With every new course that I take here at NC State, it seems like each professor emphasizes a different skill that is vital for job hunting and is the number one thing that employers will look for in your resume. For my career — in communications and public relations — I’ve heard everything from social media capability, to ad-lib skills, to general news and social awareness.
These skills are certainly crucial, and it definitely makes your chances of landing that dream job or internship much better if you possess them and similar abilities. But there’s another skill that I’ve heard mentioned in every course, that I’ve seen closely examined and emphasized, and is something that I’ve had to be aware of when doing coursework in almost every class I take plus my work here at Technician: AP style writing.
For those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of Associated Press style, it may seem like a trivial, complicated writing method confined only to dusty print publications. And while difficult course assignments sometimes leave me feeling that way too, the hard truth is that AP style, and the implications of someone’s proficiency on the subject in the professional world, can determine one’s image, reliability and success in life after college.
Whether in the classroom or outside of it, AP style is the go-to in a number of fields. Many may think that it is solely a print and broadcast media tool, but its reach extends far beyond just that. Marketing and Communication Manager Zachary Reed argued that being competent in AP style is a much more valuable trait in potential hires than actual PR education or experience, and stated, “if I were filling five entry-level PR jobs right now, I’d fill them all with journalism majors,” citing their knowledge on AP style.
Oklahoma City University professor Kenna Griffin stated that she teaches her students AP style because the method is still “a ‘golden standard’ of media writing.” She believes that the writing style makes sure that writers create universally understandable content so that readers will not be forced to learn and distinguish multiple complex and completely different styles.
But its importance has to do with more than just readers’ comfort. AP style capability sends a message about your level of professionalism and attention to detail. It may seem like an unfair snap judgment to disregard someone’s writing just because of an improper capitalization or misuse of certain punctuation, but, in a modern world where messages are everywhere, using language to show you’re on “the next level” catches readers’ eyes.
With AP style being such a necessary skill, it may sound like learning it would take forever. However, with a little bit of effort and dedication, it is relatively easy skill to learn though challenging to master and memorize. The Associated Press Stylebookis certainly a big help in this endeavor, but being able to call back the basics from memory, both during an interview and behind a desk or keyboard, is an essential skill.
I can’t chime in on the value of AP style in every career field; understandably, some jobs that take place primarily in a lab, or in the field or in other, more isolated environments may not have immediate need for proficiency in AP style. But even then, someone else behind the scenes has to keep up constant, professional communication with the outside world. This means that, even in the most unlikely of fields, it’s a skill that is always in demand in some way.
Employers’ expectations in eligible candidates have always grown with the passage of time; to some, they’ve grown too much. But some qualities have always been, and will continue to be, part of the job hunt: dedication, company loyalty and a strong work ethic. Competency in AP style is also part of that list. It continues to be a sink-or-swim skill in many fields of the professional world, signifying to others your professional capability, or lack thereof. Thus, being well-versed sets you apart in classes, interviews and far beyond.
