Special Update - Job No. 18

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't create a special update simply to tell you how I got on with one of my job applications. But yesterday, I enjoyed such a wonderful series of emails with a recruitment company individual named Steve that I felt I really had to share the correspondence with you:

As you know, I applied for the position of Heavyweight Creative with the following letter:

Hi Steve

I would like to apply for the position of Heavyweight Creative, as advertised on the Guardian website. I have attached a recent CV with this email…

I have worked in the creative industries for twelve years, many of those in a dual managerial/creative role, and believe I have what it takes to motivate, lead and inspire.

My principal query concerns how greatly aesthetics will affect candidates in the selection process? I fall just below the discussed category and I’m curious as to whether this will have a negative effect on my chances – and, if so, whether it would be beneficial for my prospects to bulk prior to the interview process?

Best Regards

Oliver.

The reply I received from Steve was fairly standard, recruitment company fare...

Thank you for your application.

On this occasion you have been unsuccessful, however, I have found your CV of interest and have placed it on our internal CV document search engine.

But, I was concerned that I had been dismissed out-of-hand, purely based upon my weight, and that Steve had failed to realise the level of determination I possess so I immediately emailed him back:

Hi Steve

Thank you for your swift response (despite it being in the negative). I just wanted to advise you that, if it is an absolute imperative for this position, I feel I can reach the target in a matter of weeks. I’d hate for your clients to lose out on a talent, purely due to this issue of mass.

Regards

Oliver.

Again, Steve was quick to respond - but only to further dash my dreams...

Hi Oliver,

I totally appreciate your thoughts. Although my hands are tied as our client has set a criteria for us that unfortunately you don't meet at present.

Six kilograms? Now, six kilograms might not seem much to you - but to me, it was becoming a gulf of epic proportions. And so it was with a heavy heart that I wrote back to Steve to ask if I could, perhaps, get back in touch after I'd managed to increase my weight...

Hi Steve

I appreciate your candour – and I realise that your client has placed you under this restriction...

Thank you for your offer to keep hold of my CV – perhaps I could keep you in touch up to date with my gain progress and, if I reach the category limitations, maybe we could then re-evaluate my suitability for other heavyweight positions.

I appreciate your honesty in this.

Regards

Oliver.

Steve replied and was clearly concerned that he had offended me by pointing out that I didn't meet the target weight (it's ok - I can accept I just don't quite weigh in heavy enough):

Hi Oliver,

I hope didn't offend. I am by no means suggesting you aren't a heavy weight designer - believe me I'm not qualified to offer judgment on something like design.

I replied, putting his mind at rest, and letting him know that I wasn't going to let six little kilos keep me from taking my place as a Heavyweight Creative:

Hi Steve

No offence taken! I realise I’m probably fractionally short of the heavyweight mark – but it’s something I’m working on putting right! No apologies necessary…

Regards

Oliver