At Chelgate, like most PR firms, we receive a great number of job applications, whether from people looking for internships and work experience, or from others who are keen to take their first steps in a full time career.
It has been very interesting, and a little disheartening, though, to note the real recent decline in the quality of written applications. Sometimes it’s merely a matter of the quality of English. At Chelgate we do, from time to time, take on people whose first language is not English. But they really have to be able to demonstrate that they can function to professional communications standards in this language. The vast majority, judging by their applications, simply cannot.
But more worrying is the decline in the quality of applications from native English speakers. I think I blame e-mail and texts. A new culture seems to have developed which discards care and disdains accuracy. So, applications arrive at Chelgate, rendered almost indecipherable by weirdly random (or entirely missing) punctuation, and riddled throughout with spelling errors, typos and careless mistakes. Very frequently we receive “cut and paste” applications, explaining the applicant’s particular regard for our firm, where they have forgotten to change the name of the company for which they have such high regard. It may seem harsh, but these people don’t even make it to an interview, no matter how well qualified and intelligent they are. My view is that if they are this casual in their communication with us, I cannot expect them to be any more meticulous in their dealings with, or on behalf of our clients. And that’s not acceptable here.
Sometimes we receive applications so appalling that they go into a little file of “treasures”. This week we received one which combined an almost surreal assault on the English language with the kind of careless mistakes which have nothing to do with language skills, and everything to do with character. Here it is (with only personal details removed).
Dear Mr Fane-Saunders,
The work of public relation was when I start to work in this flied, was a men’s world.
Each role that I step into was because as Marilyn Monroe state “I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.”
In our day, P.R job criteria of are often mixed with communication, press officer or bad marketing.
I have worked long enough as a freelance to now turn toward a reputable firm for full time employment.
After looking at your firm, I just call to inquire about sending a CV and a cover letter.
Kate, a smiley lady over the phone, gave me her email.
I would appreciate any feedback you might have with the regard to my application and will be please to meet with you for further information.
Thank you for your time and confederation.
Yours sincerely
Ends
Terence Fane-Saunders