Hello!

As the owner and webmaster of BackstageJobs.com and TheContactSheets.com, I am  frequently asked for advice about applying for jobs.  While I do facilitate the initial contact between employer and potential employee, I don't handle the actual hiring for anyone.

So, as a service to potential employees, and the employers that have to dig through a stack of applicants, I would like to know what you, the employer, look for or desire from your applicants.  This information will be collected, processed, and then posted here at BackstageJobs.com (and TheContactSheets.com) for all to see, free of charge.

Please e-mail me at webmaster@thecontactsheets.com with what you look for when you get a job application/resume.  Please write at the beginning of the e-mail whether you want  your name/company name to be withheld in the public posting.  Please also consider the following questions: (and feel free to elaborate on any/all of them)

1.  What is the most important thing to you on a resume?  On a cover letter?

2.  What drives you crazy/what do you hate to find on a resume?  On a cover letter?

3.  Do you look for online information about candidates?  What kind:  portfolios, "google" type search, background checks?  If you do a "google" type search, does the information you find on it factor greatly in your hiring/conduct an interview decision?

4.  Interviews:  Most important thing you look for in the interview?  Things that drive you crazy in the interview?

5.  What is the one (or more) thing you really want to tell potential applicants about applying for a job with your company?

I plan on combining all the responses into one report, with quotes from different responses noted as well (attributed depending on privacy requests).