Selective Selection and the Picky Parley

Matthew Swyers, founder of web-based law firm the Trademark Company, is a picky interviewer if his Time.com article is any sort of indicator. Resumes received with spelling errors overlooked by the dubious "spell check" and cover letters received without resumes attached are not easily forgiven. Swyers even goes as far as to speak with law firm employees prospective candidates had contact with just to gain a larger picture of the candidate's mettle. 

I am going to say, I have to agree with Swyers. While I have certainly made some spelling mistakes (having relied on Mr. Paperclip, the ubiquitous Microsoft Office "helper") in my history I have learned the value of proofreading old style - just read over the darned thing! The article "5 Things To Look for in a Great Job Interview", gives one (very) embarrassing example from a law school professor involving a very important missing letter in a PowerPoint presentation - no doubt a result of an assistant's reliance on spell check. It is also a display of good judgement, and just plain good practice, to be cordial to others you come into contact with. Don't discount those that you feel are not directly connected with the hiring process - these are your potential fellow employees, treat them respectfully. Case in point: I recently had a neighbor's friend ask if my organization "had any positions better than the ones posted since she has a degree" (referring to our entry-level/clerical positions). Well, I am certainly not inclined to assist anyone who belittles our employees (regardless of their position or training).

The article lists the five things as:

1. Attention to detail
2. Proofread
3. Preparedness
4. Phone and email correspondence
5. Honesty is overrated (trust me - it will make sense when you read the article)

Now excuse me, I must run the spell check on this post before it hits the blug.....