Know your value
Don't use an irrelevant quality to differentiate yourself from other candidates. It is not that we don't appreciate personal qualities that might make you a great asset to the company, but don't make that the highlight. You, I am sure, have other more appropriate attributes that we should consider, such as specific work experience or how your particular education is useful in the job.
Don't get too cute for your own good
This is a business where positioning is critical. We do this for our clients; we protect their brands, and we help sell on their behalf. We need people who can deliberately communicate. Too many people submitted resumes and letters where their "cuteness" got in the way of their content. We had people indicate that they were "crazy" or that they have obscure talents that were simply inappropriate. We want people with personality and, of course, we want to have fun -- but please think about what you're saying. Perhaps have a friend read what you're going to submit for a sanity check before you hit send.
We appreciate persistence; however, be tactful in your approach. Say thank you and feel free to follow up on phone screenings or other phases of the interview process.
Proofread and be clear
Details are important to us. Even in forms. Wrong company name, wrong job titles, misspelled words. Need I say more? We can't let work go to a client that would have any of these equivalent errors; don't let your work go out like that either.
Then, make sure things like your work history are clear. Explain anything that might not be clear. It is OK to have gaps. Don't think that you might just slip a fast one by us. Right now, we have a lot of ways to pare down the list of folks we intend to interview, so don't give us this opportunity.
Right now, people have been expanding their geography to increase their chances of securing a job. But, if you're out of state, then indicate somehow that you're aware of the location of the job for which you're applying. If you want to move, then let us know and be specific as to why the location is a great place for you to live. For us, this concern is similar to that of people who apply for jobs beneath their talents. As soon as the market turns around, will you be looking to return home?
Conclusion and "good luck"
Hopefully, hearing these real-life experiences has been valuable for you and changes the way you approach your job search (or validates that you're doing it right). If you are looking to work for Red Door, then I have provided a quick guidebook to get your resume through our front door. After that, however, you're on to interview tips and, for that, we have a whole host of interesting stories we could share. If you think things through, be honest, and be yourself, then you will soon secure a job where you'll be proud of the work you're doing and proud of the place you call home (some call it "work") for a long time to come.
Reid Carr is president of Red Door Interactive.
On Twitter? Follow Carr at @icowboy. Follow iMedia Connection at @iMediaTweet.
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