I have a client who asked me to help them quickly recruit a Marketing Manager in Dallas. Because they’re such a good client, I agreed to see what I could do to help . . . notwithstanding a rather heavy existing work load.
I’m not normally a fan of relying on posting job descriptions as a prime method of identifying candidates. Normally, the candidates I really want to be talking with aren’t spending time on job boards. In this case, it had the most potential for a quick response. I am just amazed at the lack of care and effort candidates expend in responding to online job postings.
Candidates don’t address their response to me, even though my name was in the posting. They often don’t add any content in their cover email that is related to this particular search. More often than not, there’s no email content at all, or it’s so obviously what they always send to every job posting, that it’s worthless. It’s actually even worse because it quickly shows me the candidate doesn’t care enough to take the time to make a powerful first impression. “Stock” responses to postings will not impress anyone.
When you respond to a posting that might be of interest to you, find out all you can about the person or company posting the position. Make sure that your cover letter or email makes it apparent that you’ve done the appropriate research. Address the person or company by name. Do a bit of investigating and see if you would actually like to work for that company, and if so, why. Tell the hiring manager specifically why you’re interested in your cover email or letter. Tell them (briefly) how your skills and experience can contribute value to that company, and more specifically the position being posted.
The more specific detail you provide, the more likely it is that the hiring manager will actually review your information. I shouldn’t have to say watch out for typos, but I will. Typos in correspondence relating to the job search will kill your candidacy immediately. No question. If you can’t get a document right while applying for a new job, it’s not likely you pay much attention to anything you do.
Take your time when responding. Re-read your correspondence and double check for grammar errors or typos. As they say, you only have one shot at making a positive first impression.