Notes from an Ex-Job Whore

Terri Winter

Terri Winter is a freelance writer based in Toronto, ON.

I’m by no means an expert in resume writing. For whatever reason, the writer in me has issues both verbally and interview-ally expressing my exceptional work ethic. But, shocker alert, this isn’t really about my work skills, it’s about yours.

I work at progressive, full-service ad agency in Toronto and as of late, it’s been my responsibility to sift through the 70+ resumes and cover letters we get on a daily basis. And as of late, it’s been a highlight of my day.
I’m not a difficult person to please, I swear. When I first moved to Toronto two years ago, I was a job application whore. There was no business I didn’t apply to and no paying job I’d turn down. And somewhere in there, I developed a strong desire for work ethic, much like a carrier donkey. What I just can’t seem to understand is how people put half of their heart (thanks, John Mayer) into their own job application process.

Especially when a lot of people’s bank accounts are still feeling the repercussions of the recession.

So in attempts to stop laughing alone at my desk and help out some people who are desperately in need of it, I’ve compiled a list of tips, hints and otherwise [what I consider to be] useful information when applying for jobs. Unless your name is Cupcake, in which case, I’m screening you out right away. I’m sorry.

1) Write SOMETHING, ANYTHING in the body of your email. If you send a blank email (you’d be surprised at the amount of people who do this), you can safely assume that I’m not going anywhere near your resume.

2) Read the job posting C-A-R-E-F-U-L-L-Y. Use the subject line indicated in the ad and if required, mention where you saw the ad. If you’re asked to apply with the subject line “Designer” and your email says “Urgent! Job Application from your new Designer, John Smith,” assume that your email’s getting deleted. Immediately. If you can’t follow instructions right off the bat, why in baby Buddha would anyone want to call you for an interview?

3) Title your resume/cover letter/portfolio with your name, preferably the date(ish) and the position you’re applying for. Sending a file called “Resume” is about as helpful as forgetting to attach one completely. Assume people other than yourself have applied to this job and take the steps to stand out.

4) Being proactive and researching the company you’re applying with is helpful. CC-ing the President of the company on your application email because you found out his name and email address, is not. This goes back to the following instructions bit I mentioned in #2; Send your application to the address indicated in the job posting and only that address. There’s a fine line between eager and out of line. Oh, and don't send it more than once. The chances of being hired don't increase the more frequently you apply.

5) Close up your Facebook/Myspace/Twitter/blog profiles if you’ve posted anything a potential employer might not want to see. We live in a world of social networking, so if you’re tweeting about how much you wanted to egg your last employer’s house, a social media stalker (ie. me) will find it and eliminate you from the hiring process before you even have a chance to get to the grocery store.
*Side note to this point: Don’t attach photos of yourself to your resume unless specifically asked to do so. Generally speaking, you’re asked for in interview based on your skills, not how well you’ve edited the background out of your best-looking bar photo from the weekend. Yes, people do this too.

6) Double check and make sure you’re sending the correct cover letter to the correct company. Yes, it happens and yes, it makes you look incompetent. If you can’t get the company name and position you’re applying for correct, it doesn’t seem like you want it too badly.

7) Spell check. Spell check. Spell check. Coming from a very OCD writer/proof reader/editor, you’re more than likely going to get busted.

So there you have it, people; straight from the horse’s mouth (er.. you know what I mean). It’s honestly not difficult to get your head together long enough to make a potential employer see how perfect you’d be for the job – it just takes a little bit of effort.