (cover letter, writing the resume, etc.). They will be significantly better candidates and employees if they buy into the importance of reading (Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!) and writing
(Happy Grammar Day!).
So, join us!
Need some resources? Check out the following!
For general writing information, the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue is where it’s at.
They also have great information on .
Here are some tips for how to read critically, and some more here.
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