In this hard-to-find-a-job market, people rely heavily on those they know. The website Linked In was created for this exact purpose. While asking your contacts for help is one of the right ways to find a job, there are plenty of wrong ways. Here’s an example of an email I received last week from someone seeking help with their job search.
Re: (No subject) hey how are you ? hope all is well . im looking for a job in the city or near there thats related to my career , im going for my masters in social work , was wondering if you know of any jobs ?
Wrong.
First, there’s no subject, second I had to jog my memory just to figure out who this person was. Right before sending this email to “Spamville” I remembered the email address and meeting the woman in Florida last year. She really should have reminded me how we knew each other since we’d only met once and briefly at that. And while she does say what she wants, it’s pretty vague. Messages, whether written or voice, should be detailed, saving everyone time. It’s also obvious she wrote this from a smartphone – which explains, but does not excuse – the dreadful grammar. Lastly, she didn’t even conclude with a thank you.
Coincidentally, the same week I received another request.
Re: Seeking Position Felice, I could really use a favor. There is a terrific position that has reopened at X and I thought you might be able to assist by putting in a good word. Let me know how you feel about assisting on this and let’s talk when you have a moment. I have attached my updated resume and I will apply via the proper protocol. Many thanks.
Right!
I’m all for helping someone land a job. Working through “Who You Know” not only assists the job seeker, but the employer too, since receiving a recommendation through a trusted source benefits them. But in all actuality, how can I recommend someone who lacks basic social graces? Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, wrote the article “I Won’t Hire People Who Use Poor Grammar.” I agree. But I’d also add to that folks who lack basic social skills. In this day and age of “hru” “lol” and “ILBL8,” there’s no excuse for forgetting to say “plz” and “thx.” Or at the very least 😉
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