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Subject:How do you respond to job ads? From:"Gutierrez, Diane" <Diane -dot- Gutierrez -at- WESTGROUP -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 3 Feb 1999 16:34:23 -0600
Yes, this thread has gone on too long! Allow me to prolong it a bit...
Employers have the right to request what they need to winnow out a messy
flood. You, as applicant, have the options how to submit this information.
1. PDF and HTML website info are great for your own winnowing purposes.
Would you want to work for an employer who doesn't have Netscape, IE or
Acrobat Reader as part of their everyday tools? Maybe they'd give you a
286 with a 14-inch screen and 1996 software.
2. As for salary and writing samples information: these are sensitive
concepts that would be better discussed in interview. If they are asking
salary requirements upfront, they are not likely to offer competitively.
"Scale" or "Competitive" are useful words to fill in that blank. If they
are asking for writing samples, they are weeding out obviously inept prose
and not, at this stage, looking for elegance or technical clarity. (just
take a look at some of those posted to the web. Spelling and grammar goofs?
Yup.) Samples could be made up specifically for this kind of employer, and
need only cover two or three concepts. Add some pretty pictures if you have
graphics capabilities, it doesn't hurt to show off what you can do.
3. Use the cover letter to touch on what isn't in the resume. Say you
relish variety and challenge, interviewing SME's, writing proposals and
outlines, conferring on related technical matters and design, etc. Or
emphasize the topics you liked writing best.
4. Much of the feeling in this thread has to do with the insensitivity of
the job recruiter. They don't acknowledge resumes, etc., etc. Watch it.
They hold the cards nevertheless. You're holding the pogey card.
