Free advice

[theatokos]

I am hiring again. I LOVE hiring. No really, I do. I love getting the bazillion emails and hitting delete - and reading the good submissions, of course.

Seriously: when my name is in the ad and email there is no excuse for starting your cover letter (if you even send one, which you should as I specified that you do) saying "Dear Sirs" or "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern." It concerns me and I told you my name. If I see any of those phrases it's an automatic delete for you!

But using my name is not required, I just want to know that you actually do meet my requirements for "superior attention to detail" and "excellent verbal and written skills." It's an ancient ninja technique.

Comments

[baileywicked.livejournal.com]

I always try to use the appropriate name when applying for a job- I find it awkward when no name is given! thanx for the free advice lol.

[erinya.livejournal.com]

This advice has been drummed into me by Career Services! And it makes lots of sense. Anything less is lazy, and if you don't know who you're writing to it takes five minutes to make a phone call and find out.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Fer real. I mean, if no name is listed, do some research! A phone call (although that is sometimes not encouraged) or a web search. If there is no way to find out, then go to Whom It May Concern. But I deliberately put my name in the ad as a weeding tool. If someone is paying attention and wants to work here, as opposed to just needing any ol' job, they will have taken the few extra moments to use my name, or write a fresh cover letter - doesn't have to be long, just personable and relevant! At least throw in a few extra sentences pertinent to my organization. Many people make the mistake of using the cover letter as a reiteration of their skills, which should be obvious in the resume. A cover letter should let me know why you want to work here and anything else that might not have a spot in a resume.

Wow, look at all my free advice today!

[erinya.livejournal.com]

I do talk about skills on my cover letter, because "Member Services Representative, Call Center" doesn't really touch on many of my responsibilities at my last job. But the big deal is showing enthusiasm and interest in the job and why you're a good candidate, and that's what I spend the most time on.

You are all about the free advice today! It's good advice, too.

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

Here's my free advice...

Don't show up in flip-flops and remove facial piercings for the interview.

Stand up to shake hands if you are introduced to someone else who has come into the room and they are standing.

ALWAYS send a written note thanking the person for the interview. Old fashioned? No, professional and it will help you to stand out from the crowd.

I can't spell for shit, but even I know that typos are not acceptable in a cover letter or resume'.

Don't trash your former place of employment.

Look at the company's website before your interview, especially a "News" or "Press Release" area.

You need to say, towards the close of the interview, if you are interested in working there and state a reason why. Employers want to hire people who seem to be excited about working with them.

Don't bring a bunch of personal stuff with you into the interview. Like a big-ass purse. In fact, don't bring a purse. It makes the shaking hands at the start and end of the interview awkward if you have your hands full.

DO bring a few copies of your resume'. Have it in front of you. Bring a pad of paper and make a few notes when the interviewer is talking. Come prepared with a few questions for the interviewer about the company or the job and have them written down on the notepad. Have all of this in a slim portfolio.

Turn off your cell phone during an interview.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

All awesome advice! I'm not sure the Bay Area needs facial piercings removed. I know it wouldn't necessarily be a problem for us.

I LOVE it when people send thank yous. I've been hired because of that - twice! All things being equal that sort of thing shows follow through and a real seriousness about wanting the job. However, these days I get phone calls and emails saying thanks, but that handwritten note really does stand out.

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

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