Problem: Article: When you use a deductive argument, you are trying to prove an argument is valid by showing that the argument’s assumptions are true. The premise of the argument needs to seem strong enough to support a specific conclusion. If the premise of the argument rings true, the argument can be proven as sound or logically correct.  For example, you may notice that it’s sunny outside when you wake up. You may then deduce that your husband left the house without an umbrella and not wearing a raincoat. You can then make a deductive argument that your husband will come home without an umbrella and in a sports coat, not a raincoat. Based on an analysis of the premise, you can form a deductive argument and make an assumption that has a high likelihood of being correct. A deductive argument focuses on making a guaranteed conclusion, where the truth of the conclusion is highly probable. The argument should contain a truth that is implied by the premise. You can conclude your husband is not carrying an umbrella when he gets home, for example, because the premise (sunny skies) implies the truth of your argument or conclusion. There are numerous situations with your spouse or partner where you can use deductive reasoning to validate an assumption. This can vary from smaller assumptions to larger assumptions.  For example, your partner may complain that he is always late for work in the morning. He may then make the assumption that he will get to work on time if he leaves the house earlier in the morning. You may then point out that it takes your partner about thirty minutes to get to work every day, regardless of traffic. You can then make a deductive argument: if your partner leaves the house no later than 8:15 am, he can get to work by 8:45 am and not be late for his 9 am day.You have deduced that his thirty minute commute means he must leave by 8:15 am to arrive at work on time. In this way, you are using deductive reasoning to support his assumption. You may also be in a situation that may have more serious consequences if the deductive argument is not followed. For example, your partner may be allergic to nuts. You can then deduce that he should not eat ice cream that contains nuts, as this could lead to an allergic reaction and serious health issues. The premise, that your partner is allergic to nuts, proves your deductive argument, that your partner should not eat the ice cream that contains nuts. Deductive reasoning can also be useful for solving an issue or problem. Often, deductive reasoning comes into play when someone has lost an item or a problem needs to be solved.  For example, your sister may tell you she lost her phone charger. Rather than search aimlessly around the house for the charger, you can use deductive reasoning to make an argument for where the charger may be found. Start by gathering information from your sister in the form of a question and answer. You may ask her, “Who last used the charger?” “When was the last time you used the charger?” “Where do you usually plug in the charger in the house?” Based on her answers to your questions, you can use deductive reasoning to make an assumption about where the charger can be found. For example, she may answer, “Mom used it yesterday to charge her phone” or “I usually plug it into the bedroom outlet”. If she provides the first answer, you can deduce that your mother may know where the charger is located. If she provides the second answer, you can deduce that the charger is likely in the bedroom outlet. In both instances, you can use deductive reasoning to reach a conclusion that could be valid and true. It can then lead to recovery of a lost item or the solution to an issue or problem.
Summary: Understand the deductive argument. Use deductive reasoning to validate your partner’s assumption. Apply a deductive argument to a family member’s issue or problem.

Problem: Article: If you want a job with less stress and fewer hours, chances are you will also be getting paid less.  Calculate your monthly outgoings (how much you spend) and see if there are any cutbacks in spending you are willing to make. For example you may find you don’t need your monthly gym membership as you don’t have the time to go anyway.  Decide on a final figure for your minimum monthly income so that you can tailor your job search to that specific need. Thinking about what you dislike about your current job can help you to determine what you want in a new job. Do you want to downsize your entire job, or are there just some parts of it that need to change? Do you like what you do, but wish you could work part-time rather than full-time?  Asking yourself these questions will help you tailor your job search (which will be covered in the next section). Are looking for a less stressful job. Are looking for a job where they can work fewer hours. Are hoping to work part-time rather than full-time. If you like your company, you may want to consider looking for openings within your company. If you would like to be part-time rather than full-time, find out if your company has a job sharing initiative. Talk with your boss, and just like if you were looking for a promotion, state your interest in taking a new role. However, explain why you want to move ‘down’ or ‘sideways’ on the job ladder instead of further up. Explain the circumstances that are making you want to downsize, such as a new baby or a sick parent who you want to care for. Being honest will help your boss to understand what you want and why.
Summary: Determine whether or not you can survive on a small income. Think about why you want to downsize. Decide whether you want to look for a job at the company you are working for currently.

Problem: Article: Search committees can’t put everything into a short job posting, but they will highlight the most important expectations regarding experience required, job duties, etc. Reading the job posting thoroughly can help you decide if the position is a good potential fit for you, and then how to tailor your application and/or responses to interview questions.  For example, if a job posting mentions that the search committee is looking for an “independent worker,” make sure to stress how you have been able to complete projects successfully on your own. Expect specific questions about your technical writing skills. Prepare to discuss any computer programs you use, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Framemaker, Dreamweaver, and Visio. If you have experience with databases, prepare examples. Summarize examples that show how you organize information and projects, handle revisions and collaboration, and prioritize your tasks to meet deadlines. If you are invited to interview for a position, make sure to reread your application very carefully, especially if you have recently been applying to many jobs. Look at your application materials (such as a cover letter and resume) together with the job posting, and think about how you have the skills or knowledge requested in the posting. If you think that you do not have enough experience in a particular area requested by the posting, be prepared to explain. You might emphasize other skills or experiences that will make up for any deficiencies. For example, if a job posting requests “five years in-house technical writing experience,” and you only have four, you can emphasize your diversity rather than a lack of experience by mentioning any other writing experiences that have enriched your training beyond in-house work. Being familiar with the company interviewing you helps you perform well in an interview. It also helps you determine whether or not the company is a good fit for you. You can find out information about a company by visiting its website, by reading any of its publications, from other people who have knowledge of the company, or other means. Look to find information to answer questions like:  How is the company organized/ How many employees does the company have? Who manages the company? The department you would work for? What kind of educational and professional background do they have? What kind of projects has the company worked on?
Summary:
Read the job posting carefully. Review your application. Research the company.