Comments on: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search

By: Ashland CEP

Ashland CEP — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:02:17 +0000

Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/mTWH5apC

By: Matthew T. Forrest

Matthew T. Forrest — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:16:00 +0000

I think that being confident will help set yourself apart!

By: The Job Guy

The Job Guy — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:03:34 +0000

Archive: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eo5aQ9g Are you a "dear sir or madam" type?

By: Wade Shepard

Wade Shepard — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:01:57 +0000

Archive: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eo5aQ9g Are you a "dear sir or madam" type?

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:59:47 +0000

Archive: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eo5aQ9g Are you a "dear sir or madam" type?

By: TimsStrategy

TimsStrategy — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Hey Matthew and thanks for chiming in. Even more important than setting yourself apart is to be confident and to see yourself as a relative equal with those you are meeting/interviewing.

By: Matthew T. Forrest

Matthew T. Forrest — Sat, 21 May 2011 08:43:56 +0000

RT @TimsStrategy: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eo5aQ9g Is this a problem for you?

By: HireSafe

HireSafe — Sat, 21 May 2011 03:36:40 +0000

RT @TimsStrategy: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eo5aQ9g Is this a problem for you?

By: Kevin - Resume Prof

Kevin - Resume Prof — Sat, 21 May 2011 03:20:56 +0000

RT @TimsStrategy: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eo5aQ9g Is this a problem for you?

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Sat, 21 May 2011 02:30:49 +0000

Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eo5aQ9g Is this a problem for you?

By: Matthew Forrest

Matthew Forrest — Sat, 21 May 2011 01:32:00 +0000

Great blog post. I couldn’t agree more. In today’s economy especially you need to really set yourself apart; you need to be different. I really feel that this is some great advice that many can and will benefit from.

Matthew Forrest
Social Media Marketing Intern
YouTern

By: Matthew Forrest

Matthew Forrest — Sat, 21 May 2011 01:32:00 +0000

Matthew Forrest
Social Media Marketing Intern
YouTern

By: TimsStrategy

TimsStrategy — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Hi mayg_ – thanks for sharing your viewpoint on this issue. I respect your opinion. But I think it is a very old way of thinking. Nothing to do with age on either side of the table. We’re all in this world together and unless a strong cultural norm dictates otherwise, I don’t call anyone “Mr”.

By: mayg_

mayg_ — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:24:00 +0000

As weird as it feels to be addressed as Ms. So-and-So, if I received a cover letter addressed to me by my first name, I would think that it’s pretty uppity, forward, and arrogant – unless the applicant already knows me. I have no problem calling someone younger than I “Mr.” or “Ms.” That’s just reverse ageism.

By: TimsStrategy

TimsStrategy — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:23:00 +0000

Hey Mark – It clearly is a competition. And looking at it that way is helpful for many people. After all, most of us don’t get to compete in life much anymore. Unless you are on the bowling team, of course. To me, there is a pretty wide line between aggressive and desperate. The word I suggest is purposeful. Combine it with confidence and you have what most hiring managers want: a desire for the job, a belief in yourself and the right skills and experience.

By: Erica Eastman

Erica Eastman — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:48:44 +0000

RT @TimsStrategy: Archive: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eqqvsdg

By: Joy Abdullah

Joy Abdullah — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:41:28 +0000

RT @TimsStrategy: Archive: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eqqvsdg

By: Tim Tyrell-Smith

Tim Tyrell-Smith — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:30:11 +0000

Archive: Why Politeness May Be Hurting Your Job Search http://t.co/Eqqvsdg

By: Mark Cianciosa

Mark Cianciosa — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:55:00 +0000

Tim, I do think that the politeness goes a step further! I had stopped saying Mr. and Ms. a while back. What I have got caught up in a few times is the “fear” of being too aggressive. Seriously, I am an Executive, Seasoned Sales Pro with a Great Track Record. And in my own job search I have had people tell me, “don’t be too aggressive because it makes you look like you need the job.” So almost everyday, especially today, I struggle with this issue. Today I am reminding myself that this is a competition and I want to win! Thank you for all your help and direction.

By: TimsStrategy

TimsStrategy — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:25:00 +0000

Hey Steve – I hear you. We never want to make a mistake. But I will always work really hard to get a name before I leave it generic. You see, I’d like my letter to land on someone’s desk, not in a big pile somewhere in HR. So if you can’t find out via LinkedIn or your local network, you need to call the company direct and ask them who is the hiring manager. If they won’t tell you, ask for a name in HR who you can target. At least your letter will be personalized to someone! Even if, in the end, the receiver is no the right person, most people will pass your resume along – assuming your cover letter includes the job#/department of the job you are applying for . . .