Site5 Web Hosting Blog

The Importance of a Cover Letter (or How NOT to Get a Job)

Posted by Matt Lightner, November 20th, 2006

I’m one of several people who watch Site5’s careers email address, which means I see quite a few job applications–especially with our current search for systems administrators. The quality of applications we receive obviously varies, but I’ve noticed a disturbing trend: terrible (or entirely absent) cover letters. And I’m not even being picky here. I’m not expecting a full, formal cover letter; I’m referring to essentially any writing that accompanies a resume, even if it’s as simple as: “Hi, my name is Joe Smith and I’m interested in the position.”

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I don’t even get as far as opening the (hopefully) attached resume on probably 90% of the applications we receive. While I expect all applications to include a resume, I also expect that said resumes will contain their fair share of BS (hey, I’ve helped people write resumes before). But when an applicant’s basic introductory paragraph is littered with grammar errors or ridiculous diction, it’s straight to the round file. If someone can’t formulate a few fluent, human-sounding sentences for a job application, I absolutely don’t want them interacting with our customers, much less having administrative privileges on our servers.

Now I know this is just giving away our secret screening process and will only make our selection process more challenging, but I feel compelled post a few “tips” for would-be applicants:

1. Make sure your application is free of grammar errors! I can’t stress this point enough. Grammar errors on a job application are a dead giveaway that the applicant either a) isn’t educated, b) isn’t even intelligent enough to fake it or c) doesn’t have command of the English language–all of which are requirements for working at Site5. You’d be amazed how few error-free applications we receive. Here’s a big hint: if any part of your application is grammatically incorrect, you will not get the job. It’s as simple as that. There are tons of resources that will help you here. I have Paul Brians’ common English errors catalog set as a Firefox quick link. If you have even half of those down, you’re in pretty good shape!
2. Don’t just send us a blank email with your resume attached. Write at least a paragraph explaining who you are and why you’re interested in the job. We don’t want someone who is simply shotgunning their application to as many companies as possible. If you don’t even have the time tailor your application to the job, you’re wasting our time. Indicate in some way that you, in the very least, looked at our website before applying.
3. Don’t use absurd language. The use of phrases like “Dear Respected Sir or Madam” and “esteemed organization” is a red flag. It tells us that you probably don’t know much English. I’m not sure if someone, somewhere is actually advocating the use of this odd verbiage, or if it’s just the result of a poor Babelfish translation, but at Site5 we look for people who speak and write like, well, like real people. You’re not applying for a Shakespearean actor position, so don’t write like one (although we will have such a position opening up soon).
4. Don’t be cheesy or overly-flattering. I know Site5 is a great company, but I have a hard time buying that it’s been your lifelong dream to work here. You can just be honest: “I know of Site5 and I like what I’ve seen.”
5. Don’t use your stock email signature. It’s tantamount handing someone your business card at an interview… or something weird like that. I don’t want to know what you do right now–a job application is more about want to do in the future (which, since you’re applying, I assume to be “get a job at Site5″). Besides, you should already have your current position listed on your resume. Instead of a 10 line signature with all of seven of your phone numbers (or 12 if you’re Todd, our COO), your current job title and your employer’s tagline, close your emails with a simple “Best Regards,\nYour Name” (oh, and you should know what “\n” means if you’re applying for a systems administration position).
6. Use an email address that matches your name in some way. Don’t email your resume from 1337h4×0r@yourdomain.com, and definitely don’t sign your emails with some kind of handle or nickname. Remember, you’re applying for a job. As in… a job. I guess there’s no other way to put it. Save your leetspeak for your IRC buddies.
7. Know the difference between a curriculum vitæ and a résumé. Don’t say one when you mean the other. As a general rule, if you’re not sure which yours is, it’s probably not a curriculum vitæ.
8. Double check to make sure your resume is actually attached. First impressions count, and nothing says “I’m careless” like forgetting to attach your resume to a job application.
9. Be creative, and a little bit informal (but still professional). We’re a fun and creative group here. Writing an impersonal, formal cover letter isn’t nearly as impressive as writing a letter that conveys both your personality and professionalism. This is where we can very easily tell the good candidates from the average ones.

And remember: these are just the bare minimum expectations. This isn’t a secret formula that guarantees you a job, or even an interview. It’s simply a way to ensure that we spend more than 2.718 seconds looking at your application.

Have your own tips on what to do and what not to do when applying for a job? Post a comment and share your wisdom!

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