How not to apply for a job May 26. 0512
Kinda reminded by John Oxton’s rant on lack of email manner, I’ve been noticing a steady increase in the number of people who apply for Jobs at Mirashade without care or consideration for a greeting of any kind.
In fact, it get’s even worse… today I’ve had a number of applications without an email message at all, the applicant simply attaches their CV and presumes that this is sufficient. Well, do they really think that I can be arsed to read their CV when they provide me with no introduction, no synopsis, not even a “Hi, find my CV attached, cheers.”
With this in mind I hereby present my top five do’s and don’ts for email composition when applying for a job.
Do:
- start your email with a suitable greeting
- introduce yourself in a single paragraph
- give your email some context
- send the email from a personal email account
- spell check and proof read before you hit ‘send’
Don’t:
- use a generic email to apply for jobs
- attach a CV which is in an unusual file format
- be too kooky or weird
- send the email from your workplace address (You’ll look like a slacker)
- make spelling mistakes
So, do you have any tips of your own? It’s hot and muggy in the office so I’m gonna take my socks off now and get back to not responding to all these rude job applications.
For sure, you have a very limited period within which to get the recipients attention.
I agree with Hayo, short and sweet is best if possible.
It can also be bad to write too much in the e-mail. I had to deal with that stuff some time ago. I got people writing complete stories about how great they were for the job and how marvellous the company was. Those suckups quickly landed on the discard pile.
Why would anyone bypass the opportunity to really sell themselves, by not writing a proper email as well as an attached CV?
I am a high school student, and when I look for part-time work I use the email to introduce myself and say why I would like to work there etc etc and what qualities I have which I think would make me a suitable applicant. I mean there’s only so much you can express with a CV.
Why wouldn’t you make the effort? The mind boggles…
Actually, the discussion RE using a work email address just reminded me of a situation I found myself in a good few years back whilst looking for a job.
I was at work and had emailed a recruitment agent from my work address being careful to delete the mail from sent items etc.
My line manager was at my desk discussing a visual which I had up on screen and I get an email pop into my inbox from the recruitment agent, this would have been ok as his name was no giveaway… but the subject line was a giveaway.
A few minutes later I was pulled into a meeting room and asked not to persue any communication with recruitment agents during work time. Fair enough I suppose. :!
Sure, but do you not think it sends a negative message about loyalty? That was my angle, but as you say if you want to be able to respond in a timely manner it may be the only way for most. I think the better option is to use a web mail account.
I’m not sure about not sending emails from your work address. You could be sending it during your lunch break. It’s also the address I check the most so I can respond quicker.
Yes, even the best spell checker won’t help you when you’re drunk. ;)
I think if you want a job then you need to show your potential employer how much. Unfortunately, it seems that many people can’t be bothered to make the effort.
Not making a huge effort when going to an interview to present yourself well and make a good impression is always either a sign of arrogance, laziness or stupidity! It’s one of those times it’s worth conforming and putting on a tie!
Thanks for this informative Topic
Keep it up
It amazes me that people actually don’t care enough to put some thought into an a job application. The idea is to leave a good if not great first impression.
I once received an application that was hand written on a torn off piece of loose leaf. I thought it was funny but they didn’t make the short list.
Please excuse the typos, I’m drunk
Cheers
Pete