Can HOW you apply for a job affect the employers decision about your application? Take a look at these examples and YOU decide.

(1) EMAILS
Based on first impressions alone, who would you rather hire for a job? Someone with the email address Lazeeee_Ass@email.com or showgroom@email.com?
OK, I can hear you laughing and I know that you know someone with a "questionable email address", just remember this, your email might be cute to your friends and family - maybe even an inside joke, but, can it be read the wrong way by a potential employer? When in doubt..fix it.

(2) VOICEMAIL
If you know that you are expecting phone calls from a potential employer please make sure that your cellphone voicemail doesn't contain an hour long song...trust me, most employers don't have the time or the patience to get to the end of a long winded song message. Keep your answering machine or voicemail message short and to the point and by that. we don't mean "Yo peeps...holllllaaaaaa"

(3) RESUMES/APPLICATIONS
Spell Chek! Spell Cheek! Speil Check! and have someone else Proof Read for you.
The way your resume is presented can be a deciding factor in your success.
Resumes can say alot about you, such as;
a) Do you pay attention to detail? (correct spelling, same font and style used throughout resume. Personalise your resume to suit the job description posted in the ad)
b) Are you able to follow simple directions? (Include references if they have been requested, READ the job ad and respond accordingly - Is the employer asked that resumes be faxed, fax it. If the employer says that interested applicants should apply in person - Go!)
c) Do you want THIS job or are you sending resumes out to everyone because you need spending money.... If your resumes opening statement or objective is a poor fit to the job description of the ad you are applying for then it appears that you either a) didn't read the ad or b) don't really care. Make sure that your resume is relevant to the job you are applying for.

(4) COVER LETTER
Do a little research PRIOR to applying for the job - you can either ask around or look at the company's website. Use this new knowledge when addressing your cover letter.
Use a persons name when applying for a job if possible - it ads a personal and professional touch that is sure to be noticed. Better than "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Barn Manager".
Mention something about the barn in your cover letter that shows you've done your homework.
Be aware that many employers will only read the first couple of paragraphs or will "speed read" so, keep it short and to the point. Avoid the temptation to repeat all that you have in your resume.


A few more points to consider...

** If you are lucky enough to get an interview - be respectful. Don't accept an interview (or a job) if the commute is too far or the pay too low...why waste their time or your own.
Simply return the phone call and politely decline. It is much better to decline than to not respond at all.

** No one likes a No Call No Show. If you cannot make it, you got lost or if you have changed your mind - please call or at the very least email an apology.

** It's a small world out there, so, it is important to protect your reputation if you seek a career in this industry. How you speak about others says volumes about you. Are you quick to throw a past employer or colleague under the bus? (brings into question your morals and your loyalty) Do you associate your failure to the failures of others? (may show a lack of responsibility and ability to work as part of a team)

** The best first impression advice? Begin the way you wish to continue - be on time, be prepared, be yourself

"There is only one thing more painful than learning from experience, and that is not learning from experience." ~Laurence J. Peter




Sarah Pratt is the managing partner of www.HorseJobs.ca - Canada's first employment website dedicated to the equine industry.
Copyright: Sarah Pratt, HorseJobs.ca