Job seekers do NOT read job postings. [Rant]

[cbsmokin]

Rant on.

I am fortunate enough to be expanding my business. I currently have an employment advertisement running. It has very specific requirements listed. I would say 70% of the resumes I receive do not even have any experience in the field I am advertising for. I know times are tough and people are willing to do any kind of work, but if a job requires a specific skill set or license and you do not posses that skill set or license what makes you think I will hire you? Aw, what the heck, just send the resume, you never know? Right? Maybe they will think my experience at the makeup counter is what they are looking for, right? Wrong. FWIW worth, it's always this way, good times or bad. Too many unqualified applicants.

End of rant.

i will work for you lol

[kaisersozei]

I'm with you on this, Craig

Right now, I am advertising 2 open positions we have for registered nurses, they are staffing a patient education phone line. Licensure is required. I can't tell you how many people see "phone line," think "call center," and hit "Submit." It's about half of all applications.

Not to thread jack, but I have to share this. Cut & paste excerpts from one resume I received for a Nursing Manager position last week. This is honest-to-God true:


Objective
Now I've read the templates to write a resume since it's been a while
since I've done one in class and all my previous jobs never required
it. So far, going strictly to the T, I've had no luck. So I figure I
might as well talk straight from the heart. I'm more hardworking than
any other co-worker I've met. I'm ambitious and always strive to do
my best because of so. If you hire me... lets just say you'll be
surprised and happy.

Career Highlights / Qualifications
I've been from Usher at a movie theater to a CSR at a call center.
I've been trained in the customer service dept and I know how to
handle irate patrons/customers. Not to mention I have a great
personality that draws people in and coming back for more. Word by
mouth is always the best... BTW I've had some marketing classes. As
told before: "We make no guarantees" but I can make promises that I
keep.

Experience
<snipped, but it including lawn maintenance, theater usher, and grill cook>

Achievements
The Hero of my co-workers. Seriously, talk to any of the co-workers that have worked there 1+ years and see if they have heard of me

Skills
Psychology. I have learned more about people in a few semesters than a customer service rep could learn in five years, guaranteed. I have been called brilliant and genius by my teachers and pears. Although I didn't agree with Genius as a title.

Final Note
Normally I have few words to say. What can I say? I'm a man of few
words. Words can only go so far. Actions on the other hand... they
can go much farther!




I have to give him points for originality. And balls. Unfortunately, he went in the "Unqualified" bin.

While I commiserate with you, they are only doing what they are told to do by headhunting "experts". The modus operandi today is to let an employer disqualify you, don't disqualify yourself. And personally I've reviewed
resumes from people who may not be the right fit for us, but I know somebody who is looking for that exact skill set, and I just help them out by getting it in the hands of the right peeps

[VirtualSmitty]

Originally Posted by Resipsa

While I commiserate with you, they are only doing what they are told to do by headhunting "experts". The modus operandi today is to let an employer disqualify you, don't disqualify yourself. And personally I've reviewed
resumes from people who may not be the right fit for us, but I know somebody who is looking for that exact skill set, and I just help them out by getting it in the hands of the right peeps

Yep.

[NCRadioMan]

I agree with Vic but people just don't read anymore. We have signs posted all around and in the humidor about what NOT to do and almost everyone does what we ask them not too. Same goes for the lighter shelf. We have a sign that says not to strike the lighters unless you plan on purchasing one. What do they do, strike the lighters. They are like kids and chimps. They have to touch everything.

[Col. Kurtz]

Originally Posted by kaisersozei

.... I have been called brilliant and genius by my teachers and pears. ...


I have to give him points for originality. And balls. Unfortunately, he went in the "Unqualified" bin.

My pears love me too!





Now, may I have the job please?

[68TriShield]

[I have been called brilliant and genius by my teachers and pears. Although I didn't agree with Genius as a title]


He has Pears calling him genius,now that's impressive.






sorry for the thread jack...

[mosesbotbol]

As a consultant and semi-frequently looking for work, gigs, projects, etc... I can understand why someone who is not a fit for your posting may send a resume.

You could have other opportunities that will be posted or think they they could be a fit for something you plan to do...

[The Poet]

I feel for you, but only so far. Nota bene, how many job applicants are turned down every day because the personnel person says they are over-qualified for the job. Over-qualified? WTF?

[cbsmokin]

Originally Posted by The Poet

I feel for you, but only so far. Nota bene, how many job applicants are turned down every day because the personnel person says they are over-qualified for the job. Over-qualified? WTF?

That means too expensive.

[Whee]

Originally Posted by The Poet

I feel for you, but only so far. Nota bene, how many job applicants are turned down every day because the personnel person says they are over-qualified for the job. Over-qualified? WTF?

I hear that a lot.

Originally Posted by cbsmokin

That means too expensive.

I disagree. I think when an potential employer sees someone they deem over qualified who is willing to take a job for less money the think, "there's a problem child."

I am willing to take a nearly 50% decrease in pay to work, but can't get in the door.

[awsmith4]

Hey Craig send me the requirements and I promise I can make my resume match, may not be true but it'll match

Originally Posted by The Poet

I feel for you, but only so far. Nota bene, how many job applicants are turned down every day because the personnel person says they are over-qualified for the job. Over-qualified? WTF?

It's happened to me in the past, and now that I have more experience, I'm sure it will happen again, after our company shuts the doors here.

Being overqualified is an issue. I am someone who just wants to work, and I would be willing to take a lesser position and prove myself by working my way up. That's just how I see it.

[BigFrank]

At least lie and bomb at the interview then send a crap resume

[GoldnGT]

Originally Posted by Wanger

It's happened to me in the past, and now that I have more experience, I'm sure it will happen again, after our company shuts the doors here.

Being overqualified is an issue. I am someone who just wants to work, and I would be willing to take a lesser position and prove myself by working my way up. That's just how I see it.

I agree completely. I've heard that line before when interviewing.. and its like.. ok.. I want the job or I wouldn't have applied.. do you not understand i'm willing to take a paycut to get out of the job that I'm in?

[cbsmokin]

Originally Posted by illinoishoosier

I hear that a lot.



I disagree. I think when an potential employer sees someone they deem over qualified who is willing to take a job for less money the think, "there's a problem child."

I am willing to take a nearly 50% decrease in pay to work, but can't get in the door.

Originally Posted by Wanger

It's happened to me in the past, and now that I have more experience, I'm sure it will happen again, after our company shuts the doors here.

Being overqualified is an issue. I am someone who just wants to work, and I would be willing to take a lesser position and prove myself by working my way up. That's just how I see it.

Originally Posted by GoldnGT

I agree completely. I've heard that line before when interviewing.. and its like.. ok.. I want the job or I wouldn't have applied.. do you not understand i'm willing to take a paycut to get out of the job that I'm in?

Truth is employers don't want someone overqualified because they are looking to leave the company as soon as a better position becomes available. We see them as short term people. They will become bored of the job or see it as a step back wards and constantly be looking for a way out. I understand the experience they may bring, but the reality of their situation is usually as I have stated. It takes a lot of time and money to get a trustworthy employee. Don't jump all over me, I'm just telling you how an employer thinks.

[cbsmokin]

Originally Posted by awsmith4

Hey Craig send me the requirements and I promise I can make my resume match, may not be true but it'll match

I'm looking for someone with a collection of cigars to rival MRN and a pile of wealth to match.

Please include large samples of each with your resume.

[canucks6024]

Wow

[itsme_timd]

I sooooooooo feel your pain on this.

I own a staffing company and have ads running all the time. I've literally had guys that flip burgers send me resumes for Telecommunication Engineer positions.

Some of the more memorable resumes:
- Hand written on notebook paper and faxed in.
- To one up the notebook paper... hand written on a brown paper bag and faxed in.
- Under experience: I worked as a butcher's assistant cutting meat, prepared steaks and cut ham cocks. (Yep!)
- One guy listed his email address as luv2gethigh@soandso.com... Rather than getting a new email address he added a note that he no longer gets high. Awesome.

I could go on for days... One of the good things about this stuff is that this is one reason employers use MY services. I get to go through all the resumes and they get to see ones that are already qualified. What kind of position are your trying to fill? I can help with telecom, IT and engineering requirements.

As far as headhunters telling people to send out resumes like crazy, that's not entirely the case. The "employment advisors" at the state unemployment office tell them that, but recruiters do not. You've got to at least have some skills that parallel the position you're looking for, like cutting ham cocks up if you want to install equipment in cellular phone towers.