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“Cme Wrk 4 Us. $$+GR8 Bfts”

A number of years ago a news story emerged in Britain, which detailed an event that took place in a primary school in Scotland—a student had submitted an assignment written entirely in “txt.” The news media was outraged; this single act constituted an assault on grammar, and was seen as a harbinger of doom for the English language. Despite all the talk of gloom and doom, one academic from the University of Plymouth, saw this student’s act for what it was—a clear indication that language is merely continuing its evolution; that the contexts within which certain forms of text are appropriate are continuing to shift and change. Despite this, there are some contexts within which, common sense seems to tell us that txt is wholly inappropriate. A school setting is one such context. But what of a job offer not only sent via text message, but written entirely in txt?

Believe it or not, this actually happened to a co-worker’s sibling. This sibling, shortly after interviewing for a position well above the entry-level, received a job offer via text message from the recruiter with whom she interviewed. What’s more is the content of the message was written almost entirely in txt. While a text message may be good for some things and txt is becoming appropriate in a growing number of contexts, I certainly do not see this situation as appropriate for the use of text messaging. When confronted with an inappropriate use of text messaging, what is one to do? Here are a few tips:

  • Ask to be contacted by phone or email. After the initial text which might have been sent to ensure you received the offer immediately, ask that the person who sent the text to contact you either by phone or email. That is, unless you want to negotiate your salary and benefits package via text: “GR8—Gimme $$$+Bfts.”
  • Get everything in writing. Respond to the text with an email message confirming the text message’s content. Text messages can be easily deleted and forgotten about and phone calls can be forgotten; email messages are more secure documentation.
  • Wonder whether you want to work with or under someone who sends job offers via text. Extenuating circumstances notwithstanding (i.e. situations in which the hiring manager had a legitimate reason to send a text instead of sending an email message or making a phone call), a text message, and one written in txt no less, is an unprofessional means by which to deliver such an important message. It should lead you to question the professionalism of the person who sent it. Who wants their job offer to read like a Craigslist ad: “Cme Wrk 4 Us. $$+GR8 Bfts.” While technology may be tempting us in that direction, I am happy to say we’re not there yet!

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