Wednesday 18 April 2012

Do your research

The worst applications for jobs or work experience i have seen have been a result of poor or non-existent research.

You know what it's like when you have a conversation with someone you see everyday, say someone in the office who you always have a laugh with and get along with, and they get your name wrong or ask about that holiday you went on last year etc...Well applying for a job or work experience and getting the name wrong or company name wrong etc is just as demoralising for the person receiving your application.

Here's something i've recently seen myself: "With my demo I'll be sending you, would heart fm play a urban baseline show? As that's that's my strong point in music?"

Not only is the grammar and spelling awful, this person SHOULD already know what music the station plays.They should have listened to the station and they should explain WHY they would be perfect for the role.

It would be a good idea to search for the Company Objectives or their Mission Statement, then reference that in your covering letter to show that you understand the business and can talk about how your skills can contribute to this.

Doing the research tells the recipient that you are passionate about their business and keen to work for THEM specifically. Without doing your research will only make you look stupid and lazy -who wants to work with someone like that?