You might recall the days when I heavily promoted RK Edits as the go-to solution for proofreading and editing needs. You may have also noticed the relative silence on that front and wondered if the service is still operational. While I can't provide a definite answer, I can say that I still find myself reviewing documents, albeit less frequently. Occasionally, people reach out to express how much they benefited from the service, albeit infrequently.
The decline in activity at RK Edits can be attributed to various factors, some of which I've detailed in my article titled "The Lamentations of an Editor" here on Richie Online. Another reason is the growing hostility towards document editing and proofreading services. Typically, I don't pay much attention to such criticisms, but one particular social media post prompted me to contemplate the implications of my work.
Consider this scenario: an individual applies for a position requiring extensive report writing skills. Their initial application lacks the polish needed to impress, but after editing, they secure the job. However, they struggle to perform because the writing skills showcased in the application don't reflect their actual abilities. While this criticism may seem far-fetched, it's often directed at those who assist with resumes, cover letters, and personal statements.
Consider this scenario: an individual applies for a position requiring extensive report writing skills. Their initial application lacks the polish needed to impress, but after editing, they secure the job. However, they struggle to perform because the writing skills showcased in the application don't reflect their actual abilities. While this criticism may seem far-fetched, it's often directed at those who assist with resumes, cover letters, and personal statements.
To some extent, I agree that individuals should handle their own applications. Yet, I still believe that a second pair of eyes can enhance documents. Despite being a statistician and my wife a communication specialist, I frequently seek her input on my manuscripts. She often provides valuable suggestions and identifies overlooked issues. Thus, I remain a proponent of editing and proofreading services, despite feeling overwhelmed by clients who rush through the process and are reluctant to pay.
Many people overlook the fact that proofreading and editing services go beyond correcting grammar and spelling. For me and others in this field, it involves analyzing applications to identify areas for improvement. I often advise clients on formatting, email etiquette, professional development, and selecting referees, the latter of which deserves further discussion.
When applying for jobs or study opportunities, institutions require referees to vouch for your capabilities. The attractiveness of application documents and eloquent language may not suffice to gauge an applicant's suitability. Sometimes, hearing from someone who has observed the applicant's work firsthand is necessary.
In the workplace, prospective employers typically request a reference from a former colleague, while academic institutions may require an academic referee who supervised your training. Some scholarships may also necessitate a character reference. While this may seem obvious, it has implications that are often overlooked. Given the flexibility to do so, it's beneficial to have a pool of referees. Over the past few years, I've had to change the set of referees on my CV for each application I submitted. While not everyone may have this luxury, being open to changing referees based on the application's requirements is essential.
So, how do you choose a referee for success?
Two words come to mind: seniority and relevance. For job applications, select a referee with authority and, if possible, opt for the most senior individual who can attest to your abilities. In academic settings, a senior and renowned academic referee is preferred. A referee with extensive research output holds more weight than one without. Similarly, having a referee with a PhD is preferable.
Relevance is crucial. Your referee should be relevant to your field and, more importantly, to your career or training. I've declined requests to serve as a referee because I lacked the seniority and shared no significant work history with the individual. A reference should provide insight into your work ethic and cannot be fabricated. If there's no meaningful professional relationship with a prospective referee, reconsider your choice.
Furthermore, a good reference requires willingness. This choice is critical for those pursuing postgraduate opportunities. Lecturers who taught us years ago may have forgotten us, making it challenging to secure a strong reference. Similarly, consider your current boss's willingness to provide a reference for prestigious opportunities, considering that income status often necessitates separate applications for admission and scholarships. Convincing someone to write multiple letters about you, with no direct benefit to them, requires careful consideration.
If you take away one thing from this, remember this: don't choose referees out of convenience; make it convenient for them to help you.
Many people overlook the fact that proofreading and editing services go beyond correcting grammar and spelling. For me and others in this field, it involves analyzing applications to identify areas for improvement. I often advise clients on formatting, email etiquette, professional development, and selecting referees, the latter of which deserves further discussion.
When applying for jobs or study opportunities, institutions require referees to vouch for your capabilities. The attractiveness of application documents and eloquent language may not suffice to gauge an applicant's suitability. Sometimes, hearing from someone who has observed the applicant's work firsthand is necessary.
In the workplace, prospective employers typically request a reference from a former colleague, while academic institutions may require an academic referee who supervised your training. Some scholarships may also necessitate a character reference. While this may seem obvious, it has implications that are often overlooked. Given the flexibility to do so, it's beneficial to have a pool of referees. Over the past few years, I've had to change the set of referees on my CV for each application I submitted. While not everyone may have this luxury, being open to changing referees based on the application's requirements is essential.
So, how do you choose a referee for success?
Two words come to mind: seniority and relevance. For job applications, select a referee with authority and, if possible, opt for the most senior individual who can attest to your abilities. In academic settings, a senior and renowned academic referee is preferred. A referee with extensive research output holds more weight than one without. Similarly, having a referee with a PhD is preferable.
Relevance is crucial. Your referee should be relevant to your field and, more importantly, to your career or training. I've declined requests to serve as a referee because I lacked the seniority and shared no significant work history with the individual. A reference should provide insight into your work ethic and cannot be fabricated. If there's no meaningful professional relationship with a prospective referee, reconsider your choice.
Furthermore, a good reference requires willingness. This choice is critical for those pursuing postgraduate opportunities. Lecturers who taught us years ago may have forgotten us, making it challenging to secure a strong reference. Similarly, consider your current boss's willingness to provide a reference for prestigious opportunities, considering that income status often necessitates separate applications for admission and scholarships. Convincing someone to write multiple letters about you, with no direct benefit to them, requires careful consideration.
In conclusion, the selection of referees is a process, not an event. If a former lecturer has forgotten you, they may struggle to write a compelling reference. Build strong relationships with lecturers to stand out, and strive for excellence in the workplace to facilitate positive references.
If you take away one thing from this, remember this: don't choose referees out of convenience; make it convenient for them to help you.
Can be have balance between editing a resume and training the holder of the CV?
ReplyDeleteI came across an individual with a very beautiful CV who struggled to express the CV to the interview panelists.
Once you get your PhD, you will be one of my references. Lol
My approach has always been that of training the client. Usually, the process involves a back and forth exchange of the documents where I put in comments and explain why I edited a certain way. For some, once I have edited I never have to do it again, because they pick up the pattern.
DeleteBeautiful piece. When I resume scholarship hunting I'll definitely have to learn the art of document writing.
ReplyDeletePa write-up yonseyi ndinadzidzimuka poti "...and my wife a communication specialist", then I remembered you're indeed married...lol
Pesa PhD tikuike ngati academic reference aise