Formally Apply to Credible Craigslist Job Postings

As the demand continually grows for web designers, graphic designers, and developers, Craigslist has become a go-to tool for Recruiters. At Profiles, we use this as an extra resource to help spread the word about our positions, in addition to LinkedIn and Social Media forums.

However, the responses that I receive leave a lot to be desired. While Craigslist has a reputation for spam and false advertisements, most job postings are legitimate and should be handled professionally, just as any job posting on a company’s website would be handled.

Most applicants for the jobs I recruit for don’t make it past the initial screening due to very simple mistakes that could have easily been avoided. Here are a few of the biggest things to consider:

RESUME

It is far too often that I am receiving emails with no cover letter, no contact information, and worst of all, no resume attached! It is extremely frustrating as a Recruiter, who receives resumes daily, to sift through responses that don’t provide any information as to why I should work with you.

In every post, I ask to simply reply with a resume for immediate consideration. If you cannot take the time to attach your resume, what will make me spend the time to reply back to your email asking for your resume?

FORMALITY

While I post my jobs anonymously, it does not mean that your application needs to be informal. Just because the company is not listed, or my contact information is not provided, does not make it acceptable to reply to the job posting with only a few words or just a link to a portfolio site.

No lie; here are some of the email responses I have received:

• “Pick me! Call me if you are interested!”
• “Mad Skills! Check out my site”
• Or simply, “resume attached”

How do I know who you are, what you have done, why you are a fit, or why I should even spend the next minute reviewing your resume/website? Even if it is anonymous, be sure to always include the title of the position in the subject line, your cover letter as the body of the email (keep it short), your contact information, your resume, and portfolio samples if requested.

It is very important to remember who is on the receiving end of your application; the Recruiter or Hiring Manager will be deciding whether or not you will move forward.

DETAILS

Additionally, when a job posting says “onsite only” it’s safe to assume that the company is only looking for a candidate that will only work on-site. Therefore, don’t reply asking if they would “consider remote work”. If they would, they would have told you. The lack of attention to detail about the position will automatically pull you out of consideration.

PORTFOLIO

Finally, if portfolio samples are listed in the job application as a requirement, be sure to attach a few samples or provide a link to your online portfolio with your email, in addition to your resume and cover letter. Do not include “Portfolio samples available upon request”… this posting was the request.

I have found some amazing talent for high-level jobs through Craigslist. You have one chance for a first impression with a company, be it via Craigslist or a Job Board. Treat both postings with the same level of importance.

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Author Name – Marissa Nagy
Title – Recruiter
Location – Baltimore, MD
Twitter – @MarissaNagy
Byline – Marissa joined the team as a Recruiter in the beginning of 2012, bringing with her experience in advertising and sales, and enjoys learning new trends about the industry. Originally from Pennsylvania, she’s excited to travel and explore her new city of Baltimore.
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