There is No "X" in Thanks

Well, it's the beginning of hiring season for the 2008-09 academic year. Last year, based upon my own experiences in conducting a job search, I posted a "few words of advice for those applying for an entry level position."

Rachel Brumberg, in her former capacity as Associate Director of Professional Development and Advancement at JESNA, developed this list of helpful hints for those who are ready to take on the challenge of applying for a, shall we say, "real job."

1. When e-mailing a prospective employer, capitalize and use punctuation, at least to indicate that you know what proper grammar is.
2. If you're thinking of using a word that can be substituted for tushie or is tushie-related, DON'T.
3. Clearly identify the job for which you're applying, and be sure to read the job description fully.
4. Use an e-mail name that makes sense to other people (firstnamelastname@hotmail.com) rather than using your nickname, a pet's name, or any kind of indication of your hobbies or sex life.
5. Don't submit a multiple page resume if you're just graduating from college.
6. Remember to spell check and grammar check.
7. Please don't tell me you're a Friend of Jonny's (or Avraham's or Joy's or Howard's, or any Exec) if you're not.
8. If you're going to contact an employer for a second time, please don't chastise them for not getting back to you; no one likes a whiner or someone who yells at them.
9. Even if you're interviewing with a "casual" organization or company, maintain your own formality.
10. Spell out abbreviations.
11. Send only what the employer asks for - if they only want three references, please send only three. "The fatter your file, the slimmer your chance."
12. Visit your Career Center and get their help - they're there for a reason!
13. Research the organization and the position (if possible) before you interview.
14. If you’re given a choice of text color in your e-mail program, use black.