Looking for a Job?

[Edwina's Secretary]

I have spent the better part of tday (yes, a Sunday) working on recruiting assignments for some clients. I thought I would share some tips from "this side" of the job search equation.

1. Your email address is the first impression you make on me. If it is too cutesy, sexy or silly, I am very likely to hit delete immediately. Hotmama96@whatever or dangerousbikerdude@theother doesn't strike me as someone I want to present to a client. If you like having an address like that, fine, but get a different one to use for your job search.

2. Typos. Delete. Have someone else proof your work. It is easier to see errors in someone else's work than your own. And use a dictionary.

3. Your answering machine. Voodoo may be your hobby but Madame Voodoo is not a good way to have your phone answered (I am not kidding.) Nor do I want to hear "Hey dude. I'm prob'ly out surfing. Leave a message and maybe I'll call you back." (again, I am not kidding.) I like to hear a name. It lets me know I reached the right number. If all I get is "You have reached 312.555.1212" I might leave a message, I might not. If I hear your name I WILL leave a message. Unless you are Madame Voodoo.

4. If someone else answers your phone, make sure they know how to do so. If I am not asked to leave a message, I don't. A pen and paper by the phone is a good idea.

5. Follow the instructions I leave. The number I ask you to call back may not be the number from which I called. Automatic callback is not a good idea. If I ask you to leave me a message with a good time to call you, please do so. And then be there when I call you at that time.

6. Be prepared. You answered an ad. Aren't you expecting a call?

I run an ad. I get over 200 responses. I narrow that down to a manageable number. Time matters to me in getting the assignment done. So if you don't make it easy on me to reach you...well there are a bunch of other candidates.

And if you get an in person interview, or even a phone interview with the company -- ask for a business card or an email address and send a thank you note. I have seen it make the difference!

From the other side....

[sasvermont]

Yes, that is the email address of one person I interviewed while at that nasty law firm, years ago.

I am in the process now, but in the other chair. I am being interviewed. My email address is simple and I always send a thank you note.

I cannot tell you how many times just someone's name is enough to make you want to never hire them. I won't go into details, since I might step on toes, here.

Thanks for the advice!

[kitten645]

Excellent advice ladies. I got my very first job out of high school by saying Thank you when I was offered a seat to be interviewed. The lady looked at me and said "You know you are the FIRST person to thank me." I was amazed. You'd think if you WANT a job, you'd be on your best behaviour!
I've interviewed many people since. I'm in retail and have had people interview in flip flops, tube tops and carrying a crumpled shopping bag from a competitor! I'm talking about interviewing for a store on the level of Tiffany's!
In this age of "entitlement", I'm amazed at how many "assume" they deserve the job. with no effort at all!
Claudia

[slick]

Sara:
Is it OK to email in the thank you or should it be a personal phone call?

I'm at a crossroad now. I don't know what I'm going to do. It's too long to get into but I am updating my resume and sending some out just to see what happens. Would you hire a 56 year old IT professional knowing that I only have 9 more working years left?

[Suki Wingy]

THANK YOU. I am very much looking for a job right now. I also really, really, don't want to change my hair color. Would you automatically rule me out? (I am the one with pink hair in my signature.)

[Uabassoon]

THANK YOU. I am very much looking for a job right now. I also really, really, don't want to change my hair color. Would you automatically rule me out? (I am the one with pink hair in my signature.)

I hate admit that I would automatically rule you out. I would put your application in my TBNT (thanks but no thanks) folder.

I'm also shocked at how people don't know how to dress for an interview. You should dress nicer than the dress code of the place you are interviewing for. If you show up in jeans, shorts or flip flops you are not getting hired.

I second #3 I will not leave a message if I don't know who I am calling.

[Randi]

Sara, that's good advice! I will only add, that if you send an application by e-mail, send it as a .pdf. That way, you're sure it will look the same when they open it. Also, a nice layout is a good idea!

In Denmark, it's not very common to send a Thank You note though, some would consider it too much "grease" for their taste.

Unemployed people in Denmark now have to apply for at least 4 jobs a week, and be able to prove it. Because of this, companies get so many unserious applications. I noticed in an add the other day, that a company had asked people that are not serious about it, to send their application to this address: [email protected]

Would you hire a 56 year old IT professional knowing that I only have 9 more working years left?

Slick, you know I'm looking for jobs, and that's my way of thinking too, but you have the advantage of having been in the same Company for so many years - and getting a new job when you already have one, is so much easier. Good luck girl!!

[Edwina's Secretary]

Slick - an email is actually better than a phone call. It gets passed around (really -- with "wow, isn't this nice!") and doesn't put the person "on the spot."

The average tenure right now is three years -- probably less for IT folk. Someone want to work for me for 9 years. Great! And maybe you should use that to market yourself. Youngster who will leave in two years or seasoned pro who understand loyalty and hard work!

Suki Wing...the hard honest truth? Unless I was recruiting for some way out artistic company or something theatrical - yes, your hair would be a knock out factor. Sorry, but most companies would find it distracting.