As an occasional hiring manager, I have seen most of the common mistakes made by typical job seekers. As a hiring manager within an Education area focusing on knowledge management, I’ve also seen some unique and often humorous mistakes made by job seekers.
Here are a few suggestions for those looking for work in the knowledge management field:
The job relates to communication and the written word. Run spell-check! When your cover letter or e-mail contains an obvious misspelling, it does not go any further in the review process. In a similar vein, verify word usage. Many words may be spelled correctly but used incorrectly (there, their, they’re). When this happens, the review process stops. Formatting matters. Whether the position is for printed content or web-based content, basic formatting rules and standards should be followed. An incorrectly formatted submission does not make it very far. Text speak is never acceptable. If you do not spell out a word completely, you will likely not be selected. If you are asked to provide a sample of your work or a portfolio, be sure the material is appropriate! Your personal blog posts, while funny, may not be the best reflection of your ability to write professionally.
Another tip…knowledge management requires attention to detail and an awareness of content use. When applying for a knowledge management position, take the time to understand the requirements of the position. Content for the web differs from printed content and the skill sets may differ. Take the time to present your relevant skills and abilities.
Technical writing and knowledge management remains a somewhat specialized skill. However, writers and practitioners are in high demand in many organizations. Taking the time to perform basic editing and proof-reading can be the difference between success and failure when seeking an assignment.