Thinking Smart

Sometimes, I'm amazed at the not very smart things that job seekers do.  It's often little things, but those little things can make a big difference.

Using email addresses like hotchick or risquegirl isn't going to impress any hiring manager.  Sending email messages without Subject lines may only get your message to one place - the Trash folder.   Writing messages that are barely readable, because of typos, aren't going to help you either.

The same holds true for resumes.  Your resume needs to be clear, concise, readable, and needs to provide an accurate summary of your work history. Both of those are important, really.  Trying to fudge dates cost one young man I spoke to a job at a top Wall Street firm.  Trying to put a positive spin on getting fired for falsifying time sheets, backfired for the person who tried that, too.

If you follow a few simple rules, it will definitely help.  It might also save you some time wondering why you aren't getting calls for interviews:

Be Professional - Check everything you send for grammar and spelling - even if it's "just" a quick email message to a networking contact.  Use a professional sounding email address. A variation of your name works well - alisondoyle, adoyle, for example.

Be Complete - If you're filling out a job application, complete all the required information If a job posting asks for references, provide them.

Be Polite - If you get rejected for a job, thank the hiring manager for the time they took to interview you and ask to be considered for future openings that might be a better fit.  It will help get you consideration in the future.

Apply for Jobs You're Qualified For - Don't waste your time applying for jobs that you're not qualified for.  It's a waste of time, energy, and effort and all you're going to do is annoy the hiring manager who spent time reviewing your resume.  Instead, take the time to target your job search, focusing on jobs that match your skills and interests. Then target your resume and cover letter, so you give the hiring manager what he needs to know at a glance.