# Job Applicants - Try not to be an idiot on your first impression **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 24, 2009, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257 "2009-02-24T19:51:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/21 "2009-02-24T21:11:09Z")
> [@Lizard](#): > > One more reason why “apply online” is for losers. I’ve never met anyone who did so and actually got the job, unless the job was either an entry level cattle-call or they were overqualified. > > Personally, I find it insulting that any employer thinks I should spend my time filling out their generic online application. Obviously, they don’t want to bother actually looking at resumes, so they shift the work of sorting potential employees into a computerized format that allows them to eliminate people based on pre-determined criteria. I’m sure this works out quite well for them, but not for any intelligent person out there looking to get ahead by learning something new, or trying a different field than the one they’re in. Companies looking for people this way are sending a clear message at the outset: Our employees are interchangeable, and we don’t care to work very hard in finding them. That’s because they use the wrong [keywords](http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/text/resume). ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/22 "2009-02-24T21:44:08Z")
I spent an hour helping a friend fill out the online app for the local Valvoline Instant Oil Change place. Seemed like the “test” took forever and there were reams of personality trait questions. He didn’t seem to be doing too bad with his answers - he wasn’t lying just to get them “right” but nothing he said seemed opposite to what I expect from Valvoline employees. Anyway, after all that the application just bluntly said “sorry you’re not a fit” and that was the end of that. What a joke ☹ I can see why people don’t like to apply online! Then again, I can’t see why people are sending inane shit via email, either… ---
**Author:** ![catsix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@catsix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catsix)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/23 "2009-02-24T21:48:11Z")
> [@Quintas](#): > > They probably think (usually correctly) that the ‘online application’ is simply going to disappear into a black hole, so they figure, “What the hell, let me TRY to make some human contact”. > > My last job search taught me that ‘apply online’ is about as effective as taping a sign to my chest and walking around the grounds of whatever company I was applying for. > > Saying you are familiar with ‘Aparche’ is just stupid though. lol. I work with a guy who calls this particular web server software appa chey. Took me a while to figure out what the hell he’s talking about. He also has some … personal space problems. He likes to be inside everyone’s but his own. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/24 "2009-02-24T21:56:16Z")
To who it may consern… i am intersted in aply-ing for a job as a english teach. please see my inclosed resumay. i have 13 years teaching experence and wood make a fine edition to you scool. sinserly, robert j pigglesbottom Not on a sheet of notebook paper. On HALF a sheet of notebook paper. TORN in half. And written in pencil. I’d like to say that this was a one-time letter. Nope. It happened just about every week. ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/25 "2009-02-24T22:03:48Z")
I was hiring editors once. I received a resume from an editor who wrote, “… and I’m very detail **ed** -oriented.” Erm. No, you’re not. Sorry, honey. :: chucks another resume into bin :: ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/26 "2009-02-24T22:05:17Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > sinserly, > robert j pigglesbottom How could you not hire a guy with a name like that? ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/27 "2009-02-24T22:10:50Z")
I just went through the process of hiring another secretary. Can’t tell you how many folks list their email address as some variation of “[SexyMcHottie@freeisp.com](mailto:SexyMcHottie@freeisp.com)”. Made my first round of cuts much easier. ---
**Author:** ![Trepa\_Mayfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@Trepa\_Mayfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trepa_Mayfield)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/28 "2009-02-24T22:12:54Z")
What’s so bad about a free isp? ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/29 "2009-02-24T22:16:52Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > I just went through the process of hiring another secretary. Can’t tell you how many folks list their email address as some variation of “[SexyMcHottie@freeisp.com](mailto:SexyMcHottie@freeisp.com)”. Made my first round of cuts much easier. Oh, even better: I was looking through a directory of California Enrolled Agents, as we were looking for someone to contact (duh). Some dude’s email was something like: [DOMDADDY6969@HOTMAIL.COM](mailto:DOMDADDY6969@HOTMAIL.COM) Published. In a professional magazine/directory thing. ---
**Author:** ![Jayn\_Newell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jayn\_Newell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayn_Newell)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/30 "2009-02-24T22:18:24Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > Not on a sheet of notebook paper. On HALF a sheet of notebook paper. TORN in half. And written in pencil. I’d like to say that this was a one-time letter. Nope. It happened just about every week. Same handwriting? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/31 "2009-02-24T22:20:38Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > I just went through the process of hiring another secretary. Can’t tell you how many folks list their email address as some variation of “[SexyMcHottie@freeisp.com](mailto:SexyMcHottie@freeisp.com)”. Made my first round of cuts much easier. You didn’t say which way the cut went. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Hamster\_King](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8edcca/32.png) [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/32 "2009-02-24T22:21:36Z")
> [@pedescribe](#): > > What’s so bad about a free isp? It’s not the free isp that’s the problem, it’s the sex fiend user ID. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/33 "2009-02-24T22:23:17Z")
> [@Pochacco](#): > > It’s not the free isp that’s the problem, it’s the sex fiend user ID. Something wrong with “[SexyMcHottie@Oakminster.org](mailto:SexyMcHottie@Oakminster.org)”? ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/34 "2009-02-24T22:27:49Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I spent an hour helping a friend fill out the online app for the local Valvoline Instant Oil Change place. Seemed like the “test” took forever and there were reams of personality trait questions. He didn’t seem to be doing too bad with his answers - he wasn’t lying just to get them “right” but nothing he said seemed opposite to what I expect from Valvoline employees. Anyway, after all that the application just bluntly said “sorry you’re not a fit” and that was the end of that. > > What a joke ☹ I can see why people don’t like to apply online! > > Then again, I can’t see why people are sending inane shit via email, either… That’s bad enough. I just recently filled out an online application for Time Warner Cable. Downloaded my resume, which the software then searched to fill in the application (I only had to make one correction). They even asked salary requirements and a couple of other questions. I got a reply right away that said my qualifications and other answers fit their criteria for the position I was seeking and that someone would be contacting me in the next week to set up an interview. That was 2 months ago. ---
**Author:** ![Critical1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@Critical1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Critical1)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/35 "2009-02-24T22:28:27Z")
> [@pbbth](#): > > I once received a resume from a woman who typed her entire resume in strikethrough. [del]It is mind boggling that she thought anyone would be able to read something like this![/del] I threw it away. Other jewels in that batch included resumes with cover letters for completely different companies and resumes with objectives like, “I would like to write for television someday” when applying for a health insurance position. > [@pbbth](#): > > This was a word document. I don’t even care if it was an accident, I wasn’t about to try and decipher that mess! so instead of hitting control+a and clicking off strike through you tossed it out? Heh, of course if she did it on purpose sure but if it was a formatting bug then I think this makes you the weak link here…😛 ---
**Author:** ![JSexton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/36 "2009-02-24T23:02:56Z")
Got a resume last week. Looked good and professional, but the listed email address was HighLyfe420@[somefreeisp]. Binned. Is it that hard to just get a throwaway that looks professional just for resumes? ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/37 "2009-02-24T23:05:37Z")
> [@Smitty](#): > > Houston, TX That’s a little farther than I was hoping to commute. I am rigorous almost to the point of obsession on getting the details right when I submit a résumé. I put the accents on the e’s in ‘résumé’, for one thing (hang your head, **Dogzilla** ); and I looked up the difference between ‘farther’ and ‘further’ just for this post. I don’t know if it’s ever done me any good, or if the people I’m submitting to even notice. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/38 "2009-02-24T23:16:13Z")
I remember a few years back, I was looking at getting a part time job at Borders while at college. You _had_ to apply online, which was a multi-multi page multiple choice bullshit thing… _and you had to apply individually for EACH GODDAMNED LOCATION_! WHAT THE FUCK SENSE DOES THAT MAKE? One application should be able to be sent to all local Borders shops! ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/39 "2009-02-24T23:31:58Z")
> [@Smitty](#): > > I have a tech support position open. I have posted an ad on Craigslist. The posting clearly says to go to our website and apply online. It specifically says “no phone calls.” But you’ll STILL get phone calls because the current job hunting gurus say ALWAYS make a phone call _even if you’re told not to call!_ In fact, what I’ve been hearing lately is apply on-line, fax resume, call, AND show up in person unannounced! Even if you’re specifically told not to do any of the above, you must still do all of the above to impress a prospective employer with how much you want the job and how much you really, really, really love them. Far as I can see, that would only work for jobs as a paparazzi or a stalker (like there’s a difference?) ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257/40 "2009-02-24T23:36:42Z")
> [@Lizard](#): > > One more reason why “apply online” is for losers. I’ve never met anyone who did so and actually got the job, unless the job was either an entry level cattle-call or they were overqualified. > > Personally, I find it insulting that any employer thinks I should spend my time filling out their generic online application. Obviously, they don’t want to bother actually looking at resumes, so they shift the work of sorting potential employees into a computerized format that allows them to eliminate people based on pre-determined criteria. I’m sure this works out quite well for them, but not for any intelligent person out there looking to get ahead by learning something new, or trying a different field than the one they’re in. Companies looking for people this way are sending a clear message at the outset: Our employees are interchangeable, and we don’t care to work very hard in finding them. I’m not sure I entirely agree with you. Online applications are good tools when you anticipate a _lot_ of applicants. That can be the case when you’re hiring low-level employees, true - but it can also be the case with very desirable, higher-level jobs. For example, the federal Attorney Honors programs (which hire law students straight out of school) and the Presidential Management Fellowships are both _very_ prestigious, and both use online applications. Of course, neither program uses them _exclusively_ - but they’re used for the first steps. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-applicants-try-not-to-be-an-idiot-on-your-first-impression/487257.md?page=3)