Most resumes I receive are simply a Word document attached to an email with very little or no text explaining the type of position the applicant is looking for and why I should even consider opening the attached resume. The ones that stand out are those that pack a little sizzle and leave me wanting to know more. By way of example, I will share the best and worst e-mails I have received from job seekers in the last week alone.
The Worst:
I received this unsolicited e-mail several days ago in response to an administrative position I posted:
“Yes, I am interested in the job that you had listed on Craigs list for an Ex. Assistant. Please have someone give me a call on my cell. I appreciate talking to someone. Thanks!!! Have a great day!!!” (name and phone number) - no resume.
I will let you guess if I have called this person.
Tied for the worst email of the week was one with the following subject line:
“Designer for Higher” – If there’s a typo in the subject line of a job inquiry e-mail, what will happen when the person is on board and not trying so hard?
The Best:
I received the following e-mail from someone who thought she might be a good fit for Rockfish even though none of the jobs we had currently posted on our blog necessarily fit her experience and background.
“I am writing in response to a few job postings that you have on your website.
Unfortunately I do not fit any of the postings but I did want to forward my resume to you in hopes that either a) you may see that my skills and experience would fit well within your company and would like to schedule a time which we could meet or b) well, you just think I'm awesome and hire me right away to do, well, something...”
The email then goes on to tell me about her background, what she has accomplished in her career and how that would be a fit for Rockfish, with a very well crafted resume attached. I called her for an interview that day.
These are just a few examples to emphasize the point that we do read our e-mails. If you are trying to put your best foot forward and get an interview, please take some care and check your spelling, grammar, and let us know in a short, well worded e-mail why we should call you.