41 Responses to “You people are forcing me to hire my daughter.”
M.CHANDRAPRABHAKARAN Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 7:16 am Hello Sir,
Let me first of all say thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to communicate with your through this form
I hope I would have responded correctly to your Ad for the job of Virtual Assistant.
Now I am ready to offer my services as a Virtual Assistant to your project/job.
Eventhough I have already mentioned about my experience once again I am reproducing the same below for your kind consideration.
Basically I am a Data entry specialist having more than 5 years of experience in Data entry, Data typing, Excel, MS word, PDF conversion to MS word, Web application, Web research.
With my above experience, if an opportunity will be given by you as to work as your Virtual Assistant, I can able to complete the job to your 100% satisfaction.
With the above details, I expecting an early reply from you.
Thanks once again.
M.CHANDRAPRABHAKARAN
Deborah Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 7:26 am Wow Chris,
Sorry you are having so much trouble with finding the right person. I was one of the applicants that probably got deleted. I sent you an apology for not using a salutation for greeting you and before I could finish it my email went wacky and sent it without even getting to sign it. Best wishes with the search!
Mr. Beer Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 7:34 am Hey Chris,
I applied for your VA position, and hopefully you didn’t trash my email, and even more found interest in it 
I must say that it amazes me in that fact of who blind people can become (though thinking of it now, I’m not sure if I addressed it to you, Chris…I have been taught from my communication profs. to leave names out, for several people typically assess the resume).
Anyways, I think what happens for a lot of people is that they see a job like this one, and they just go through the motions. I know in my personal experience that out of the hundreds of projects/work/jobs that I appply for, about 5% are actually read. I’m sure other people are gonig through the same situation. Therefore, what is created is this sense of dullness… almost zombie-like method of finding a job. I know it has happened to me once or twice where I have sent my cover letter and resume almost unconsciously… to find out a few minutes later that I finished apllying for some job.
I guess what I’m trying to get at is that the world of working online needs to get a little more serious. I love worknig from home, but there is always this stereotype that W.A.H. life is the same as a college students dorm room. I know for a fact that I work harder with my businesses and projects from home then others do with their ‘out-of-the-home’ jobs.
Nonetheless, thanks for the update, sorry if I ranted, but I just had to let my thoughts out
Jeff Beer
p.s.- Hope your daughter get’s the job, haha.
Jenn Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 7:43 am Chris,
I can only imagine how frustrating it is for you, not only having hundreds of emails coming in and not to your specifications, but then with the launch as well… you must be getting barried over there….
Well, Thankfully I followed instruction…. and hopefully I’ll hear from you soon! If not I wish you luck with your new assitant and I look forward to all the new happenings with WFHMarket.com
Jenn
Canadian in Jamaica
N/A Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 7:49 am Looks like I won’t get this job because I didn’t address the email correctly, lol. That is a first. I address a job application to the wrong person one time and they didn’t even care and I got the job…and this was a job with a $32,000 starting salary. Go ahead and pay your daughter an allownce.
Kim Petersen Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 8:14 am Hello chris,
I was also probably one of those whose application was deleted. Sorry about that.
I have proficient skills in organization and have worked in data entry and customer service for around 5 years. I also have skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. I would like to have the opportunity to work as you virtual assistant with great job satisfaction.
In terms of wages, I would like to make 12.50 per hour.
Thank you for your consideration in this job and hope to hear from you soon.
Kim Petersen
William Kiage Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 8:25 am Thank you so much for giving me a chance to, once again ,offer my services to you.
Although I don’t have an experience as a VA, I’m a fast learner and very committed to work I get myself involved with.
I look forward to your positive respond to this and work with you.
Stacy Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 8:25 am Hi Chris just wanted to leave a comment here for you. I didn’t even know you were hiring for a VA. I do have to say it is hard sometimes to find the right person to work with. There are so many work at home moms looking for a job that sometimes they forget the instructions sent because they are trying to be the first one to apply for the job lol. They are like sharks attracted to the bait so to speak and them girls can fight. Sorry had to throw a joke in there.
Doenne Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 8:34 am Dear Chris,
I applied for the VA job through genuine jobs.com and your name was not given in the initial e-mail I received about the job. I followed the instructions that were posted, however, I didn’t use your name in the greeting because I was not informed as to what it was.
I will let you know a little about myself again. I have two years in accounting and business management and one year of information systems in college. I have unlimited access to the internet and three computers that I can use at any time that are connected through a DSL connection. (No unreliable dial up for me, my ISP is fantastic and rarely goes down.)
I type 55-60 wpm, and am an avid reader, and excellent speller and have great attention to detail. I also write freelance for associated content and helium and I can give you access to my cp pages for those sites.
I have a wide knowledge base on varying subjects. I can work any hours required and have a very flexible schedule.
I hope you will consider me for your position as a virtual assistant.
Thanks again,
Doenne
Ben Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 8:41 am Hello Chris,
It’s been a while since you posted this Ad. Eventually, i sent 2 emails for the post and I followed strictly the instructions given but never received a reply. I’m a very experienced graphic/web/multimedia designer and was hoping to do some freelance occasionally. I’ll wait to see your shortlisted candidates.
Ben
Marsha Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 8:51 am Chris,
I did not apply for this job. The main reason is this. Anytime someone has to pay someone else to work for them, even the small fee, it is not a real job, per BBB and other sources which are correct. Perhaps you are making a killing on folks who need work and pay you to “join” etc– or for whatever the fee happens to be for. Somewhere in time what you do to others returns to you. I need work. Not work I have to join or pay you to have. Maybe I have a lot to learn, but so do you. Thanks and have a great day! Most Sincerely Marsha Arriola
Lindafrey@charter.net Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 9:05 am Chris, I am one of the applicants, and i am pretty sure i followed everything, as requested, but i don’t think i used the salutation greeting at the front, because since this was a review for a job, i try to keep everything as neat as possible, and as professional as possible. I don’t use the salutation greeting, unless i am asked to put the application to the attention of a certain name, etc. I am very sorry for the confusion. I hope to hear from you soon, if my email was not rejected. But thank you for your consideration, regardless.
Sincerely,
Linda Frey.
Camille Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 9:09 am I clicked on the info in the original email and it was one of those starter online business “buy your way into nothing” adds. If someone is going to send me a job posting for a REAL job as a VA for a REAL company then I would pay attention. I hate those “Crazy like a fox” business opportunities that never work out and are very confusing. I don’t want my own online business, I just want to do spreadsheets and word documents for companies that do not have the money to hire an assistant.
T.M. Hall Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 9:20 am Hello Chris,
Thanks for your post, allowing all applicants to know why they may not have gotten a response. I aplogize for not addressing you with “Hello Chris” also. I resent an email with the proper salutation. In addition, I hope the error on my part will not disqualify me as a candidate and that my re-submission will be taken into strong consideration. I know my experience, versatility and willingness to learn will be most beneficial to you and your endeavors.
Thank you in advance,
Thomasina
Chris Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 9:25 am Let me see if I can clear things up for a few of you.
Re: Looks like I won’t get this job because I didn’t address the email correctly, lol. That is a first. I address a job application to the wrong person one time and they didn’t even care and I got the job…and this was a job with a $32,000 starting salary. Go ahead and pay your daughter an allownce.
My Response : It’s called common courtesy. Good luck with your $32,000 job.
========================
Re: Marsha’s Comments.
Chris,
I did not apply for this job. The main reason is this. Anytime someone has to pay someone else to work for them, even the small fee, it is not a real job, per BBB and other sources which are correct.
My Response : There must be some sort of confusion, since I never asked for any sort of fee. Maybe I’m missing something?
Here is the post again:
http://www.genuinejobs.com/members/jobdetails.php?Job_ID=10932
=======================
Re: Camille’s comment.
I clicked on the info in the original email and it was one of those starter online business “buy your way into nothing” adds. If someone is going to send me a job posting for a REAL job as a VA for a REAL company then I would pay attention. I hate those “Crazy like a fox” business opportunities that never work out and are very confusing. I don’t want my own online business, I just want to do spreadsheets and word documents for companies that do not have the money to hire an assistant.
My Response : Again, there must be some sort of confusion here. Please review the job posting again:
http://www.genuinejobs.com/members/jobdetails.php?Job_ID=10932
Jenn Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 9:58 am Chris…
Don’t let yourself caught up in the craziness, if people can’t follow simple instructions then obviously they can’t get the job done right for you!!! It’s just a shame everyone needs to make excuses for their bad manners, etiquette and ability to follow directions.
You need to find a VA…. and as I posted above… I hope I can do the job… Look over those resumes so I can start working with you today! 
Jenn
Canadian in Jamaica
Rhonda Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 10:18 am I didn’t apply for the job, but…
I’m thinking there’s a lot to learn here… How you apply for any job, whether online or offline makes a real difference. Listening well to instructions and finding out who you’re communicating with (if possible) is absolutely important. I’m glad to learn this for future reference. (:
Erika Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 10:31 am Hi Chris,
I also applied for this post and am sure i followed the instructions correctly so hope you didnt delete my mail. As i stated in my application I have performed this task previously for a different company and hope that you allow me the opportunity to work for your company. Thank you again for the opportunity to apply.
Regards.
Erika
Michelle Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 10:59 am Greetings Chris,
Sounds frustrating and I’m astonished by how many job seekers did not simply follow instructions as it is an indication of the performance you might expect from them on the job, but look at the positive. It probably made your job easier by weeding out applicants you wouldn’t want to hire anyway. Life is good!
Darcee Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 11:26 am Hi Chris-
I thought that I paid extra attention to your requests for the VA position but when I just went back to the original ad and scrolled all the way past your name I saw that you were requesting an expected hourly wage which I didn’t put into my original email. I apologize for the error and assume that I too may have blown my chances.
I have learnt a lesson to make sure that I scroll to the very end of a post next time!
Kelly Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 11:29 am Dear Chris,
I do feel badly about your frustrations. And as some have said earlier, your name was not listed in the initial email sent out to us. I greatly apologize for not using your name as the salutation. I did follow the instructions, however, I’m sure my email was deleted due to the non-use of your name. It would certainly be appreciated if you would reconsider looking at my email again.
Rolanda Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 11:33 am Chris,
I understand your frustration in trying to find a qualified person as a VA. Trust me, I understand the woes in finding someone that follows simple directions. What I do find is how distasteful your message is. There is absolutely no reason for you to rant as you did. Hitting the simple delete button for whatever reasons was sufficient enough as opposed to writing an angry message displaying your obvious anger issues. (Yeah if that takes you over the edge, I would hate to be working for you). Folks, I understand in this climate we have become say a bit on the desperate side to find work and although there are red flags beyond belief to not work for a certain employer sometimes we have to bite the bullet. Honestly, I just think the attitude you communicated in that email was worth being deleted as well.
Good luck to everyone that applied and are willing to give this guy a chance. Bless your hearts!
BTW, I never applied, someone who did posted your rantings on a forum and I just thought I’d offer my two cents.. or maybe even 1 cent worth.
Marg Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 11:37 am Hi Chris…
Just a few thoughts on your situation…meant sincerely and to be helpful if you haven’t thought of them.
One of the reasons for your high perentage rate of “people who cant follow directions” just might be the fact that the following comment is the very first sentence in your job posting..
” This will suit an offshore worker best, due to the somewhat low hourly wage.”
That in itself says a heck of a lot more than what is just written!
I have seen SO many “offshore” applicants apply for a freelance/IC etc type position but cant comprehend English..let alone spell, etc. You just wont get the quality IC for $-$4 an hr! I realize you havent mentioned a wage, but that seems to be the ballpark figure that employers use when outsourcing to overseas workers.
I have seen your postings of this VA position several times over the last many months…you get hundreds visitng your site, must have a very extensive mailing list..but still cant get any quality workers? Oh yes…your position has even been mentioned on various wahm type forums…
If you dont want to pay a wage that even equates to min wage in the US or here in Canada..when you are located in Canada..and dont want to help “support” North Amercian homebased workers ..well lets say…you have not only lost my respect..but from a VAST majority of others that I network with online.
It’s sad….I have even come across WELL KNOWN internet marketers, online business people etc…that say they support “local” IC’s and dont hire offshore workers…when in fact they do hire offshore!
It’s a shame…I even have to speak to someone in India regarding my Bell phone bill or internet bill/issues..how are homebased North Amercian workers supposed to find wahj’s if everything these days is outsourced to offshore workers?
It’s too bad employers/businesses looking for telecommuters dont help and support their own! They want use to use their business. website etc for purchasing products, getting free resources, etc ..and even clicking on google ads, purchasing products through their affiliate links…but dont “pay it forward” by employing one of their own???
Mmmm….something seems amiss to me…
Done my rant..lol…this whole “offshore” business is a very sore point with me…if we support our own it might help everyone out a lot better..
From..a person who experiences the effects of offshore outsourcing everyday! DH works over 1500 miles from home and gets home to visit us TWICE a year!!
T Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 12:00 pm Chris:
I completely understand where you are coming from and your frustration with people not following instructions.
I can tell you that I also agree with you that if someone cannot follow such simple instructions, how on earth do you think or expect them to follow simple instructions to do your job properly!
I can also tell you that I did indeed apply for the job and I know for a fact that I was NOT one of the ones that didn’t follow your instructions! In fact, I followed them to the letter! I even had the job posting open while I sent my application to you to insure that I got your name correct and that I had followed all of the directions that you had posted for the job!
I would like to personally thank you for updating those of us that did indeed follow directions about the job status. May the best individual get the job!
Rebecca Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 12:58 pm Hi Chris,
I probably didn’t get the position either but I have always sent my salutations to Hiring Manager, hard habit to break. But anyway congrats to the one who may get it. At least give us a little credit for following the rest of the guidelines you set. I am here if you need me but if not, thank you for taking the time to read my email and application. Apparently none of us who applied got the position.
Thank you. What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger!!
Michael M Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 1:35 pm Hello, Chris. Listen, I would like to strongly thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to apply for your VA position. I strongly believe that I have thoroughly followed all of your instructions to the best of my ability. I also strongly believe that if you chose me for this position I would assure you that I would be an outstanding asset to you and your clients. I guranteed you 100% great quality and efficient work. I am constantly on top of all my emails and I am an excellent communicator. I am very reliable, dependable, ambitious and enthusiastic. I take my work very seriously and give it top priority above anything else. I surely hope to be working for you and will be on the lookout for your email sent to me within the next 24 hours. As for the applicants that did not follow your instructions, I sincerely relate to how you feel because I would feel exactly the same way. If simple instructions cannot be adhered to in the beginning they will not be adhered to when doing the work. This is so common about people wishing to work from home, they all basically show lots of interest, however, at the same time they do not follow simple instructions or do not pay attention to details. We must all be aware that working from home is no different than working from an actual office out in the corporate world. The only difference is the workplace location in which working from home is doing the work from a home work place environment. Other than that, everything else that’s work related remains the same as working anywhere else.
Becky Luedecke Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 1:37 pm Hello Chris,
I did not respond to your email, however, I must commend you on telling it like it is. That is a rare quality these days. I now have an interest in working with you and will reply to your email.
Regards,
Becky Luedecke
Alison Gerst Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 1:40 pm Dear Chris:
I apologize if my email was one of those that frustrated you. I do believe that I addressed my email “Dear Sir/Madam” as your name was not given when I applied. I however, did mention my skills and attributes. And for more information, I am a college graduate, certified bookkeeper and legal secretary along with being a licensed real estate agent. I hope that my initial response to your ad was not “pitched” and would like the opportunity to at least discuss the position with you. Thank you for your consideration.
Elizabeth Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 2:08 pm Hello Chris,
I am not surprised to read these responses to your notice regarding the job posting. Mostly, it demonstrates that people are not ready for your job. I also did not reply to your ad although I probably should have. I am an editor working online creating and managing a quarterly magazine for print and internet. At the moment I am wrapping up the latest issue and have some time to spare from this busy volunteer position.
I have over 10 year of experience at this *writing, layout, graphics) and am continually learning and upgrading. As well I have two degrees in this field and a state-of-the-art home office. I definitely would like to put my desktop publishing skills to more profitable use and am very interested in finding projects on this website.
It’s really too bad that people can’t follow simple rules and I sincerely hope that you find the right person. If you don’t, let me know. Perhaps my background would suffice.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
Kay Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 2:22 pm Hiya Chris,
As a hiring manager, I can totally relate. I don’t know whether people are in a rush or if they just don’t take the time to actually read and follow instructions. It’s a total nightmare when a company has 200+ applicants and 80% don’t follow instructions, then pop off angry emails because they didn’t understand how to do something. All I could do was sit and “blink” because the instructions were very clear.
Kudos to you for authentically communicating how it really is in a virtual world.
B
John Crutchfield Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pm Chris,
I am one of the individuals that did not use your name in addressing my interest in the Virtual Assistant position. I didn’t even have enough sense to start the e-mail with: To whom it may concern. It was more like, This is in response to the VA position or something in that order. There was no disrespect intended. I could probably come up with some reasons or excuses for not addressing you personally, however, from what I have read of these posts, you are about to your wits end in your selection process. If you find yourself reconsidering some of the e-mail from those applicants that didn’t address you directly, please review my information. If my e-mail remains in the delete folder, thank you for the opportunty.
Good luck with your endeavor.
Thank You,
John Crutchfield
Chris Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 4:50 pm Hi Chris, Well I am very sorry you are having trouble getting people to follow instructions. I believe that I followed the directions. Thank you for emailing me. Part time is great right now, I am working on my Bachelor in Business degree.
Angelia Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm Hi Chris,
Sorry for your frustration, nevertheless, I went back and reviewed your posting and one thing that it didn’t ask for is the expected wage/hr. It just stated that the TBD, which is probably understood to be discussed with you during the interview.
I wish you the best in finding the VA that fits you well.
Kisha Sutton Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 5:25 pm Hi Chris,
I’m sorry you are so frustrated and I don’t think I was one of the people that applied for this position if it was in the past couple of days. I’ve actually been at the hospital with my little boy and don’t remember what I’ve applied for at this point. I’ve just been trying to find a job where I can work from home and be able to keep watch over him. I don’t remember getting sent anything from you or going onto the site and seeing where you where looking for a VA. It would be great if I could be considered for it but I’ve put in for so many of these types of positions in the past that I don’t think anyone cares that I already work in a customer service environment on a daily basis and sometimes take about 50 to 75 calls a day. I’ve been at my current job 10 months and recently my 2 year old son became ill with an illness that can’t be diagnosed at the moment. I’ve been frantically looking for at home work.
Again I’m sorry if I did send something in and it wasn’t to your specifications.
Kristi Says:
July 9th, 2008 at 10:30 pm I was interested in this position the last 3 times but as you stated somewhere else the job doesnt pay good lol. So I was like well.. forget that! I already work for chump change and I work really hard lol. So maybe some other time
William Kiage Says:
July 10th, 2008 at 2:19 am Sorry for the frustration that you are facing at the moment.
However, I really appreciate to be one of the applicants that qualified for a second chance to, once again, offer my services to you. I am a fast learner and with a lot of devotion to what i do. i also get to work with a lot of zeal which i believe you will highly appreciate.
YOur positive respond will be highly appreciated.
Good day,
William
Margie Says:
July 10th, 2008 at 8:11 am Hi,
I also applied for the VA position. I know I followed your instructions to the tee. Although your name and other instructions were posted clearly, I didn’t refer to you by name simply because I never call anyone by their first name that I don’t know. Calling someone by their first name is very personal to me. When you contact me about filling your VA position, I’ll call you by your first name any time you want. Look forward to hearing from you.
Kadian Vickers Says:
July 12th, 2008 at 4:54 pm Hello Chris
I do apologise I didnt refer to you by name. If hired I would do my best to carry out what is required of me.
Jams Halstead Says:
July 15th, 2008 at 11:46 am Salutations Chris; I hope the day finds you well. I have read your articulate complaint about all of those who can’t follow simple instruction and it was an enjoyable read to be sure; as were the many response that followed. I just wanted to say good luck and remember it takes more than just a college degree to succeed in business.
