WorkWise BlogTip: Don't be careless while applying to positions

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Many job hunters bemoan the fact that employers don’t even acknowledge their applications, let alone respond to them. Are they being rude? Are they just ignoring applications? Doesn’t a person who goes to the trouble of applying deserve some sort of response?

Lavie Margolin tells the story of John, a b-school grad who was laser-focused on finding a job (lioncubjobsearch.com). In the spirit of thoroughness, he decided to apply for every job he found online. “He didn’t spend much time reading the job listings,” Margolin emails, “but he glanced over each one briefly.” He made one change in his cover letter, the job title.

John might have felt good at first about what he was doing, but shortly thereafter, sensing a black hole, he lost heart. One day, though, he received a response from one of the employers and invited his family to come hear the news.

According to Margolin, John “called them all into the room, saying, ‘I got a response! I got a response! Come in quick. I’d like you to see this with me!’” Once everyone was there, he opened the email. Here’s what he read:

“Why did you apply for this job? A JD is a requirement for this position!”