James Smith, Author at BusinessWritingBlog

Graphic illustrating the feature image for The Butt of the Joke

Don’t Be the Butt of the Joke — Learn What This Expression Means!

Have you found yourself the butt of the joke for not knowing this idiom? Let’s dive in. The person addressed as the “butt of the joke” is a target for mocking, teasing, or other ridicule. An idiomatic expression is a phrase in which the words… continue reading

Featured image illustrating whether to use afterward, afterwards, or afterword.

Similar Words

Are We Supposed to Meet Afterward, Afterwards, or Afterword?

Will you speak afterward or afterwards? Or is it later? Let’s shed some light: “Afterward” and “afterwards” can be used interchangeably, although the former is considered standard in American English. An “afterword” is a section of a book that comes after the main body, intended to… continue reading

A graphic explaining what is a letter of intent: " A formal letter that expresses your intentions to do something"

What Is a Letter of Intent & How to Write One (with Examples)

Learning how to draft a Letter of Intent (LOI) and outline your terms is essential to developing a business mindset. These letters are common for new graduates and job seekers alike, but how do you summarize your intentions accurately and concisely in an LOI? We’ll… continue reading

How to Ask for a Raise Via Email

Asking for a raise can be particularly daunting, and using a form of electronic communication can feel especially impersonal. However, if you handle your request with etiquette and professionalism, you may find the success you desire. We will show you the best methods for requesting… continue reading

A graphic with a house and text: "All About the Noun"

Grammar and Usage

All About the Noun: from the Common to Beyond

Nouns are the most common parts of speech you will encounter in your writing; however, many people need help identifying these vital pieces of sentence structure. They are a foundation for strong and grammatically correct sentences because nouns function as subjects and serve other important… continue reading

How to Email a Therapist for the First Time

The services of a therapist can prove invaluable for those suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health and emotional disorders. In recent years, an increased focus on mental wellness has given many the courage to reach out to licensed therapists for help and support. … continue reading

Are Email Addresses Case Sensitive?

Suppose someone writes down their email address for you, and they have capitalized some of the letters within it. In such an instance, you might wonder to yourself:” Are email addresses case sensitive?” The simple answer is: no. Email addresses are not case-sensitive, so you can enter all… continue reading

Job Hunting

Curriculum Vitae vs a Resumé: What’s the Difference?

Let’s talk Curriculum Vitae vs Resume. When applying for a job, the terms curriculum vitae and resumé refer to documents that outline a job seeker’s skills so that the hiring managers can screen applicants based on their eligibility for the role. Such a document is… continue reading

How to Reply to an Interview Email

When you finally get a nibble on your application, knowing how to reply to an interview email and keep the hiring manager interested is vital. Having this opportunity is a big step toward finding employment, and you want to ensure that you handle the situation… continue reading

How to Counter a Salary Offer (With Examples)

When you apply for a job you’re enthusiastic about, your excitement may deflate when the company offers a lower salary than you expect. Now you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, trying to decide whether to accept the low-ball offer because the job interests you… continue reading