Personal Wealth Management

A cautionary tale on how not to get a job.

Read it for both a laugh and a few lessons on job hunting.  

One, when applying for a position, do some research. This is true whether you are submitting a resume for one specific job or mass emailing every employer you can think of. Know who you are submitting to and what they actually do.

Two, personalize your submission. I do not mean, “Hey, Joe! How’s it goin’?” Rather, tailor your cover letter to each separate company you apply to.

Employers hate receiving generic applications that are clearly mass produced. Actually, smart employers like receiving these type of submissions. It tells them that the applicant does not have the intelligence, creativity and motivation to take the time and submit a quality application.

If someone cannot be bothered to take the time for something as important as finding a job, how much intelligence, creativity, and motivation will go into everyday work? Needless to say, these submissions quickly find the shredder.

Spend the extra time. You are selling yourself in your application. Get it right.

Three, you never know who can help, or hinder, your job hunt. Mr. Webster appears to be a decent man. Many people would have a chuckle and forward the email exchange to all their friends, including partners at law firms. They in turn would forward it and that might spell the end of career prospects for the individual. And yes, I have seen my share of forwarded emails.

Always be polite and professional. Even when you are stressed. As I have written before, once you hit send, the communication is out of your control forever.

Never pass up an opportunity to make a new contact or to ask for assistance. It does not cost you a thing and you just might get some help.

Finally, it’s never too late to come to your senses. After realizing (finally) that he had acted badly, the applicant acquitted himself well. Everyone has a bad day. It is how you respond the next day that is equally important.