I am currently recruiting new VISTA members for my organization. As I read the resumes, cover letters and online application forms that have been submitted to me I wonder how some people dress themselves in the morning. Here are a few tips that I hope everyone already knows but my applicants clearly do not.
1. You should not use your romantic partner (girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse etc) as a reference
2. You should not use yourself as your own reference
3. You should not misspell the hiring manager's name (even if it is a tough one like Wankmuller)
4. You should not assume the hiring manager is a man and address the letter to Mr. Wankmuller
5. You should not leave entire sections of the application blank
6. You should not offer us the use of your "massive rolodex of contacts." When you put it that was it doesn't sound like you're talking about contacts. in fact, leaving the word massive out of any and all job application supporting documents may be a good idea.
7. You should not give the hiring manager your personal telephone number if your voicemail message is unprofessional (ie. uses profanities or plays music of any kind)
ok that is all for now but i'm sure this is the first in a series...
