Hiring and Firing. Woohoo.
In addition to hiring for a full-time position, I'm hiring for a part-time position in my office and boy howdy, some of these resumes.
Let's go through the lists of don'ts, shall we?
1.) Do not mention outdated technology to me. I don't care that you know how to use a typewriter, a dictaphone or anything else that hasn't seen the light of day in years.
2.) Do not mention skills that do not apply to my position. I'm glad you know how to operate a pallet jack and a forklift. How's that going to help you with an accounting position?
3.) Spelling errors. JESUS. Someone said they were really good with "multi-pone lines". What is a pone? They followed that up with not knowing how to spell "vendor" (because "vender" looks so much better? IDEK). At that point, you're no longer being considered. You show a lack of attention to detail.
4.) Tell me that you're planning on using my position to leapfrog into a "real career". Go leapfrog somewhere else.
5.) If the advertisement says "cover letter needed", that means that a cover letter is needed. I do not even bother reviewing your resume if you do not submit a cover letter. Why? Because you clearly could not follow instructions and your reading comprehension is lacking. I'm hiring for someone that can pay attention to detail. First test failed.
6.) Please don't address your letter to "dear sir". I'm not a 'sir' and you've already insulted me with thinking that a dude is the only one that can be in a position of power.
7.) Do not do the following (I changed the name): "To whom it my concern, I Bob Hope believe... I Bob Hope am a great employee.... I Bob Hope am profencient in speaking the spanish language... I Bob Hope..." Look, I get it. Your name is Bob Hope. Couple that with the spelling errors and... nope.
8.) Apply for an accounting position when your only job experience is: help to design, construct and sell rosary bracelets. Um... no.
9.) Mention your religion. Over and over and over and over and over. I'm glad you found God. Really, I am. But what does finding God have to do with accounting?!
10.) Mention that the only reason you're applying is because we're close. Gee, that does my heart good that you're so obviously NOT committed to our mission! Sweet! That might be acceptable with a for-profit but not with a non-profit. We're not here because it's close or it pays well (guess what, it doesn't!), we're here because we're committed to the mission.
11.) Make salary and schedule demands in your cover letter. I advertised for Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. That means that I'm looking for someone that is available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. I don't care that you can work Saturdays but not Tuesdays. Also, I advertised the position at $11.00 an hour so if you really think I'm going to pay you $18/hour, you are completely full of shit.
12.) No calls means no calls. Seriously. It does. So when you call, I write your name down and cross you off the interview list. It's another "following directions" thing. It doesn't show initiative, it shows that you do not listen to instructions.
and now? back to more resumes... Interviews next week, let the good times roll.
Let's go through the lists of don'ts, shall we?
1.) Do not mention outdated technology to me. I don't care that you know how to use a typewriter, a dictaphone or anything else that hasn't seen the light of day in years.
2.) Do not mention skills that do not apply to my position. I'm glad you know how to operate a pallet jack and a forklift. How's that going to help you with an accounting position?
3.) Spelling errors. JESUS. Someone said they were really good with "multi-pone lines". What is a pone? They followed that up with not knowing how to spell "vendor" (because "vender" looks so much better? IDEK). At that point, you're no longer being considered. You show a lack of attention to detail.
4.) Tell me that you're planning on using my position to leapfrog into a "real career". Go leapfrog somewhere else.
5.) If the advertisement says "cover letter needed", that means that a cover letter is needed. I do not even bother reviewing your resume if you do not submit a cover letter. Why? Because you clearly could not follow instructions and your reading comprehension is lacking. I'm hiring for someone that can pay attention to detail. First test failed.
6.) Please don't address your letter to "dear sir". I'm not a 'sir' and you've already insulted me with thinking that a dude is the only one that can be in a position of power.
7.) Do not do the following (I changed the name): "To whom it my concern, I Bob Hope believe... I Bob Hope am a great employee.... I Bob Hope am profencient in speaking the spanish language... I Bob Hope..." Look, I get it. Your name is Bob Hope. Couple that with the spelling errors and... nope.
8.) Apply for an accounting position when your only job experience is: help to design, construct and sell rosary bracelets. Um... no.
9.) Mention your religion. Over and over and over and over and over. I'm glad you found God. Really, I am. But what does finding God have to do with accounting?!
10.) Mention that the only reason you're applying is because we're close. Gee, that does my heart good that you're so obviously NOT committed to our mission! Sweet! That might be acceptable with a for-profit but not with a non-profit. We're not here because it's close or it pays well (guess what, it doesn't!), we're here because we're committed to the mission.
11.) Make salary and schedule demands in your cover letter. I advertised for Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. That means that I'm looking for someone that is available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. I don't care that you can work Saturdays but not Tuesdays. Also, I advertised the position at $11.00 an hour so if you really think I'm going to pay you $18/hour, you are completely full of shit.
12.) No calls means no calls. Seriously. It does. So when you call, I write your name down and cross you off the interview list. It's another "following directions" thing. It doesn't show initiative, it shows that you do not listen to instructions.
and now? back to more resumes... Interviews next week, let the good times roll.