Sunday

Tip for the day #1 when applying for a job

Who, What, When, Where, Why?

Yup, it's not just for journalism anymore! In ANY correspondence you make requesting that someone take the time to consider you for a job, don't play cat and mouse. Don't expect people to come to you for the most basic information. Don't just send an email saying simply you're an [insert title] and to "call with questions". (Yes, we've gotten these kinds of emails.) Instead, include a resume and *BRIEFLY* tell us who you are, what you do, where you live or are willing to move to, and why you think you would be a good fit for the company. (The "when" should be reflected in an attached resume as dates of employment, despite the fact that it might "look cleaner" without showing those pesky dates.)

Try to avoid making desperate pleas; this IS advertising after all and you are a brand, so show us how well you can create demand. Employers want the best in breed, what's hot, what the other guys want. They don't want merchandise from the clearance rack. So when you reach out to a Recruiter or Creative Director or Human Resources, avoid saying you "need help". When introducing yourself to perspective employers or recruiters, follow the guidelines in the first paragraph and let them know you're simply ready for a change.

Also very important, the resume AND the actual email should both have the link to your online portfolio. No one should need to ask how they can see your work and if you provide the information upfront, then they won't need to hunt for the link at a later date. Consider successful hotel chains -- you can't go 2 feet without some element of branding. And if it's allowed to leave the room, you know it has a website or a phone number on it. That way, they make it really easy to reach them, and to remember why you'd want to. So establish your brand and build on it.

1 comment:

  1. I agree! I really appreciate when candidates supply all necessary information upfront. If I don't have anything for them at that moment, the email is easy to file so when I do have something I think would be a fit, it's easy to check for myself without getting their hopes up each time.

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