The other day I had coffee with a man I will call Ryan to talk about his search for a new job. When I suggested a company that sounded like a perfect fit with Ryan's goals and expertise, he told me he had already written to the relevant manager there but had spoiled his chances.
How could Ryan have spoiled his chances for an interview, especially since he seemed highly qualified and enthusiastic about the company?
Ryan had written a fine email to the manager, but he had done two things wrong: He had sent the message from his email account at his current employer, and he had done it at 10 o'clock in the morning–on a workday.
The manager responded this way:
Why should I hire somebody who cheats his current employer by looking for a job on company time using company resources? Get lost!
Ouch. Double ouch. Ryan learned a hard lesson fast.
Please spread the word so other overeager job seekers don't commit the same costly error.
If you have cautionary tales for job seekers, please share them.
Lynn
Syntax Training
