xaneidolon

So we put an ad in the paper looking for someone with good attention to detail. Here's the beginning of one reply to the ad:

"Ok, so I'm a little anal -- well, maybe a lot anal -- when it comes to words, sentences, paragraphs and publications.

But you need anal, and I need a job.

My skill set includes...."

Help me compose a reply. A couple of ideas...

Thanks for your application, but we get enough of that from our customers/clients.

Please resubmit your application. What you sent is all Greek to me.

Halx

"Here are directions to your new job, when you arrive, though, you'll need to come around the front."

I dunno... what's the point of this? Are we being immature? Unprofessional?

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Harshaw

Looking for a job is hard enough, don't make it worse.

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TIO

I kind of like the guy. He's got big balls, if nothing else
Give him an interview and see if he surprises you.

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Destrox

And what did this person do wrong to endure your reply of a joke for his serious inquiry.

No offense, but as Hal said, immature and unprofessional.

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CSflim

Here's you're reply:

"You're hired! See you monday!"

Anal = Exteme attention to detail...that's what you want right?

Sounds perfect to me.

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ARTelevision

Agreed that it's inapropriate language in an application for employment.
This dude needs a clue.
Work, especially in today's environment is a more serious business than he evidently comprehends it to be.
He'd get a pass from me on these grounds.

If I replied, it would be to help give him a clue for his next application.

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vermin

I agree with ARTv, if he's so good at paying attention to detail, how did the little detail of using the term "anal" in his application get overlooked? He's not anal, he's just an asshole.

Of course, he may have been coming on you, too. In that case, you're on your own.

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WhoaitsZ

speaking of anal, lighten up guys. interview him. give him one chance.

uncle phil

what type of job are you offering?

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Litespeed

Sounds like he has a decent sense of humor. Did he have the kind of skills you were looking for?

phredgreen

i just don't think it was truly inappropriate... there are a million better ways to say "i take intricate care to pay atention to minute details" than to say "you need anal, and I need a job." i'd reply that his frankness was good, but his choice in words was in poor taste.

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G0dd3ss

I say call him in for an interview. Hell, he's got to have some kind of skills to feel confident enough to send a reply like that.

In addition, he has a good sense of humor, which can make work much more tolerable.

I think someone already asked, but what exactly is the position you're offering?

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crfpilot

I would interview him to see what he's really like. He gave you a cover letter that you won't forget, I think that in itself deserves an interview.

So what time do you want me to come in?

numberfive

"What position would you like...?"

Or maybe:

"...remember, you'll have to start from behind."

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Tirian

Looks to me like the cover letter accomplished it's goal. He's got your attention.

If this is like a proofreading job or something, he's your guy. I used to teach typing and spent many an hour correcting typing papers. You have to be anal.

xaneidolon

but I would never call him in for an interview. It is a writing job and his sample is worse than his cover letter. He's filed in the "do not concact file" - have fun and it's all good. he's not a qualified candidate.

xaneidolon

OH, AND HE CANNOT WRITE!!!...and that is the do-or-die for this job

Phaenx

Call him in for an interview, ask him a bunch of questions, broadcast it over the internet.

You'll make millions.

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fuzzix

Definately give him a chance at an interview, people who approach things differently are very valuable.

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ARTelevision

"...he's not a qualified candidate."

That was obvious from the start.
The most crucial aspect of writing in editing. He demonstrated no idea of relevant context. Words take much of their meaning from the context in which they are used. He failed the first test. I'm not surprised the rest of his writing is problematic.

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