Re: Importance Of Attention To Detail When Applying For Jobs

Attention, focus, vigilance…

Whichever word, whatever task, minding the details is a crucial skill. Most people note in their resume that they have strong attention for details.

Some people are more attentive than others. Regardless, it’s a skill you can exercise and strengthen. Sadly, however, some job seekers forget this skill when applying for jobs.

Their resumes are rejected over simple mistakes. Or they catch the “auto-send bug” (clicking “submit resume” over and over but never reading the full post). Nothing’s worse than asserting you pay attention and then missing an instruction in the job post.

You may know the major barriers that hold a job search back. Another barrier, less known, is something we call the “Are you paying attention to details challenge.” It’s subtle but extremely effective for identifying truly interested applicants and testing their eye for details.

To do this they add specific instructions in the listing: “Include your name and email in the bottom right corner of each page of your resume and cover letter.” Or “along with your resume and cover letter, please write one paragraph on a separate page describing your favorite free-time activities.”

Remember: Read carefully.

About The Author

Adam Curtis
Director of Brand Strategy

To avoid watching the final season of Game of Thrones, Adam keeps himself busy engaging our marketing, recruiting, and customer experience frameworks. While he’s often behind the scenes pulling the strings, his insight, experience, and job search expertise shine through in efforts to expand brand reach and serve as a driving force behind many of our endeavors. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn.