You gotta be kidding
Recently a writer pitched herself for a project I’m heading up for a client. Off I went to check out her clips site and get an idea of her skills and expertise. What’s the first thing I see? ADS.
What’s worse is that this person was using google adwords, which pulls keywords from your site to create ads specifically targeted to your audience. So she was asking me to check out her skills while hosting five ads that compete with what she’s offering.
So what first impressions did I get from a quick glance through her site?
- That she’s likely not all that savvy about marketing, which is a pretty big issue for a marketing job.
- That she’s not detail-oriented.
- That she doesn’t understand how the internet works.
- That she’s an amateur.
Would she put a bumpersticker on the front of the clips file she’s sliding across the desk to the HR person? Or stop a job interview to try to sell Tupperware? Then why does she think it’s a good idea to have ads on her “please hire me” site???
Argh. Now I gotta decide if I should say something to her. I mean, I’m not going to offer her work (I’ve already got people lined up) only sometimes when someone seems sincere but misguided I do try to tell ‘em WHY I’m saying no but other times I just don’t have the energy.
I need you when I someday down the road make a clip page and all that jazz. I know you know what to do. I like that yr so organized and savvy!
Interesting dilemma.
On the one hand, I would love some honest feedback in a situation like this.
On the other, no good deed goes without a sharp slap in the face.
I have read so many stories from editors and publishers who swear off the idea of offering constructive criticism to clients because the authors become defensive and mean.
So I guess the answer is a question: do you think this person will listen and learn, or is she the type to defend and attack?
Leave it for now. Reject her nicely. It’s hard enough to take critique from those you know and love, and she doesn’t really know you. *I* know you, and know your intentions are to help her.
Leslie, I think you’re dead on. Unless I’m going to offer her work or the possibility of work, I think it’s better to leave well enough alone.
Oh boy, what a dilemma! I think you and Leslie are right. Leaving well enough alone is the only way to ensure there’s no conflict or discord.
But, but, but! If I were making a colossal, career-killing mistake like that, I’d want to know, but then I am generally receptive to work-related criticism because it makes me a stronger writer/editor. If I ever end in a pile of resumes you’re looking at, feel free to tell me how I’m screwing up
(Disclaimer: I’ve been sending out specifically-crafted resumes and cover letters without a single response for months and months, and I would love for ANY feedback that might make a difference in ever finding work again.)