ChatterBank1 min ago
gobsmacked by so many dreadful job applications!
90 Answers
I am amazed how can people be so ignorant in how to apply for a job these days - there is no excuse really is there? - i mean the net is full of advice etc and most of it is common sense.
It so competetive its crazy not to put any proper effort in.
Some of it is quite comical and i'd laugh if i didnt have to wade through them and delete them haha.
My instinct is to write back and politely tell them why i will not be taking their app any further - but then it actually helps me whittle them down - makes it easy for me to see what theyre really like, so i am loathe to point it out to them ... i have for a few though, couldnt resist lol.
aside from the usual bad grammar, weird formatting, spelling errors, lack of punctuation, and obviously text speak, i have had applications for all sorts of other roles than the ones i asked for - no idea why they would think i would have any say in hiring for other depts - even got one from a director today!
Its clear many havent even read the post properly as they live in the wrong area, or dont drive etc.
ive had one or two saying they've had no experience but would like to try anything because they love films! they say, "i am willing to give anything a go"
well that fills me with confidence doesnt it!
i have had sentences in cover letters that are clearly specifically meant for other previous applications that they havent bothered to check and remove - one even blamed the website for stitching him up ...(!)
and why do so many email me just asking for more info on the project?
no cv or proper letter - just wanting me to call them or explain the project to them.
i dont think they seem to undertsand that they are meant to be selling themselves to me, not the other way round.
why would i waste my time explaining it all to them, only to then find they are not suitable - if they cant even be bothered to write a proper application then i cant be bothered to chase them up
ive had - "hi, saw your ad, tell me more" - thats is, nothing else...
also 'your ad sounds interesting, i am local, can you give me more information?' ... nothing else.
a few of them dont even sign it or use any sort of greeting.
they also keep telling me they really really want to learn, and try new things etc and are therefore perfect for the job - yet they want a main position rather than assistant!
why so they think thats what i want to hear? i am not really interested in what 'you want' - that doesnt help get the job done - i need them to be able to do the job already.
i am not a teacher and dont have time help them learn - and obviously also then have to watch over them, and correct their errors etc
you wouldnt hire an inexperienced plumber to do a proper job alone, just because he wants to learn would you?
i have even got 1 from another country saying - "i would love to work abroad, i love travel, give me a shout" ... thats it!
i am gobsmacked that these people ever get work.
(this is freelance film work by the way so a very different ball game to working for a company long term etc)
no question particularly except - anyone else had this sort of thing?
is it not a standard thing? - CV and a cover letter - that sells you to the person.
(sorry for the moan haha)
cheers
It so competetive its crazy not to put any proper effort in.
Some of it is quite comical and i'd laugh if i didnt have to wade through them and delete them haha.
My instinct is to write back and politely tell them why i will not be taking their app any further - but then it actually helps me whittle them down - makes it easy for me to see what theyre really like, so i am loathe to point it out to them ... i have for a few though, couldnt resist lol.
aside from the usual bad grammar, weird formatting, spelling errors, lack of punctuation, and obviously text speak, i have had applications for all sorts of other roles than the ones i asked for - no idea why they would think i would have any say in hiring for other depts - even got one from a director today!
Its clear many havent even read the post properly as they live in the wrong area, or dont drive etc.
ive had one or two saying they've had no experience but would like to try anything because they love films! they say, "i am willing to give anything a go"
well that fills me with confidence doesnt it!
i have had sentences in cover letters that are clearly specifically meant for other previous applications that they havent bothered to check and remove - one even blamed the website for stitching him up ...(!)
and why do so many email me just asking for more info on the project?
no cv or proper letter - just wanting me to call them or explain the project to them.
i dont think they seem to undertsand that they are meant to be selling themselves to me, not the other way round.
why would i waste my time explaining it all to them, only to then find they are not suitable - if they cant even be bothered to write a proper application then i cant be bothered to chase them up
ive had - "hi, saw your ad, tell me more" - thats is, nothing else...
also 'your ad sounds interesting, i am local, can you give me more information?' ... nothing else.
a few of them dont even sign it or use any sort of greeting.
they also keep telling me they really really want to learn, and try new things etc and are therefore perfect for the job - yet they want a main position rather than assistant!
why so they think thats what i want to hear? i am not really interested in what 'you want' - that doesnt help get the job done - i need them to be able to do the job already.
i am not a teacher and dont have time help them learn - and obviously also then have to watch over them, and correct their errors etc
you wouldnt hire an inexperienced plumber to do a proper job alone, just because he wants to learn would you?
i have even got 1 from another country saying - "i would love to work abroad, i love travel, give me a shout" ... thats it!
i am gobsmacked that these people ever get work.
(this is freelance film work by the way so a very different ball game to working for a company long term etc)
no question particularly except - anyone else had this sort of thing?
is it not a standard thing? - CV and a cover letter - that sells you to the person.
(sorry for the moan haha)
cheers
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good point tenrec - id think many do that when forced - but with this i think its the opposite - thats what makes it more exasperating - these people really really want these jobs ... theyre brilliant and very well paid, so i can't understand why they dont make a proper effort.
maybe more should be made of this at school? do they teach it at school? though saying that, many of the bad replies are from much older people.
mind you having a good letter doesnt necessarily mean theyre good at the job anyway.
i remember seeing a nice well constructed letter, but it was handwritten (dont mind that, it was many years ago) but it was in small round bubble writing had little circles above all the I's ... this girl was about 23! haha
maybe more should be made of this at school? do they teach it at school? though saying that, many of the bad replies are from much older people.
mind you having a good letter doesnt necessarily mean theyre good at the job anyway.
i remember seeing a nice well constructed letter, but it was handwritten (dont mind that, it was many years ago) but it was in small round bubble writing had little circles above all the I's ... this girl was about 23! haha
sitting in on several interview panels gave me insight into the process, candidate walks in, too fat, too thin, not tall enough, wrong gender, wrong colour, take your pick of the reasons people do not get jobs, plenty more where they came from. Forget the fact that they may be right for the job, it doesn't always pan out that they will get it. It's as our American cousins would say, a crap shoot.
Good afternoon Mr or Miss Joko
My son of 26 is currently seeking employment. He has a degree in Film making and two year's experience in graphic design for internet work. He also has a fantastic CV and I am sure his application letter would be superb. Would you mind please pointing me towards the information for the post you mention, so that I can forward it to him? Meanwhile, consider that you are not advertising for a post as rocket scientist. Presumably, you do not need someone with a marvellous classical education, who would most definitely have the qualifications you crave, as well as a superb grasp of the English language. I agree that there is no excuse for ignorance but you are dealing in a youth industry. Anyone under 30 is part of the quick fix age. You may be missing out on the perfect candidate by not sending information. Having sifted applications myself, and been suitably horrified at the poor grammar and bad spelling as mentioned, I would urge you to think carefully about the sort of person you really need. You might wish to target any advertising more carefully. Kind regards
Ann
My son of 26 is currently seeking employment. He has a degree in Film making and two year's experience in graphic design for internet work. He also has a fantastic CV and I am sure his application letter would be superb. Would you mind please pointing me towards the information for the post you mention, so that I can forward it to him? Meanwhile, consider that you are not advertising for a post as rocket scientist. Presumably, you do not need someone with a marvellous classical education, who would most definitely have the qualifications you crave, as well as a superb grasp of the English language. I agree that there is no excuse for ignorance but you are dealing in a youth industry. Anyone under 30 is part of the quick fix age. You may be missing out on the perfect candidate by not sending information. Having sifted applications myself, and been suitably horrified at the poor grammar and bad spelling as mentioned, I would urge you to think carefully about the sort of person you really need. You might wish to target any advertising more carefully. Kind regards
Ann
That must be where I am going wrong then (or am I?!) I mean, my spelling and punctuation are always correct, covering letter is always tailored to the vacancy, I try to sell myself as best I can, BUT, I do lack up-to-date office skills in MS office.
Why do employers not want to train someone who could be really good at the job with just a little bit of patience? I think employers are way too picky these days and it's not fair for people like me who aren't given a chance!
Not hearing back from an employer after you've taken a considerable amount of time on your covering letter and CV is just down right rude in my eyes!
Thank you (lol)
Why do employers not want to train someone who could be really good at the job with just a little bit of patience? I think employers are way too picky these days and it's not fair for people like me who aren't given a chance!
Not hearing back from an employer after you've taken a considerable amount of time on your covering letter and CV is just down right rude in my eyes!
Thank you (lol)
Lisa
by and large it is an employers market, that is because there are many millions out there without a job, those looking could well be competing with hundreds and sometimes thousands for the same job. Having seen this way back in the 1980's we are going through pretty much the same sort of thing.
by and large it is an employers market, that is because there are many millions out there without a job, those looking could well be competing with hundreds and sometimes thousands for the same job. Having seen this way back in the 1980's we are going through pretty much the same sort of thing.
Lisa - its different - we dont want to train people because this is freelance work and only lasts a short period - its is fast turnaround.
in other industries they may want to train people, or take on work experience people - but then they will pay trainees wages - not full professional ones.
anngel - i wont thanks - if you think expecting a polite properly written letter with no or text speak - from someone who actually knows what the job entails is asking too much then i dont think i would like to hear from you or your son to be honest.
this is part of the problem - are you suggesting that because they are young its ok to make a lazy half attempt and expect it to work?
that i should turn a blind eye to apps that actually are kind of rude ... and hire them anyway - 'just in case'?
why would i do that when there are plenty of decent candidates applying?
its competition really - would you enter the 100m sprint and just walk it because you couldnt be bothered to run and expect to win?
they are supposed to be selling themselves to me - why should i have to try to look beyond the laziness, the rudeness, and lack of effort to try to guess whether or not they may be great deep down - when i have 20-30 other apps who have shown me straight off what they are worth? ones who actually demonstrated they give a sh1t?
and who said i was working in the 'youth sector'? i most certainly am not - whilst there are young people in the industry, i am seeking someone with some experience who can do the job, not some teenager that can barely string a sentence together.
the app i mentioned that only said "hi saw your ad, tell me more" - and nothing else, came from someone with a 5 page, jumbled mess of a CV - with the DOB of 1954!
hes had loads of experience and probably can do the job well - but his rather rude message just put me off him.
if id had no other replies i would hire him - but there are too many much better ones.
i am amazed you are defending this!
in other industries they may want to train people, or take on work experience people - but then they will pay trainees wages - not full professional ones.
anngel - i wont thanks - if you think expecting a polite properly written letter with no or text speak - from someone who actually knows what the job entails is asking too much then i dont think i would like to hear from you or your son to be honest.
this is part of the problem - are you suggesting that because they are young its ok to make a lazy half attempt and expect it to work?
that i should turn a blind eye to apps that actually are kind of rude ... and hire them anyway - 'just in case'?
why would i do that when there are plenty of decent candidates applying?
its competition really - would you enter the 100m sprint and just walk it because you couldnt be bothered to run and expect to win?
they are supposed to be selling themselves to me - why should i have to try to look beyond the laziness, the rudeness, and lack of effort to try to guess whether or not they may be great deep down - when i have 20-30 other apps who have shown me straight off what they are worth? ones who actually demonstrated they give a sh1t?
and who said i was working in the 'youth sector'? i most certainly am not - whilst there are young people in the industry, i am seeking someone with some experience who can do the job, not some teenager that can barely string a sentence together.
the app i mentioned that only said "hi saw your ad, tell me more" - and nothing else, came from someone with a 5 page, jumbled mess of a CV - with the DOB of 1954!
hes had loads of experience and probably can do the job well - but his rather rude message just put me off him.
if id had no other replies i would hire him - but there are too many much better ones.
i am amazed you are defending this!
and lisa - no you are doing it right - although i am not sure how you equate being able to construct a basic letter with no spelling errors with being a master at ms office - i would think its a pretty basic skill - nowhere have i suggested i require an ms office expert.
when someones first language is clearly not english i dont mind grammar problems at all - in fact i dont mind bad grammar at all really - but with a spell checker that underlines mistake in red, i cannot understand how mistakes dont get fixed .. they must see the lines and just ignore them.
i do try to reply to everyone that has shown me the same level of consideration.
i cant be bothered to reply to the ones who could barely be bothered to write to me though...
when someones first language is clearly not english i dont mind grammar problems at all - in fact i dont mind bad grammar at all really - but with a spell checker that underlines mistake in red, i cannot understand how mistakes dont get fixed .. they must see the lines and just ignore them.
i do try to reply to everyone that has shown me the same level of consideration.
i cant be bothered to reply to the ones who could barely be bothered to write to me though...
oh and anngel - given that you have no idea where i advertised, what i am looking for, who i am looking for, what the fee is, what the section is - or basically about anything - i find your advice to think harder about what i want, who i need and how i advertised the role, (on a dedicated film job site) a bit bizarre.
why do you think i am so exasperated? because no matter how specific you are in your requirements and how exclusively you place the ad, you still get tonnes of innaproprate crap...
why do you think i am so exasperated? because no matter how specific you are in your requirements and how exclusively you place the ad, you still get tonnes of innaproprate crap...
Moan away... and starting sentences with lower case...and "i have even got 1 [sic] from another country". Terrific.
It is the standard of Management in the UK which is poor, not employees.
I cannot see you actually say what position you are looking to fill apart from that it involves the film industry. If it is a job which does not require MS Word then why are you judging the applicants on their typing presentational skills rather than their acting/film-making ability?
It is the standard of Management in the UK which is poor, not employees.
I cannot see you actually say what position you are looking to fill apart from that it involves the film industry. If it is a job which does not require MS Word then why are you judging the applicants on their typing presentational skills rather than their acting/film-making ability?
don't be ridiculous secretary...
so its my fault that illiterate lazy people dont know how to send a job app?
haha yeah right...
I smell a disgruntled job seeker who blames the companies for their lack of work...
oh and i am not 'management' i am just a freelancer too, seeking a team - i send of loads of applications myself and i do them properly, with some care and effort.
AB is not a job application. I am not being scrutinised, nor and i trying to impress any one or gain employment through it ...just an informal web forum - and thats part of the problem - people dont seem to realise the difference.
the position is irrelevant all i have asked for is that people address me properly and write properly - you now the BASICS that you are taught at school?
if they cant be bothered to do that it tells me a great deal about them as a person - in short lazy, lackadaisical, thoughtless, rash, impolite,slapdash, careless etc - and i dont want someone like that on my team.
first impressions count.
i may be wrong - they may be great - but i am not prepared to take the risk.
if you seriously think these types of applications are ok, then you are part of the problem - making people think this is how things are done is not very helpful.
i am not the only one looking at job apps and im not the only one judging them on it.
clearly you yourself have problems with ms word - and language in general as nowhere have i even mentioned them having to have great ms office skills ...
the only time i refer to it is in response to another post mentioning it - and in that i say quite clearly that i am not expecting a whizz!
seriosuly if you want to gripe at least get your facts right.
so its my fault that illiterate lazy people dont know how to send a job app?
haha yeah right...
I smell a disgruntled job seeker who blames the companies for their lack of work...
oh and i am not 'management' i am just a freelancer too, seeking a team - i send of loads of applications myself and i do them properly, with some care and effort.
AB is not a job application. I am not being scrutinised, nor and i trying to impress any one or gain employment through it ...just an informal web forum - and thats part of the problem - people dont seem to realise the difference.
the position is irrelevant all i have asked for is that people address me properly and write properly - you now the BASICS that you are taught at school?
if they cant be bothered to do that it tells me a great deal about them as a person - in short lazy, lackadaisical, thoughtless, rash, impolite,slapdash, careless etc - and i dont want someone like that on my team.
first impressions count.
i may be wrong - they may be great - but i am not prepared to take the risk.
if you seriously think these types of applications are ok, then you are part of the problem - making people think this is how things are done is not very helpful.
i am not the only one looking at job apps and im not the only one judging them on it.
clearly you yourself have problems with ms word - and language in general as nowhere have i even mentioned them having to have great ms office skills ...
the only time i refer to it is in response to another post mentioning it - and in that i say quite clearly that i am not expecting a whizz!
seriosuly if you want to gripe at least get your facts right.
-- answer removed --
I think you are missing my point..
Firstly, you say your problem is presentation of a CV and cover letter but if the applicant does not have a command of MS Word then the CV and Cover will not be very good. You seem to judge that skill ahead of film-making skills.
Secondly, I am not a disgruntled job seeker.
Thirdly, there is nothing wrong with my MS Word skills or verbal reasoning skills.
Fourthly, you say you are not Management yet you are trying to put a team together, so in my opinion you are Management.
.
Fifthly, you use the term 'you yourself'. Terrific.
Firstly, you say your problem is presentation of a CV and cover letter but if the applicant does not have a command of MS Word then the CV and Cover will not be very good. You seem to judge that skill ahead of film-making skills.
Secondly, I am not a disgruntled job seeker.
Thirdly, there is nothing wrong with my MS Word skills or verbal reasoning skills.
Fourthly, you say you are not Management yet you are trying to put a team together, so in my opinion you are Management.
.
Fifthly, you use the term 'you yourself'. Terrific.
-- answer removed --
i think you are missing my point -
I say again - I have not even mentioned being great at word!
I say again - READ THE POSTS PROPERLY.
try actually reading the OP to see what I am actually complaining about... you obviously havent and have latched onto something someone else said.
actually the fact that you clearly haven't is indicative of one of the problems - people not even reading what they are replying to!
figures...
i dont mind a simple basic application, not expecting bells and whistles - all i expect is a proper greeting, a few lines about who they are and what they are applying for, and a sign off - with a readable CV attached - not a few blunt lines and a jumbled hard to read CV!
and if you cant do it - then get someone who can to do it for you!
and if you know your limits then at the very least make sure you are polite and check it over! there is no excuse.
or learn it - you will not get far in film and tv if you cant be bothered
clearly you have never had to wade through 100+ Cvs, and whittle them down to one ... stuff like this actually helps delete - like ive said - if you cant be bothered to send a proper app, then why should i spend time trying to read between the lines and guess at whether you may be really great in evety other way?
its my job to judge their suitability and choose ONE based on ONLY those 2 documents!
your job may not care how people people present themselves and hire anyone - but we dont...
clearly you know nothing about my job or film making and what is required - because you wouldnt keep saying it doesnt matter if you did.
it is the LACK of effort put in that i am moaning about - not minor typos, punctuation and grammar etc - that stuff I can overlook if its a genuine mistake if the CV and letter is otherwise good.
there is a massive difference between a simple cv and lazy half arsed effort.
and methyl - as i have already said - this is not a job app its a web forum - it doesnt matter!
Believe me my own CVs and cover letter are meticulously reasearched and checked - but I havent the time or inclination to go through all my posts on here to make them perfect because it doesnt matter here.
thats the problem.
job applications do.
its that sense of entitlement again - people expecting jobs on a plate just because they 'want to travel' and 'think it sounds like fun and fancy having a go at it' etc an thinking minimum care and effort is ok.
do you really think its not important on job app but its essential on here?
oh dear...
simple fact is i have lots of trouble with terrible crew - lazy, lying, taking drugs, stealing, etc etc and anything that shows they are not dedictated and or dont care much is a red flag - and i am not prepared to take the risk on them - when i have so much better to choose from
I am very surprised at the people defending sending a job app with a single line like 'hi saw your ad, tell me more' - unbelievable.
and seriously, trying to turn it round on me is pathetic and makes you look kind of ignorant and petty
I say again - I have not even mentioned being great at word!
I say again - READ THE POSTS PROPERLY.
try actually reading the OP to see what I am actually complaining about... you obviously havent and have latched onto something someone else said.
actually the fact that you clearly haven't is indicative of one of the problems - people not even reading what they are replying to!
figures...
i dont mind a simple basic application, not expecting bells and whistles - all i expect is a proper greeting, a few lines about who they are and what they are applying for, and a sign off - with a readable CV attached - not a few blunt lines and a jumbled hard to read CV!
and if you cant do it - then get someone who can to do it for you!
and if you know your limits then at the very least make sure you are polite and check it over! there is no excuse.
or learn it - you will not get far in film and tv if you cant be bothered
clearly you have never had to wade through 100+ Cvs, and whittle them down to one ... stuff like this actually helps delete - like ive said - if you cant be bothered to send a proper app, then why should i spend time trying to read between the lines and guess at whether you may be really great in evety other way?
its my job to judge their suitability and choose ONE based on ONLY those 2 documents!
your job may not care how people people present themselves and hire anyone - but we dont...
clearly you know nothing about my job or film making and what is required - because you wouldnt keep saying it doesnt matter if you did.
it is the LACK of effort put in that i am moaning about - not minor typos, punctuation and grammar etc - that stuff I can overlook if its a genuine mistake if the CV and letter is otherwise good.
there is a massive difference between a simple cv and lazy half arsed effort.
and methyl - as i have already said - this is not a job app its a web forum - it doesnt matter!
Believe me my own CVs and cover letter are meticulously reasearched and checked - but I havent the time or inclination to go through all my posts on here to make them perfect because it doesnt matter here.
thats the problem.
job applications do.
its that sense of entitlement again - people expecting jobs on a plate just because they 'want to travel' and 'think it sounds like fun and fancy having a go at it' etc an thinking minimum care and effort is ok.
do you really think its not important on job app but its essential on here?
oh dear...
simple fact is i have lots of trouble with terrible crew - lazy, lying, taking drugs, stealing, etc etc and anything that shows they are not dedictated and or dont care much is a red flag - and i am not prepared to take the risk on them - when i have so much better to choose from
I am very surprised at the people defending sending a job app with a single line like 'hi saw your ad, tell me more' - unbelievable.
and seriously, trying to turn it round on me is pathetic and makes you look kind of ignorant and petty
joko, i am very heartened to read how crap people's applications are, as i will probably be applying for jobs myself soon and like to think i'll do a better job than that.
I also can't understand why people think it's ok not to put the effort in (and i can't believe some replies you've had on this post either)
I also can't understand why people think it's ok not to put the effort in (and i can't believe some replies you've had on this post either)
Joko, I know you are complaining about badly written job applications, and your post is not a job application, but reading it, with its lack of capital letters, apostrophes, and complete sentences, it sounds just a little like the pot calling the kettle black. Do you expect higher standards from others than the ones you apply to yourself?
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