I Had to Pull My Help Wanted Ad on Craigslist!

I recently ran a Help Wanted ad on Craigslist for a part time office assistant. This is the ad exactly as it appeared: "Need part time office assistant who is dependable, has basic computer skills, and good telephone manners. Possibility of full time."

The response was overwhelming and within two days I was forced to pull the ad due to the sheer volume of responses. In this economy, I expected a lot of applicants, but I was not prepared for the nature of some of the responses. At first I attempted to respond to individuals, but the emails came at breakneck speed and I started deleting.

So whether you are searching for a job on the Internet, in the classifieds, or through an employment agency, here are some examples of why you may not be getting an interview.

You didn't read the ad. One respondent submitted her resume and and let me know that her salary requirements for this part time office assistant position requiring basic computer skills and good telephone manners, was $38,000. Delete!

Several applicants were CPAs from major accounting firms. Delete!

One applicant filled his resume with his military experience. As a Navy mom, I am well aware of the skills that translate well in a civilian workforce, and several military applicants did a good job of pointing this out. But this particular applicant wanted me to know only about his experience with weaponry and other skills specific to his duties to serve and protect. I had no choice but to delete!

One applicant asked me to let him know if the job was still available, and to let him know how to "apply" for the job. Huh? Delete!

And many applicants let me know about their extensive experience in the medical field. One applicant invited me to tell her about the job and then she would submit a resume.

So here are some basic suggestions. Don't respond without a resume. Read the ad. If you are applying for a part time entry level position such as the one I recently advertised, don't emphasize your executive skills and your advanced college degrees. I can't afford you, and I know you'll be looking for a better paying job from the moment you start working for me.

If you are desperate for a job and have been laid off from your last three jobs, I totally sympathize, but what I really need to know from you is why you are the best candidate for this particular job. If I'm hearing about your troubles before we even meet,I can only imagine the desperate energy you will bring into the workplace.

And if you don't have basic office skills, apply for a job that matches the skills that you do have.

If you need a resume or help with your job search, getting an interview and nailing the interview, here are two excellent resources. I wish you great success in your search.


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