Do You Use Emotional Blackmail to Get Online Jobs?
Or any job for that matter?
I can no longer count the times that I’ve experienced being subjected to emotional blackmail for an applicant to land a job.
E-mails like, “I really need money right now. Please give me a job.” or “Sorry if I screwed up last time. I badly need dough right now. Please give me another chance.”
Displays of desperation do not work for me, really. Ok, some times they do, especially if I know that the person actually does have a good track record. But if one is just applying for a job, please don’t start your email with those desperate lines.
It makes me think that one’s only qualification for the job is he or she needs it badly. That’s all. You don’t want that to be impressed to your potential employer, right?
Just state that you are fit for the job because you have this and that experience or skills. But don’t say that you are a mother of six and this job will help you a lot in making both ends meet or something to that effect.Â
Hint, hint, hint, applicants.
Bookmark at:StumbleUpon | Digg | Del.icio.us | Newsvine | Spurl | Simpy | Furl | Reddit | Yahoo! MyWeb
Gabs said,
March 6, 2007 @ 2:13 am
True. Just because it works sometimes doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with side effects. Not only is it unprofessional, it also gives another impression: that the one who’s on the receiving end is the only person who’s giving that guy the business or job prospect, which means, there aren’t anybody else who’s giving it. Why? Their guess is as good as ours, and that kind of speculation becomes the seed for mistrust, and that’s the last thing any applicant really needs.
Jack said,
March 8, 2007 @ 11:10 am
Personally, if an e-mail like that came to me, I’d delete it on reading “I really need this job”. If you can’t apply professionally, don’t apply.
Alfa Mercado said,
March 8, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
Gabs,
I couldn’t agree more.
I hope more job seekers would think twice first before sending those pleading application letters.
Jack,
It’s a pity that these people haven’t even shown what they got but with just a one-liner they’ll get dumped.
One really has to be careful in writing application letters especially when it’s only sent through e-mail since that’s some times the only way an employer can scan his or her applicants.
Lori Redfield said,
March 14, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
Good advice. Here’s a thought for people who have ’screwed up’ with a client and want a second chance…
Try a different approach… Tell them what circumstances in your life have changed (without getting too personal). For example – if you were a VA for someone and just didn’ t meet deadlines or perform like you know you are capable of you might say something like:
“Now that Johnny’s in school x hours a day – I’m re-vamping my business. Here are the skills I’ve recently been adding to my repetoire (spell check that!). I know your business inside out and am confident I will be a strong asset to your team. I’d really like to work with you again.”
That would obviously only work with someone you know. Otherwise — keep everything personally out of it is my opinion.
Alfa Mercado said,
March 16, 2007 @ 10:11 am
Lori,
Thanks for those bits of alibis, er, advice.
I’m sure many contract workers/employees can make use of those.
Apple Door Says NO to Bundy Clocks » How to Make oDesk Keep You Busy AND Earning said,
November 18, 2007 @ 1:10 am
[...] And one major section you should spend more time constructing – the Objective part. The sample objective from oDesk will give you an idea on how to write your objective. Avoid generic objectives like “To serve the client to the best of my ability as well as improve my skills.” Maybe they still work for offline employers, but not with Internet-savvy clients. Be specific on what you can offer and state what are the nature of projects you wish to land. Also, don’t mention that you’re a mother of three and you need a job badly.Oh and use a decent portrait. Mine’s looking more friendly (similar to my mugshot here) than plain professional but I think it works. [...]
Apple Door Says NO to Bundy Clocks » Virtual Assistant Job Leads and Hints on Applying for Jobs Posted Here said,
March 30, 2008 @ 3:14 am
[...] Please DO NOT leave comments that you deserve the job because you need money badly because of any reason. Do not mention something similar in your application letter either – it’s unprofessional. Bookmark at:StumbleUpon | Digg | Del.icio.us | Newsvine | Spurl | Simpy | Furl | Reddit | Yahoo! MyWeb [...]