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The Importance of Proper Formatting and Maintaining a Professional Outlook

Some of the most common questions from students in the classroom when it comes to midterms and finals include “What type of paper am I writing?” or “How do I set up my paper?”. The reason that teachers and professors stress so much about the proper format of a paper is because these papers should adhere to the strict details and regulations of specific papers, especially if it is APA format. Also known as the American Psychological Association, APA format is one of the most frequently used types of papers. Including specific sizing, spacing, placement, etc, APA is a style of writing that involves meticulous detail in order for the paper to come out looking nice.

APA Style and Literature Searches - Tom Kluxen - YouTube

Stockton University’s Tom Kluxen provided a guide for the use of APA style with the University Writing Center. Used in most social sciences, APA style involves research-driven writing with credible, peer-reviewed sources. From top to bottom, APA style writing sees specific details of papers that other styles do not see. The writer should use a specific 12-pt font, and although most professors require Times New Roman, the proper font would be either Serif or Sans Serif. Double spaced with one inch margins, APA style papers have running heads at the top left of the page and page numbers at the top right, with each of the different paragraphs being sectioned off by titles. The overall title of your paper should be attention-grabbing for the reader in order to draw them into reading your paper. Mr. Kluxen also mentioned specific points in the paper such as the title page, including the full title, the writer's name, and their institution, and on the following page an abstract, or a summary of the work. The body paragraphs of an APA style paper should involve specific, data-based information with references when needed. These paragraphs should enlighten the reader on your topic and provide information on the subject for them. After citing your references at the end of your paper in your Reference page, you should provide citations for the data you used in your paper in alphabetical order. After proofreading your paper a few times and making sure everything in your paper adheres to APA guidelines, the paper should then be in it’s best condition and ready to be sent to whoever.

15 Expert Tips for Social Media Etiquette | OutboundEngine

At the same time you would want your research paper to look the best it could be, the same goes for your social media profiles. When looking for new jobs, it is important to keep a positive outlook on your social media outlets. There are many instances where people slip up on social media, some without even knowing, and they were prevented and held back from a job or an opportunity that came about in their lives. One of the most common social media slip-ups involve posting provocative pictures or inappropriate content, for when an employer sees this it could be the reason they look past you to the next person for the job. It is important to maintain a professional look on social media, especially in today’s age because “your online presence is now the most advantageous place that’ll help you prove yourself as a professional in your field”. Other instances include proof of drug and alcohol use for obvious reasons, and overall neglect and idiocracy on social media can end up messing your life up in the future.

The Dangers of Oversharing on Social Media - Mobile Blog

It is important to think twice about anything you post on social media, because the whole world will be able to view it. Aside from job opportunities, social media oversharing can lead to things like identity theft. This can be prevented, however, by keeping up on privacy settings and thinking twice before posting anything for the public to see. Cyberbullying is also an issue that can arise through social media outlets, for a 2012 report showed that 81 percent of teens use social media in their daily lives. Since such a large mass of young people use social media a lot, it is very common for cyberbullying to occur, especially because of the vulnerability of young people. It is important for people to be careful about what they post and for parents to teach their children the right ways and wrong ways to use social media. As important as it is to regularly monitor and use your social media, always think twice before you click that Post button!

3 Tips Every College Student Can Use To Protect Their Digital Footprints

The term “digital footprint” is used to describe the trail and traces that people leave online. This includes the information that is transmitted online, such as e-mails, forums, attachments, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Your digital footprint can leave traces of personal information to other people online. It is important to establish a real, consistent personal identity so that you can become involved in conversations that matter to you. According to a study from CareerBuilder, 37% of companies use social networks to research potential job candidates. Social media can provide enough information to a company to decide whether or not they would want to give somebody a chance at the job. Even if it is private, your words, messages, photos and videos can be a part of your digital footprint forever, so it is important to maintain a professional outlook on social media.

Jake Cahill

Comments

  1. Wow! This article stimulated all the right places! I was unaware how to maneuver my way around the APA landscape but with this article I am well informed and ready to use this format in my everyday life, from papers and contracts, to texts messages and emails!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This article enlightened me to the importance of proper formatting. Previously I had discredited the art of proper formatting but after this spectacular read I now know why it is vitally important. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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