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Did you know that Delivra is currently hiring for positions including Forklift Operator, Barista, and Molecular Biologist?

Of course we're not.  But you wouldn't know that from looking at some of the applications for the jobs we actually ARE trying to fill: Software Developer, Application Analyst, and Integration Developer.   The job descriptions on our web site (and cross-posted to CareerBuilder.com and various social networks) have attracted many applicants, including some people who apparently don't like to read job descriptions.

Why else would someone apply for a software development job whose primary skill is driving a fork truck? Why else would someone expect their barista skills to help them land a position in systems integration?  And why on earth would a Ph.D. in molecular biology even want to interview for tech support?

I don't mean to disparage these applicants or their experiences.   Forklift operators are key to Central Indiana's thriving logistics and shipping industry.  I like my Starbucks as well as the next guy.  And while I'm not sure what molecular biologists do, exactly, I'm certain that it's important.  But we just don't have jobs for any of them.

I understand their reasoning, though.  Economic times are tough, so they feel an urgent need to advertise their services as widely as possible.  And applying for jobs is inexpensive, so they have little to lose.  Besides, we invited them to submit applications.  If we don't welcome their applications, we can always just ignore or delete them.

Is that approach going to be effective?  Surely not.  So why do so many email marketers take the same approach? Change a few words in the previous paragraph, and you've summed up the attitude of many in our industry toward their mailing lists:

"Economic times are tough, so we feel an urgent need to advertise our product as widely as possible.  And sending email is inexpensive, so we have little to lose.  Besides, they invited us to send them email [i.e., they opted in].  If they don't welcome our emails, they can always just ignore or delete them."

That's a poor way to find a new job, and a poor way to run an email marketing program.

Here at Delivra, and at many other companies our size, most jobs are still filled through some personal connection, so you'll want to find an angle that helps you stand out from the other applicants in our inbox.   Understand your brand and target the right audience with your resume.  Personalize those cover letters to fit the job.   Use social networks to learn more about who you're selling to.

Marketers, I'm still not just talking about job hunting here, know what I mean?

Chris Broshears | Product Development