This will probably sound like a rant, but if perhaps, just maybe, someone reads this and takes a couple of minutes to change something about their standard job search habits, then I’ll have done my job. We (my former self included) can get so stuck in our habits, and the easy way of doing things, we don’t see what could be a more effective way to get results.
I always ask how the job search is going, and what resources are being utilized for that process. The answer almost always includes “CraigsList.” And that’s fine. But it also includes the following comment: “but I don’t get many responses.” Here are a few of the possible reasons, directly from the horse’s mouth:
Is your resume actually attached, especially if you say “resume attached”?
Does your “cover letter” go beyond one paragraph stating your interest, direct qualifications, and contact information? If so, it’s too long, too repetitive, and too much like everyone else’s.
Did you write a new paragraph of text for the reply, or is it a canned response? Almost every hiring manager has read so many that it’s OBVIOUS if you’re sending a canned “letter of interest”. Change it up. Add some personality. Make it worth reading! You’re worth it, aren’t you?
Does your resume include your GPA? It shouldn’t! Especially if it’s below 3.5. It’s unnecessary, it doesn’t really demonstrate your intelligence (quite the opposite in some cases) and it’s not conveying a professional attitude.
Does your email say “Dear Sirs:” or “Dear Sir/Madam:”? If the appropriate contact person isn’t listed, perhaps try something with more personality, like “Good Morning.” CraigsList is a casual form of applying to a job. It’s not formal. And it’s important to realize that the person who posted it probably gets 500 replies to ONE POST in ONE DAY. They have to be compelled to respond to your email, to your resume. Even if you’re not quite the perfect match, a unique reply will at least get you a few minutes of attention.
Did you keep a copy of the job posting for yourself? Too many times, candidates send their information to so many random postings that when they actually do get called back, they can’t remember what it was they applied for!
Suggestion: Do NOT send a resume attachment to a CraigsList posting without any information in the body of the e-mail. What makes a prospective employer interested in giving up 5 minutes of their time to open the resume, when you clearly didn’t spend 5 minutes of your time to write some more information about why you’re the right candidate?
Suggestion: Please proofread your resume and your cover letter, AND your email. If there is a misused word, or misspelled word, or grammatical error, you’re significantly lowering your chances of being called back.
Hope this sheds some light! I don’t intend for it to be harsh or mean, but maybe it will give you some motivation for ways to get a bit more response when you’re applying to the black hole that CraigsList can be!
Technorati Tags: CraigsList, job postings, resume submission, e-mail applications, job search habits
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on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 at 7:24 am and is filed under CM Access, Resume, Technology, Search Tips, FYI.
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October 23rd, 2007 at 8:34 am
[…] First– when looking at job postings on line, figure out if it’s posted by a staffing firm or the corporate HR. This will help you when applying. Most agency recruiters (like CM Access) don’t need a long cover letter. They need to see what job you’re applying for and your resume, possibly salary or rate requirements, but just the facts, ma’am. If it’s a corporation you’re applying to directly, cover letters are a good indication of your writing ability (IF it’s a job that would involve writing) and they should give clues about you and your personality. Make it worth reading, not a chore. And if you’re applying to Craigslist, see my notes here. […]