Seth Godin: Cover Letter

This is from Seth' Godins Blog. Click here to read his blog (it's awesome).

What are you hiring for?

If you're trying to hire someone who presents well to strangers, creates documents without typos, is good at seeking out interesting new opportunities, can think on her feet in an interview and can network with strangers in search of a goal, your current hiring system is probably perfect.

Unfortunately, those skills don't apply to most jobs.

As a result, we end up hiring people who are good at self-marketing, not at what we need them to do.

It may very well be that this programmer or that cleaning person or this animator is absolutely terrible at the things that make it easy to get hired. Is there anything wrong with that? Isn't the entire point of a hiring process to separate the people who will be good at the job from those that won't? Why is "clever cover-letter writing" or "willingness to travel across town on spec for an interview" a leading indicator of that?

If you're trying to hire someone who presents well to strangers, creates documents without typos, is good at seeking out interesting new opportunities, can think on her feet in an interview and can network with strangers in search of a goal, your current hiring system is probably perfect.

Unfortunately, those skills don't apply to most jobs.

As a result, we end up hiring people who are good at self-marketing, not at what we need them to do.

It may very well be that this programmer or that cleaning person or this animator is absolutely terrible at the things that make it easy to get hired. Is there anything wrong with that? Isn't the entire point of a hiring process to separate the people who will be good at the job from those that won't? Why is "clever cover-letter writing" or "willingness to travel across town on spec for an interview" a leading indicator of that?

Comments

[True Religion Outlet]

Unfortunately, those skills don't apply to most jobs.

As a result, we end up hiring people who are good at self-marketing, not at what we need them to do.

It may very well be that this programmer or that cleaning person or this animator is absolutely terrible at the things that make it easy to get hired. Is there anything wrong with that? Isn't the entire point of a hiring process to separate the people who will be good at the job from those that won't? Why is "clever cover-letter writing" or "willingness to travel across town on spec for an interview" a leading indicator of that?

[Christian Louboutin Pumps]

There is one copywriter and one artist. That's it. When the agency gets an RFP

[vibram toe shoes]

***Nice.
Congrats dave!
I am still worried that you might need to wear floaties for the swimming leg, but keep up the good work.***

[oakley sunglasses]

:_)When you mark Group-specific milestones, you let your members -- and the world -- know what's important to your Meetup Group. @*@

[Mens True Religion 5]

would like to join your blog anyway so please continue

[Christian louboutin heels]

I am battling to upload your latest post on the brie banquettes.......it is in my reader, but nothing comes up!! Beautiful pics above, congrats to all the winners!!

[coach handbags]

I loved the kettle caramel flavor, so did my boyfriend. The popcorn is crunchy since it is covered with caramel. It sounds wierd but it is worth the try!Check these guys out for really good, and unique, flavors. The cheese course duo is one of my favorites, but I've liked everything I've tried. Too bad they're in Scottsdale. Time for a trip back.

[Game Of Thrones Season 1 dvd]

Your artical is very nice and I like your article. I got much from it.Thanks ^^.I'll share it with my friends.
And I also want to share something good with you. Please go to my homepage.^^