Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Setting the standard...

Rejection letters are something I collect. I think it builds character and humbles me to see that people making the hiring/publishing decisions think my work sucks.

This week’s letter jumps to the top of the list.

I will not chuck anyone under the bus by naming names. Believe me, I am embarrassed enough for this person. However, now it is clear to see that their judgment of 'detail oriented' individuals is skewed.

I interviewed for a position with a very prestigious capital city organization. I had all the requirements, my extensive portfolio and a few outlooks on social media I felt were pointed. After all, the position I took on the social media aspect ran parallel to some of the top professionals in the industry.

I even sent the follow-up handwritten thank you note.

I felt I did my research on the position; I was ready for questions regarding industry standards and communication strategies. I may have done my research, but I was saddened today to realize that even though I paid attention to the specifics, the professional world – who wants detail oriented individuals – overlooks those same specifics.

When sending out form letters always remember to spell the rejected candidate’s name correctly. It really shoots down a respected individual/organization's professional credibility.

They may not care who I am and that is perfectly fine. I have been rejected by far bigger organizations, corporations and names. The rejection is not what got me, it was the double standard. It just made me laugh more than anything.

I guarantee if I had misspelled their name wrong on my application – I would have never even gotten an interview.

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