We once wrote a post on how not to get a job at theSkimm…. After growing our business like crazy over the past year, the time has come for us to update that post with more tips.
Disclaimer: Everyday we are blown away by the hundreds and thousands of job applicants that we receive from such talented people who want to take the jump with us and build theSkimm into as big of a brand as possible. That feeling never gets old and is truly the most surreal part of founding a company.
But of course, as to be expected, in that applicant pool there are always a few applicants that make us raise our eyebrows and say ‘really?’
Our eyebrows have been raising a little more than usual, specifically in regards to entry level candidates. There have been multiple times in the last few weeks that we have interviewed entry level candidates and have nearly stopped the interview to say “you’re not getting this job, but let me tell you why and help you get another one.” Now maybe we should have had the guts to say that live but regardless there are a few trends that we have seen no less than 3 times per scenario in the last 2 months. So with that…what not to do…ever.
APPLICANT #1: I graduated 9 months ago, and haven’t taken a job yet because I really don’t want to settle.
Skimm: What does settling mean to you?
Applicant: You know, admin stuff.
What we hear: HAHA. Welcome to working. As a wise friend once told us “it’s called working, not fun-ing.” Nearly all of us had first jobs that were not fun. That’s why they are called first jobs. They teach you work ethic, put you in the fire and hopefully give you mentorship and guidance to find what it is you really want to do. When a potential employer hears an answer like this they think three things 1. If you can afford to not work and live in a city for 9 months, good for you, but don’t brag about that on an interview. 2. You just insulted my own first job. 3. Welcome to being an adult, call me when you’re ready.
APPLICANT #2: I’m really hoping to find a sense of purpose and a life’s mission through this job.
What we hear: Self help aisle is thataway. theSkimm in particular is built on brand mission and one of the most important things we look for in a candidate is a commitment to that mission. That being said, we aren’t therapists.
APPLICANT #3: ON RESUME: Professional Millennial OR Professional Millennial Feminist
What we hear: Eye roll.
APPLICANT #4: I’d love to chat with you about this opportunity but my schedule is slammed the next two days.
What we hear: Did you just tell me you’re too busy for an interview? In fairness, you may be swamped. Your current boss may be a drill sergeant. But anyone interviewing you either is busier or would like to think they are busier. You are not going to win this ‘busy-off’ and instead come off as rude.
Applicant #5: NO THANK YOU NOTE
What we hear: Seriously? For all candidates, we literally have a column that says ‘did they write a thank you note?” In the last week alone, we have weeded out 4 candidates for not writing a thank you note. It’s common courtesy. Do it.
APPLICANT #6: I’ve been unemployed for the last 5 months and just struggling to find a job.
What we hear:….Have you met the art of spin? The job market may be tough, and your unemployment may have nothing to do with you or your skills. But you need to know how to spin it. Are you volunteering? Learning a new skillset? Networking in a totally new industry? Give me something to work with. Otherwise it makes us wonder is there something wrong that everyone else has already noticed.
Make sure to get your Daily Skimm
