hello, my name is
nathan pitman.

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

Yes, even the best spell checker won’t help you when you’re drunk. ;)

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.

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.

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. :!

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…

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.

I agree with Hayo, short and sweet is best if possible.

For sure, you have a very limited period within which to get the recipients attention.

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

Really great article! Thanks author - some great tips.

Great little article, completely agree with what you’re saying.

I often read job apps and just can’t believe some of the issues people don’t see when they’re proof-reading their applications: Random words that haven’t “chicken” been deleted properly; punctuation that “does’nt” make sense; “seplling” mistakes; etc, etc, etc!!

Hi Nathan, great little article.

There’s definately something in this: is there a reflection on the way people apply for jobs these days? Are people sending blanket CV’s out more than they used to? Do people simply not realise the impression a blank email gives? Or are we, as employers too picky?! What do you think?

For genuine job seekers, anyone who sends an application with not even the hint of a courtesy email is a fool, so I definately agree with the message of you’re post.

One area of advice I stonrlgy agree with is to taylor your CV and covering letter to each job you apply for instead of taking a shotgun approach.

Build up a relationship with a good recruiter.  For example, when you fnd one who understands your needs and requirements stay with them and keep them informed of any potential changes in your employment status

This is great information.The objective of the CV looks small and meaningful.The email should be name only.Somebody created name with great,nickname,rocks ect..This is not good.

When you’re applying for a job via email, it’s really important to write your email message just as you would a cover letter or business letter you send via the mail. Here’s an example, of a real (believe it or not!) email that I received from a job seeker:

i would like to put an ap in are u able to fax me a ap i didnt do up a resume yet i am working on it u think we could work somthing out thank you!
miniq