Job Search 2.0
Ashley Van Sipma
Issue date: 3/5/10 Section: Outside the Bubble
Finding a job is always hard, recession or not. But what if I told you I landed two jobs I was passionate about within six months of graduating from college in 2009?
I am by no means an expert on how to get your dream job, but I don't live on my parents' couch or manage an Applebees currently, and I've brought on four interns for DITZ and another intern to replace me at the company where I am now a paid employee. So while I can't guarantee that these guidelines will thrust you into the realm of the happily employed, I can promise that when it comes to getting hired in this economy, I have undergone valuable experiences I think anyone could learn from.
THE BASICS:
Given that most job listings are now posted on websites and you'll mostly be communicating with companies online, let's start with the basics of email etiquette.
Get a professional email address:
It was fine to be cutiepie2000@aol.com back in 5th grade, but if you're 22-years-old and still sending e-mails from truelove4u@yahoo.com you're going to have a hard time finding a job. As you enter the professional world and build a reputation. You can't build a name for yourself without a great name.
Before sending off your applications and resumes, create a separate account that is simple and professional. The classic Lastname.firstname@gmail.com should do the trick. Even if you're one of many John Smiths in this world, keep it simple with just a middle initial or birth year.
Subject:
When you're writing an email, remember that it frames the email and job pitch it precedes. (No Subject) doesn't tell the employer much, and "Internship" doesn't make you seem very qualified, especially if "great writing skills" are part of the job description.
Instead try something that allows the employer to recognize your email, such as "PR Internship Application for (company)" or "(company): Internship."
Attachments:
When attaching your resume, cover letter or other files, be conscious of what you name your documents. Make it easy for employers to save your attachments and find them later by saving them in a format that makes sense. Something like: "Lastname_Firstname_Resume" is easy to read, easy to save and easy to find.
Two of the absolute worst (and unfortunately real) examples I have come across are:
"My resume #2" and "Jack1-revised12-04-updated today." Don't be Jack.
Resume:
Your resume is a snapshot of who you are, snapshot being the operative word. It should not be longer than one full page, smaller than 10-point font, or so crammed with words that it's painful to read. Make it simple and effortless for the employer to get a great first impression of why you're qualified.
Also, in addition to your education, previous jobs, extracurricular and contact information, be sure to include basic skills that are required for the job (especially if it's an internship). Skills like answering phone calls, taking messages, excellent email etiquette, filing and knowledge of programs like Word and Excel are oftentimes overlooked, but are extremely important to mention. But don't get too basic-any four-year-old can lick stamps.
Cover Letter:
Some employers may not require a cover letter and others may specifically ask that you not send one. But in my experience, when no mention is made of a cover letter in a job posting, adding one as a courtesy is a great way to make yourself stand out from the competition.
When writing a cover letter and/or a personal note in an email, avoid simply restating the items listed on your resume. The letter is your chance to explain how those resume items make you specifically a great candidate for this position. Take one or two of your most valuable experiences as well as a few top qualities and apply them to how they translate into the job description.
When proofreading your cover letter, ask yourself honestly if you would hire someone submitting this letter. This exercise should help you avoid sending out something like the following example, an unfortunately real letter I received from an applicant for an internship in journalism.
To Ashley!
I am ultra excited about the opportunity of becoming a part of your staffing team. I have a BA from Boston Universiy, graduated with a 2.9 and I now live in North Hollywood. My concentration was primarily in Broadcast Journalism. I have worked as a Receptionist at a salon where I answered multiple phone calls everyday. I am a very fast learner and hard worker! I am uber friendly and reliable. A friend of mine is in dental school - and I am, therefore, familiar with and interested in dentistry. I also speak Greman but not fluently.
I am very familiar with all computer software and programs like iPhoto, Final Cut Pro and Dreamweaver. I enjoy team work.
If this position is still available, I would really love to be considered. I am available for an interview at your convenience an upon your request. I live in North Hollywood and am available for full time work!
Thanks and hope to hear back from you!
I don't provide this example to make someone look bad, but because it provides several valuable lessons in composing a cover letter.
For starters, there is a right and a wrong way to show enthusiasm, and when it comes to professional documents, exclamation points and words like "ultra" should be avoided at all costs.
I cannot stress enough how important proofreading is-misspelling the word 'university' will only make a potential employer wonder how you survived a freshman year writing course. On the subject of school, it is important to know that resume-writing etiquette dictates that you only list GPA if it is above average. Anything below a 3.5 and you are probably better of leaving it out.
This brings me to my final point: just because you're proud of something does not mean it belongs in every cover letter. If you're applying for in internship in journalism, do not mention your friend in dental school. If the job description lists knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, you might be better off cutting the stuff about video editing to make room for more reasons why you fit the job description.
Follow Up:
For many jobs listings, your email is just one of out of 100. If you don't hear back in a week, it is important to remind them of your existence.
Call the employer to see if the position has been filled. Resend your documents with a short note telling the employer that you haven't heard back but that you are still extremely interested in the position. If you don't want your hard work and potential job to get lost in cyberspace, prove it. This dedication is often how employers make the final choice between candidates for a position.
Keep Notes:
As you're applying to 28 different internships, 12 restaurants and 18 companies across the country, keep track. As living proof of someone who applied to 30 jobs over the course of two weeks, I can't stress enough how important it is to clearly track which companies you've applied with and what correspondence you've had with them.
With 30 applications floating in cyberspace, it can be hard to remember which company is which or who you've followed up with, and when. I suggest making folders and sub folders for each company. This way, when you receive a call about an interview next week, you can easily prepare yourself by reviewing everything you know about the job and everything they know about you.
THE DO'S & DON'TS of APPLYING FOR A JOB:
DON'T say "your company"-it's too generic. You can keep some elements of your cover letter the same for different jobs within the same field, but you must run a fine-tooth comb through them for personal elements such as company name or specific job criteria.
DO use the name of the person in charge of hiring. Find a name on the listing, in the Human Resources section of the website or call the company and ask who you should address your email to. Only use "To Whom it May Concern" as an absolute last resort.
DON'T send one email to 25 different employers. I once received an e-mail where I was CC-ed along with tons of other recruiters, and it went straight in the trash.
DO tell the employer how you can help the company benefit. DON'T tell them how you will benefit from the company.
A bad (and unfortunately true) example of a DON'T: This job opportunity is in my best interest since I am ready to take on any opportunity that will let me demonstrate my passion and desire to succeed in the industry. I'm a film studies major that is seeking for a internship for the summer, it does not matter where I just need at least 20hours a week for a semester for my requirement to for my major and also to learn more experience. If you need a resume or references just let my know. Please send me a application. Thank you and please contact me by email or phone."
DO end your email and/or cover letter with a personal touch: "Thank you for your time in reviewing my application and I look forward to hearing from you soon."
DON'T end your email with a signature that mixes politics or religion with business: 'Jesus Saves' or 'Sarah Plain 2012' isn't the best last impression you want to make.
DO make it as easy as possible for the employer to offer you the job. "Resume or writing samples available upon request" is one surefire way to get your email in the trash, because what employer has the time to write back requesting a resume? Include all pertinent materials related for the job description including resume, cover letter, reference and writing samples (if applicable). It's better to provide more information than not enough.
DO be persistent. You definitely don't want to annoy the employer by calling every day, but from my hiring experience, the person who wants the job the most will show you. Be enthusiastic and show gratitude after any and all e-mail correspondences, phone conversations or interviews.
DO have someone proofread your documents and triple check that you're sending the right copy. Delete old resumes from your computer to avoid accidentally sending them. I once received a resume with comments in the margins saying "add more here" and "add bullet point," but the comments hadn't been deleted, nor had the changes been made.
DO call the employer to ask for more details about the job or internship. Take notes on what the job description entails and write your cover letter and resume to tailor that specific job. This will up your chances of an impression immensely!
DO take note of the key words in the ideal candidate section of the job description and use them to your advantage. If the ideal candidate 'is punctual, can meet deadlines and is creative' your application should address and portray those qualities.
DON'T wait till the last minute. Unlike your professor who won't know you wrote your midterm the night before, timestamps on emails are unavoidable for a procrastinator.
I am by no means an expert on how to get your dream job, but I don't live on my parents' couch or manage an Applebees currently, and I've brought on four interns for DITZ and another intern to replace me at the company where I am now a paid employee. So while I can't guarantee that these guidelines will thrust you into the realm of the happily employed, I can promise that when it comes to getting hired in this economy, I have undergone valuable experiences I think anyone could learn from.
THE BASICS:
Given that most job listings are now posted on websites and you'll mostly be communicating with companies online, let's start with the basics of email etiquette.
Get a professional email address:
It was fine to be cutiepie2000@aol.com back in 5th grade, but if you're 22-years-old and still sending e-mails from truelove4u@yahoo.com you're going to have a hard time finding a job. As you enter the professional world and build a reputation. You can't build a name for yourself without a great name.
Before sending off your applications and resumes, create a separate account that is simple and professional. The classic Lastname.firstname@gmail.com should do the trick. Even if you're one of many John Smiths in this world, keep it simple with just a middle initial or birth year.
Subject:
When you're writing an email, remember that it frames the email and job pitch it precedes. (No Subject) doesn't tell the employer much, and "Internship" doesn't make you seem very qualified, especially if "great writing skills" are part of the job description.
Instead try something that allows the employer to recognize your email, such as "PR Internship Application for (company)" or "(company): Internship."
Attachments:
When attaching your resume, cover letter or other files, be conscious of what you name your documents. Make it easy for employers to save your attachments and find them later by saving them in a format that makes sense. Something like: "Lastname_Firstname_Resume" is easy to read, easy to save and easy to find.
Two of the absolute worst (and unfortunately real) examples I have come across are:
"My resume #2" and "Jack1-revised12-04-updated today." Don't be Jack.
Resume:
Your resume is a snapshot of who you are, snapshot being the operative word. It should not be longer than one full page, smaller than 10-point font, or so crammed with words that it's painful to read. Make it simple and effortless for the employer to get a great first impression of why you're qualified.
Also, in addition to your education, previous jobs, extracurricular and contact information, be sure to include basic skills that are required for the job (especially if it's an internship). Skills like answering phone calls, taking messages, excellent email etiquette, filing and knowledge of programs like Word and Excel are oftentimes overlooked, but are extremely important to mention. But don't get too basic-any four-year-old can lick stamps.
Cover Letter:
Some employers may not require a cover letter and others may specifically ask that you not send one. But in my experience, when no mention is made of a cover letter in a job posting, adding one as a courtesy is a great way to make yourself stand out from the competition.
When writing a cover letter and/or a personal note in an email, avoid simply restating the items listed on your resume. The letter is your chance to explain how those resume items make you specifically a great candidate for this position. Take one or two of your most valuable experiences as well as a few top qualities and apply them to how they translate into the job description.
When proofreading your cover letter, ask yourself honestly if you would hire someone submitting this letter. This exercise should help you avoid sending out something like the following example, an unfortunately real letter I received from an applicant for an internship in journalism.
To Ashley!
I am ultra excited about the opportunity of becoming a part of your staffing team. I have a BA from Boston Universiy, graduated with a 2.9 and I now live in North Hollywood. My concentration was primarily in Broadcast Journalism. I have worked as a Receptionist at a salon where I answered multiple phone calls everyday. I am a very fast learner and hard worker! I am uber friendly and reliable. A friend of mine is in dental school - and I am, therefore, familiar with and interested in dentistry. I also speak Greman but not fluently.
I am very familiar with all computer software and programs like iPhoto, Final Cut Pro and Dreamweaver. I enjoy team work.
If this position is still available, I would really love to be considered. I am available for an interview at your convenience an upon your request. I live in North Hollywood and am available for full time work!
Thanks and hope to hear back from you!
I don't provide this example to make someone look bad, but because it provides several valuable lessons in composing a cover letter.
For starters, there is a right and a wrong way to show enthusiasm, and when it comes to professional documents, exclamation points and words like "ultra" should be avoided at all costs.
I cannot stress enough how important proofreading is-misspelling the word 'university' will only make a potential employer wonder how you survived a freshman year writing course. On the subject of school, it is important to know that resume-writing etiquette dictates that you only list GPA if it is above average. Anything below a 3.5 and you are probably better of leaving it out.
This brings me to my final point: just because you're proud of something does not mean it belongs in every cover letter. If you're applying for in internship in journalism, do not mention your friend in dental school. If the job description lists knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, you might be better off cutting the stuff about video editing to make room for more reasons why you fit the job description.
Follow Up:
For many jobs listings, your email is just one of out of 100. If you don't hear back in a week, it is important to remind them of your existence.
Call the employer to see if the position has been filled. Resend your documents with a short note telling the employer that you haven't heard back but that you are still extremely interested in the position. If you don't want your hard work and potential job to get lost in cyberspace, prove it. This dedication is often how employers make the final choice between candidates for a position.
Keep Notes:
As you're applying to 28 different internships, 12 restaurants and 18 companies across the country, keep track. As living proof of someone who applied to 30 jobs over the course of two weeks, I can't stress enough how important it is to clearly track which companies you've applied with and what correspondence you've had with them.
With 30 applications floating in cyberspace, it can be hard to remember which company is which or who you've followed up with, and when. I suggest making folders and sub folders for each company. This way, when you receive a call about an interview next week, you can easily prepare yourself by reviewing everything you know about the job and everything they know about you.
THE DO'S & DON'TS of APPLYING FOR A JOB:
DON'T
DO use the name of the person in charge of hiring. Find a name on the listing, in the Human Resources section of the website or call the company and ask who you should address your email to. Only use "To Whom it May Concern" as an absolute last resort.
DON'T send one email to 25 different employers. I once received an e-mail where I was CC-ed along with tons of other recruiters, and it went straight in the trash.
DO tell the employer how you can help the company benefit. DON'T tell them how you will benefit from the company.
A bad (and unfortunately true) example of a DON'T: This job opportunity is in my best interest since I am ready to take on any opportunity that will let me demonstrate my passion and desire to succeed in the industry. I'm a film studies major that is seeking for a internship for the summer, it does not matter where I just need at least 20hours a week for a semester for my requirement to for my major and also to learn more experience. If you need a resume or references just let my know. Please send me a application. Thank you and please contact me by email or phone."
DO end your email and/or cover letter with a personal touch: "Thank you for your time in reviewing my application and I look forward to hearing from you soon."
DON'T end your email with a signature that mixes politics or religion with business: 'Jesus Saves' or 'Sarah Plain 2012' isn't the best last impression you want to make.
DO make it as easy as possible for the employer to offer you the job. "Resume or writing samples available upon request" is one surefire way to get your email in the trash, because what employer has the time to write back requesting a resume? Include all pertinent materials related for the job description including resume, cover letter, reference and writing samples (if applicable). It's better to provide more information than not enough.
DO be persistent. You definitely don't want to annoy the employer by calling every day, but from my hiring experience, the person who wants the job the most will show you. Be enthusiastic and show gratitude after any and all e-mail correspondences, phone conversations or interviews.
DO have someone proofread your documents and triple check that you're sending the right copy. Delete old resumes from your computer to avoid accidentally sending them. I once received a resume with comments in the margins saying "add more here" and "add bullet point," but the comments hadn't been deleted, nor had the changes been made.
DO call the employer to ask for more details about the job or internship. Take notes on what the job description entails and write your cover letter and resume to tailor that specific job. This will up your chances of an impression immensely!
DO take note of the key words in the ideal candidate section of the job description and use them to your advantage. If the ideal candidate 'is punctual, can meet deadlines and is creative' your application should address and portray those qualities.
DON'T wait till the last minute. Unlike your professor who won't know you wrote your midterm the night before, timestamps on emails are unavoidable for a procrastinator.
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