LibGuides: Writing Centre Online Resource Guide: Writing for Work

Writing for Work: Overview

Writing for work differs in many important respects from the writing you do at university. This page provides links and resources for writing resumes and cover letters, writing press releases, as well as writing for the web and for the general public.

Writing for the Web is unlike other forms of writing. It should be clear and concise, easy to read and attractive to online audiences. The following resources contain tips about selecting an audience, choosing a style, and editing web documents.

Writing Style for Print vs Web
A helpful comparison from Jakob Nielsen of the Nielsen Norman group
University of Waterloo: Writing for the Web Tips
This link from the University of Waterloo discusses style and word choice when writing on the Web.
McGill University: Write for the Web
Some steps to follow when writing for the Web
NYU: Writing for the Web
Guide detailing four things to notice the when writing for the Web (including Search Engine Optimization [SEO])
Usability.gov: Writing for the Web
A resource providing tips for writing user-friendly content for the Web
Checklist for Plain Language on the Web
A checklist from planlanguage.gov
Dalhousie University Editorial Style Guide
Style guide from Dalhousie Communications and Marketing. May be of use for those writing material for Dalhousie websites.

Resources updated and compiled by Yuke Han, Dalhousie Writing Centre, March 2019

Writing for the General Public

Writing for the General Public
A short guide by Mary J. Breen, one of the chief advocates in Canada for plain language writing.
plainlanguage.gov
The Plain Language Action and Information Network provides a collection of resources to help writers create user-friendly documents.
Plain Language Checklist
The Plain Language website provides a checklist to help web writers.
Easy to Read NYC: Guidelines for Clear and Effective Communication
Nine easy, practical guidelines for how to write in plain language from the New York City government

Resumes and Job Applications

Drop in Advising from Job & Career Services
myCareer
Job and career services available to all Dalhousie students.
Sample Resumes
Provided by Dalhousie University Career Services.
Effective Cover Letters & Resumes
A video presentation from Careers & Experience, Western University
How to Write a Cover Letter
A guide from the Government of Victoria, Australia
Writing Cover Letters
A guide from Dalhousie University Career Services
Guidelines and Categories for Resumes
From Dalhousie University Career Services
Resume Vs. C.V.
A guide from Dalhousie University Career Services
Resume and Cover Letter Resources
From Dalhousie University Career services. Click on "Sample Resumes" to see examples of resumes from a variety of fields.

Business Writing

Tone in Business Writing
a guide from Purdue OWL

Business Memos
A guide from the WAC Clearinghouse at Colorado State University
Parts of a Memo
A guide from Purdue OWL
Sample Business Memo
from Purdue OWL

Links compiled by Yuke Han, Dalhousie Writing Centre, March 2019

Business Letters
A guide to different genres of business letter from the WAC Clearinghouse at Colorado State University
Business Letters: Format
A guide to the format of business letters from the WAC Clearinghouse at Colorado State University

Being able to write professional emails is an essential skill both at university and in the workplace. Here are some resources to help you understand some basic formats for business emails and how to use them effectively.

University of Waterloo: Writing Professional Emails in the Workplace
This is a general guide to writing business emails from the University of Waterloo.
UNC: Effective Email Communication
This is a guide to an effective way of writing business emails from the University of North Carolina.
Menlo College: Writing a Formal Email
This guide, from Menlo College, provides exercises focussing on formal and informal tone as well as revision.

Compiled by Yuke Han, Dalhousie Writing Centre, March 2019

How to Write a Business Report
a handbook from Victoria University of Wellington, NZ
Writing a business report
A guide from the University of Adelaide
Writing Business Reports
A guide from the WAC Clearinghouse at Colorado State University

Writing Centre Online Resource Guide

Contact us:

Writing for Work: Overview

Resources for Writing in the Workplace

Writing for the General Public

Resumes and Job Applications

Business Writing