Searching for a job can be hard work. There are many factors to think about and consider as you launch your job search. Experience and education are two critical aspects that every employer will look at.
But those same companies will also analyze you in more subtle ways. How do you interact with people? Do your clothes and grooming project a professional appearance?
Potential employers will definitely be looking at your communication skills. They will analyze your face-to-face communication skills in an interview. And with the tremendous focus on interview skills, many people overlook the importance of written communication.
How you express yourself in writing can be an important clue to companies about your job skills and your abilities. And companies may be even more likely to scrutinize those kinds of clues when your resume is long on learning, but short on experience.
Why is written communication so important in the job search process? Think of it as the equivalent of taking algebra in high school. It may be true that you will not call upon those skills every day. But employers want to feel confident about your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself when you are called upon to do so.
A recent Wall Street Journal article discussed the impact that personal technology has had on business correspondence. People who use text messaging and IM services, particularly younger workers, have used that method of communication in a professional environment.
Emoticons and abbreviations may be a clear and concise way to communicate on a cell phone or in an IM message, but job seekers should not assume that they can take those same kinds of shortcuts with a prospective employer.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when you are communicating with a potential employer:
Be crystal clear. Using text and IM abbreviations may be clear to you. But it may be undecipherable to the HR person who receives your message. Keep your communication clear, concise, and to the point. Regardless of where you are in the consideration process, you want the recipient to clearly understand these ideas: Why are you contacting them? Why should they review your communication and act on it? And how can they contact you?
Pick the right format. In most cases, crafting a traditional cover letter or post-interview thank-you letter is appropriate, especially if you are dealing with a traditional, “old school” company. A thank-you note in the form of a greeting card is also acceptable for a post-interview contact.
Watch your tone. Crafting professional communication can be a challenge for someone who is new to the idea. It may be very tempting to send more casual communication if you know the company has a relaxed corporate atmosphere (like Google), or if the person who interviewed you was very casual and approachable. You can modify the tone of your words to target your recipient, as long as the letter sticks to the goal of clear, concise professional communication.
Nice introspection i would have never thought that my text messaging could hinder my job prospects, you have touched lots of taken for granted areas namely one’s tone during an interview or why written tests are so important as knowing something and expressing it are completly different things. Keep up the good work.
While it might seem ridiculous to even have to consider posting such an article, I’m glad that you did. As involved as I am in SMO in my current position, there are still guidelines and standards to uphold when it comes to achieving and exuding professionalism.
Great article. As our society gets more and more saavy with the text messaging, it is important to remember there are boundaries and etiquette that needs to be followed. I will share this info. with my young adult students who are learning about professionalism. Thanks.
Once first impression is set, an image of you is already created. Be very careful on presenting yourself be proffesional. Even if it doesnt look “cool” it is the proper way. This is not a sensless posting but a confirmation that simple mistakes creates a big difference.