If you're going to apply for a job

do visit the company's Web site before you send your resume. You should have at least some clue about what the firm does before you ask to work there.

don't misspell the company's name.  Unsurprisingly, people don't like this particular error.

don't misspell the title of the job.  I once received a cover letter asking for a job as a "techicnal wirter."  Yeah, that didn't work out well.

do pay attention to detail in what you send.  If your resume or cover letter is sloppy or full of errors, hiring managers are likely to wonder if your work will be of the same quality.


Are any of these basic reminders news?

I sincerely hope not.

Should any of these basic reminders be necessary?

Of course not.

Are they?

Sadly, yes.  All too often, yes.