Job Search Etiquette

Etiquette Points

In an attempt to help guide some job seekers through the job search and resume submission process, perhaps a few key job search etiquette points would be helpful.

When submitting your resume for any position; following the directions in the job posting is vital.

If the posting requests a Word document; that’s what you should send. Yes, I can convert a PDF into a Word document but when faced with hundreds of resumes from candidates who have provided me with what I asked for, that conversion will happen after I’ve reviewed all the rest.

If you use a site like Google docs or Drop box or have your resume attached to your LinkedIn profile or saved on your own personal web site; that may not be convenient for the person reviewing resumes.

Again, when I’m reviewing hundreds of resumes for a specific job opening and an applicant sends me a link, I do not have time to follow it to download a file.

Recently, I told someone it was not my practice to download files from unknown websites (or even known web sites) because the risk of a virus is too great and it is too time consuming.

Her response was that there was no way I could get a virus from this specific site, and implied I’m an idiot if I think that will happen. In what social interaction is it acceptable to tell anyone they are stupid?

I strive to be polite and professional in my responses to applicants. A polite and professional response is appreciated in return.  I’m not particularly motivated to spend extra time trying to help someone whose communication lacks proper etiquette.  I believe that is the case with most people.

If you are asked to call to discuss; please call.

The expression “at your earliest convenience” does not mean call me at 1:00 a.m. on your way home from a bar. And leaving a message I can’t understand is not polite or professional.  With caller ID now, you can no longer even claim it wasn’t you.  If I can’t understand your words, I can do a quick search for your phone number in my database and tie the message to the candidate. I use this information when a call is dropped in the middle of a message or there is static on the line as well.

If we have a call scheduled for a specific time, please call at that time or answer the phone when I call you. 

Cell phones are really wonderful. They also amplify the background noise.  So, please note that while you are telling me you are stuck in a meeting and can’t talk, I’m listening to the background noise as well.  The odds are I can hear the children splashing in the outdoor pool, the sound of seagulls overhead at the beach or people behind you yelling that they’ll catch up with you at the ski lift.

Polite and professional behavior is the very definition of good etiquette.

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