Using Visual Theory in the Creation of Resumes: a Bibliography

Students in business writing classes expect to be taught how to write resumes and application letters. Often, it is their first priority. Many, if not all, business writing/communication courses at the college level include instruction on the employment process. And while these courses may cover a variety of writing and roleplaying tasks, including the job search, interview, postinterview correspondence, and even portfolio development, the focus is generally the resume and application letter. The discussion surrounding the resume centers on the appropriate content and its arrangement. Students are instructed to draw attention to their strengths but are seldom told how to accomplish this task. Textbooks offer ways to arrange the information on the page, but the discussion is limited and the layout, or visual element, of the resume is usually ignored. (See Bateman & Sigband, 1989; Bovee and Thill, 1989; Halpem, Kilborn & Lokke, 1988; Hamilton & Parker, 1990; Henderson & Voiles, 1980; Locker, 1989; Murphy & Hildebrandt, 1991). In addition, the majority of the research on resumes concentrates on the content and arrangement. (See Feild & Holley, 1976; Half, 1982; Harcourt and Krizan, 1989; Hutchinson, 1983; Penrose, 1984; Pibal 1985). Only a few authors consider visual elements and their effects on readers. (See Bird & Puglisi, 1986; Stephens, Watt & Hobbs, 1979) Since computers, their software, and desktop publishing programs are more accessible and more affordable for