What skill do doctors, business associates, lawyers, defiance.

The presence of conflict is evident when someone

government employees, and teachers have in common? displays inequality or bias and doesn’t want to take
Communication skill is something that all jobs have in responsibility. To solve it, the team leader or manager
common. should promote better understanding as the group discusses
the issue. He has to re- direct the group to be able to meet
Oral Communication in the workplace the goals.
Oral communication is the process of verbally transmitting 5. Authority or Hierarchy Problems. The authority that
information and ideas from one individual or group to the team leader or manger demonstrates more often creates
another. Oral communication can be either formal or intimidation or gap with team members. To resolve,
informal. managers or team leaders should promote harmoniously
relation among the team members. Communicate to the
6 common types of communication in the workplace members about the intention of helping and letting them feel
1. Upward communication- refers to the flow of they are important.
information from employees to management in a hierarchical 6. Poorly Written Communication. The confusion or
organization. It is the process by which employees share their misunderstanding of in interoffice business communication is
ideas, feedback, suggestions, and concerns with their due to poor content of written documents, substandard
managers, supervisors, or executives. organization, fractured grammar, among other flaws in
2. Downward communication- represents the flow of written interoffice materials. To avoid it, ensure that
information from management or executives to employees documents are well-edited and proofread by best editor in
within an organization. It involves transmitting information, the department. Allow other eyes to check for mistakes in
instructions, decisions, policies, and plans to the employees grammar, spelling, punctuations, and organizations.
who will carry out the work based on these. 7. Gender Bias. The choice of which gender makes a more
3. Digital communication- refers to the exchange of effective leader in the department is an issue of gender bias.
information and messages through technology This gender discrimination creates problem in the
4. Individual communication- refers to communication organization. To avoid this, team leaders or managers should
that takes place between two individuals, rather than ensure that the issue on gender choice is aside in tackling
communication that is directed toward a group or the entire issues or taking course of action for the department.
organization. 8. Focus or Listening Problems. The inability of employees
5. Group communication- refers to communication that to focus on the issue is equivalent to listening problems. The
takes place between three or more individuals who are generation gap is often the cause of a communication barrier
working together towards a common goal. that affects the achievement of department goals. To help
6. Intercultural communication- involves individuals from avoid it, leaders or managers have to initiate mutual
different cultural backgrounds communicating with each understanding regardless of age. Encourage teamwork and
other in the workplace. unity despite differences of age, sex, social status, and family
background.
Challenges in Workplace Communication 9. Inadequate Knowledge. Little knowledge is dangerous.
Top Communication Issues Hence, team performance is affected due to ineffective
1. Failure to Listen. Ineffective listening is a big problem in education or lack of understanding or other inadequate
communication. Good communication fails when one doesn’t knowledge foundation. To resolve it, leaders or managers
pay much attention or plan what to say before one ends his encourage team members to upgrade knowledge by pursuing
statement. To avoid it, speakers have to emphasize the higher degree programs. Include in the annual target plan the
importance of active listening in the discussion. Also point participation of members to seminar, training or conferences.
out that inattentiveness results to different understanding of 10. Cliques, Groups and Friendships. Group membership
the topic being discussed. Speakers also have to maintain eye or group affiliation or exclusive grouping of team members
contact during the conversation or discussion. can sometimes create segregation. To avoid it, promote
2. Culture Differences. The diversity of backgrounds and teamwork spirit in the department. Conduct team building
cultural customs create communication issues among team activities to promote objectivity, teamwork, cooperation, and
members and leaders. People would just love to stay along unity in diversity
with people of the same background. To avoid it, try to
promote “unity in diversity” wherein team members have to
be assigned to different groups to break the usual grouping. Preparing the Cover/ Application Letter
3. Locale or Distance to Office. The office location or its A cover letter, also known as an application letter, is a
distance from its employees or contributors entails problems three- to four-paragraph memo to employers explaining your
in communication. The company usually resorts to email, interest in the job and company and your fitness for the role.
phone, or video conferencing. The very low level of
interaction in electronic communication poses a PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER
communication barrier. To solve it, meetings should be done  highlight your academic, professional, and personal
at the nearest venue and on a regular schedule. Important qualifications for the position to which you are applying.
issues and solutions can be posted or sent to all for further  It should not be a restatement of your resume. Instead,
knowledge and verification. you should select certain experiences to highlight to the
4. Ego and Attitude. Self-image or ego often affects a employer.
team’s effort to execute plans. One’s arrogance causes
trouble, and more often, teamwork ends due to one’s
Writing a Job Application Letter or a Cover Letter Basic Rules of CV Writing
The four important tasks:  Think about what he needs to know about you. Consider
 Catch the reader’s attention purposively. the job description.
 Tailor it to the company, to the employer, and to the job.  Present your CV or resumé to inform them well about
 Persuade the reader that you are a qualified applicant what they need to know.
for the job.  A well-written CV or resumé limits the chance of not
 Request an interview. selecting you.
 CV or resumés are the most important documents
The needed information of a cover letter needed in job screening.
 The title of the job, the source of your information, and  In some academic institutions, the CV or resumé is the
the statement of your objective have to be clear. standard for job applications. The objective of both CV
 There should be a summary of your qualifications for and resumé remains. However, the appearance of the
the job. document is noticeably different.
 Indicate that you enclosed your CV or resumé.
 Request for an interview. Resumé vs. Curriculum Vitae
 Identify the job. Include any information that is not CVs and resumes differ in length, purpose, and layout.
included in your CV or resumé. Resumes are concise summaries, usually one to two pages
long, customizable, and focused on making an individual
General guidelines for the overall structure of your cover stand out. They typically include sections for contact info,
letter: education, and work experience. In contrast, CVs are detailed
 Format your cover letter for post, mail, or email. It documents, often over two pages, covering an individual's
should consist of one page only. entire career history in chronological order.
 Include your complete address, email address, and
phone number. In writing your CV, you have to consider the following
 Use the tile of the person when you address him/her in information:
the letter. If you can’t find a name, write ‘Dear Sir/  Areas of interest.
Madamme.’  Education.
 Use standard, easy-to-read font. Make it readable.  Grants, honors, and awards.
Times New Roman or Arial is preferred; it should be no  Publications and presentations.
smaller than 11 for readability on screen.  Employment and experience.
 Academic memberships.
Types of letter format  Character references.
 Block
 Modified Block Guidelines for Writing Effective CV
 Semi-Block  Include your contact details at the top.
 Decide whether you want to start with a personal
The Content of the Cover Letter statement or career objective.
 The Introductory Paragraph  Include sections on Key Skills, Knowledge and
Your first paragraph must be very convincing. It tells your  Achievements, Work Experience, and Education.
reader that you are the best person for the job. It also  When discussing achievements, focus on what you have
emphasizes that you have the set of skills and experience actually done and the end result achieved.
that make you the ideal candidate for the post.  Include everything relevant in the ‘Work Experience’
 The Main Section and ‘Education’ sections.
The main section of your cover letter should succinctly  Make sure that your spelling and grammar are all
outline your qualifications, aligning them with the job correct.
description and person specification. This section should  Work on your presentation.
highlight your accomplishments, expertise, and special skills
relevant to the position. CV Mistakes and Pitfalls to Avoid
 The Closing Paragraph
Your closing paragraph should be written concisely and  Do not be tempted to lie just to ‘look good’.
neatly. It should make clear what action the reader will be  Avoid leaving gaps in your career history.
taking after reading your cover letter. But don’t sound  Do not start your CV with the dull bits.
arrogant.  Do not include your hobbies and interests.
 Don't make your CV too long.
Designing the Curriculum Vitae  Do not use an unprofessional email address.
A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed document that
provides an overview of a person's education, work
experience, skills, achievements, and qualifications. It is
typically longer than a resume and is commonly used by
professionals in academic, scientific, medical, and research
fields, as well as in certain international job markets.
JOB INTERVIEW FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNICATION
Ronel M. Sapungan
An online interview is an interview conducted remotely
through an online chat, video, or audio platform. IT & Business Process Association Philippines (IBAP) presents
two definitions of face-to-face communication:
Benefits of online interview • Face-to-face communication is the exchanging of
 Cost-saving information, thoughts, and feelings between the sender and
 Time-saving the recipient.
 Less stressful • Face-to-face communication takes place during one-on-one
 Convenient discussions, informal groups, meetings, and more

Types of online interview When you speak, you immediately relate the message easily
using facial expressions, hand gestures, body language, and
Webcam job interview. other non-verbal language. It means that you can easily
In this interview, the interviewer will simply arrange the understand what people say when you see and hear them.
interview through video. Webcam interview requires a
camera, which is very convenient nowadays, as most of the Emeritus Albert Mehrabian, a UCLA psychology Professor
laptops have built-in webcams. who revealed the following findings: That when we
converse, ...
Phone Calls/Voicemails • Seven (7) percent of meaning is conveyed through the
Some companies prefer to conduct their interviews over the spoken words;
phone or by leaving voicemails with pre-recorded questions. • Thirty-eight (38) percent of communication is credited to
You must be prepared to answer these questions quickly and how one speaks like the tone of voice;
concisely without missing any important details. • Fifty-five (55) percent of communication occurs through
facial expression.
Pre-Recorded Video Responses
For certain positions, employers may require applicants to Face-to-Face Communication in the Digital Age
record themselves answering predetermined questions
before submitting their applications. It is important to make • Stronger working relationships. Your presence at the
sure your responses are clear and professional so that they workplace signifies your interest and cooperation with your
stand out from others who have applied for the same fellow employees.
position. • Perception of thoughts and feelings. Through face-to-face
communication, you will be able to express exactly your
Tips for a successful online interview personal thoughts and feelings.
• Download the software required by the company ahead of • Engagement and innovation. Face-to-face communication
time so that you’ll have the opportunity to get used to it. enriches the sense of belongingness and collaboration. It
• Create a professional username. creates a healthy environment that inspires and motivates
• Dress professionally even if you are sitting down. employees to be more innovative and productive.
• Clear your workspace and any clutter that is behind you so • Addressing sensitive issues. Face-to-face communication is
that it doesn't show up on the screen. necessary when discussing pressing issues or addressing
• Make sure that you are in a quiet room where you will not sensitive concerns in the company. Face-to-face
be disturbed by people, pets, etc. communication is much preferred more importantly when
• Have a piece of paper and a pen ready so that you are not you are dealing with pressing problems that need urgent
scrambling to find them later. solutions.
• Have a copy of your resume in your sightline in case you • Clear and concise communication. Miscommunication or
have to refer to dates, job titles, or numbers. misunderstanding is often minimized when you do face-to-
• Smile and focus as much as possible and try to behave as if face communication. You may be giving incorrect information,
you’re in a regular, in-person interview. but you can immediately correct it for better understanding.
• Practice using your webcam equipment before the
interview Face-to-Face and Online Meetings Etiquette

Face to Face Meeting and its Benefits 1. Know your surroundings: Organize the place, free it from
• Face-to-face meetings are the usual meetings that are distractions, and provide good lighting. Do not appear that
conducted by people in the same venue and in person. you are inside the cave or a less-lighted museum.
• People can express their thoughts and feelings using their 2. Dress appropriately: Your appearance online is as
body language, hand gestures, and facial expressions. important as your look during a face-to-face meeting.
• Feedback is an important aspect of face-to-face meetings. 3. Listen carefully: Be an active listener. While attending a
Getting feedback from the attendees provides input in the virtual meeting, devote your full attention to the meeting.
development of something that requires cooperation and 4. Unmute your microphone when you wish to talk. Muting
teamwork. your audio when you are not speaking allows other
• Face-to-face is the best for brainstorming and planning. attendees the chance to fit in and share their views and
• It can establish stronger relationships and create better feelings.
teamwork; people can understand each other very well.
5. Speak clearly: When you join any virtual meeting, Tips from to help you write a better follow-up letter:
introduce yourself and say hello or hi. Make sure that the • Start with your name, address, city and zip code, telephone
people in the meeting hear and notice your presence. If you number. Include next the recipient’s details. Note that in a
come late to the meeting, you may use the chat box to greet follow-up letter you are going to write to the same person
the people and let them know of your presence. you had originally written to or contacted with.
6. No food, please: No eating is a strict rule that participants • Add the salutation.
have to observe during the virtual meeting. To avoid graving • In the first line, mention that you had written earlier and
for food during virtual meetings, eat a few minutes before haven’t received a response yet. You can mention here if you
the actual time of the meeting. had called. Actually, you’ll let him know that you’re re-writing
7. Remain seated and stay present: Stay focused. Be patient in this line.
staying seated while attending the meeting. Don’t ever try to • State your request or interest. If you are writing inquiring
open your email inbox or chat with friends on social media about a job vacancy for which you had sent a job application,
messenger. reiterate your key skills experiences and state why you think
you are a great potential.
WRITING CORRESPONDENCE VIA PRINT OR EMAIL • Invite for contact and thank for their attention.
• Close with signature.
Business Correspondence is a broader term that
encompasses all types of written communication exchanged Here are more things that you’ll need to remember than the
in the course of conducting business. This includes not only actual steps to write the letter:
formal business letters but also emails, memos, faxes, reports,
proposals, and any other written communication used for • Add fresh insights to your old appeal. Don’t write a
business purposes. photocopy of your old letter.
• Take at best 2 days after a meeting or a job interview to
Business letters are formal letters used for business-to- write a follow-up letter. Work while the memories are still
business, business-to-client, or client-to- business fresh in the recipient’s mind.
correspondence. • If you’ve sent a CV, wait 7 days before sending the follow-
up letter. The employer is likely very busy, hence the late
Reasons for writing business letter response, so keep your letter short. Do not bring up your
• request direct information or action from another party whole CV in the letter. Hold the interest and attention with
• order supplies from a supplier nice wording, not boring.
• identify a mistake that was committed • Do not convey negative sentiments in your letter, even if
• reply directly to a request you are frustrated by their speed and sincerity.
• apologize for a wrong or simply to convey goodwill. • Indicate how you want to proceed next in your letter if you
think it is needed.
A business letter is also very useful because it... • Be extremely polite even if you feel like they’ve been
• produces a permanent record ignoring you by ignoring your past letters.
• is confidential and formal • To look polished and professional, edit and proofread a
• delivers persuasive and well-considered messages couple of times before sending the actual letter.
Note: • If you want, you can attach copies to document proof
• In writing a business letter, the most important element that you had sent letters earlier.
that you need is to ensure its accuracy. • Follow up again if required.

Parts of business letter Request an Endorsement

• Its introductory paragraph should be brief establishing the • State who you are, the name of your company or
content and purpose of the letter. organization, and your position or role.
• Its middle section should contain the details of the message • Use clear, specific language to request the endorsement
in logical order. • Explain why you are requesting the endorsement, what it
• Its concluding paragraph is short, politely requesting action, will be used for, why you feel that the endorsement is
thanking the reader, or providing additional important necessary or why you merit receiving the endorsement, and
information. so forth.
• Include guidelines for the format, length, or content of the
PREPARING ENDORSEMENT AND FOLLOW-UP LETTERS endorsement letter.
• A follow-up letter is a letter sent after initial contact with a • Indicate by when you need the letter of endorsement
person, company, or organization. The purpose is to address • Consider providing a pre-addressed, stamped envelope
any request or complaint or to thank the recipient for with your request letter if the endorsement letter is to be
previous correspondence. mailed.
• A letter of endorsement is a formal communication • If you plan to make a follow-up call to the reader, indicate
document that professionals use to show their support for a in your letter when you intend to do so.
friend, colleague, student or other acquaintance. • Thank the reader for considering the endorsement.
Give an Endorsement principle. In writing the memo, you should consider the
• Substantiate (or give reasons for) your endorsement. following questions: Do I have to read this? Why do I have to
• If you are endorsing a person for a particular position, read this? What do I need to know? What am I expected to
role, job, etc., include how long you have known the do now or later?
person, in what capacity, the positive qualities of the
person that make him/her a suitable candidate for Letters
endorsement. • Letters are written communications usually sent to
• If necessary, indicate the next step that should be taken or intended recipients that are outside the organization.
what will happen next. Include a time frame, if appropriate. • Along with emails and memos, the company still uses
• You may want to include your contact information and letters to communicate formally with a potential employer
offer to give further information upon request. (application/cover letter) or introduce a product or service or
• Conclude your letter by summarizing the reasons for the other purposes (Transmittal letters, Recommendation
endorsement and by restating your endorsement of the letters, Complaint letters, Petition letters etc.)
person or project, etc.

WRITING NETIQUETTE
"Writing netiquette" refers to the principles and guidelines
for polite, respectful, and effective written communication in
online contexts. Writing netiquette is essential for
maintaining professionalism, clarity, and courtesy in online
interactions.

Guidelines that you may consider before writing and

posting online.

TEXTING
Always consider your audience and your company, and
choose words, terms, or abbreviations that will deliver your
message appropriately and effectively.
• Know your recipient.
• Use appropriate symbols and codes.
• Never abuse text messaging.
• Don’t text while driving.

Email
Email is very useful for messages for personal or business
purposes. It contains slightly more content than a text
message. In more established companies, they prefer to use
with fairly brief messages for efficient and effective
communication.
• Start with proper salutation.
• Use clear, short and specific subject line.
• End with your name, company information and
signature.
• Avoid abbreviations.
• Observe conciseness and good format.
• Reread, revise and review before sending to intended
recipients.
• Reply promptly and use “Reply All” sparingly.
• Avoid using all caps.
• Give feedback or follow up.
• Test provided links.
• Avoid sending emails with large files.

Memos
memoranda, or memos, are one of the most adaptable
document forms used in professional settings. They are
usually used for asking for and giving information, company
policy, business reports, and proposals. They are often used
to inform but they are sometimes to persuade.

Note: Organize the memo message very well. Regardless of

the length, memo message should follow an organization