We recently started looking for some additional team members. As usual, I was simultaneously excited and appalled at the response. I want to hire the best and brightest. I want to feel the passion, excitement and enthusiasm rolling off the candidate in waves.
After a few hours of wading through the resumes, I often start to feel that I should focus on getting someone who takes the time to actually read the job description and respond in a semi-coherent manner. (And, in the interest of fairness, I also got some damned AMAZING responses. Wow, awesome, awesome responses.) So, in the interest of getting even more good responses (and through those responses, more excellent candidates), here are some helpful hints.
- Instead of telling me “It sounds great and exactly what I’m looking for” candidates might consider telling me why they are exactly what I am looking for.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread. Get a friend, or two or ten to read your resume. And don’t stop there. Get someone to read your cover letter too.
- Speaking of cover letters, a cover letter is a good thing. Try using one to tell me why you are a perfect fit for the job and the company. I understand you use the same resume for most of the jobs you apply for. The cover letter is the chance to personalize the response.
- If the job description calls for writing, send a writing sample. Make sure it gets proofed too.
- Show me the results. A resume isn’t just a list of tasks (or it shouldn’t be.) Tell me how a campaign you created drove increased sales, generated new leads, whatever. Show me the money.
- If you know what the company is, do a little research. For goodness sakes, Google them. If someone can’t figure out we also run Mass Innovation Nights, I’d wonder how serious they are about wanting to work for us. Go ahead; I’m not hard to find online.
- If you are using a thesaurus as you write your cover letter, remember that this is business writing. I’m not sure I am ready for a “piquant” conversationalist, at least not before my morning coffee.
- For a part-time job, don’t tell me you’ll be able to sneak in some work during your regular full-time job. No thanks.
And, if you are looking for a job in marketing, talk to us…