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So you have this weekend free, want to find an event to work, and just your luck! – Somebody just posted on Marketing Rockstar looking for Brand Ambassadors in your city.  How are you going to respond?  If you are thinking of sending a photo with a jumbled resume and nothing in the subject line or body of the email?  Better think again!

Staffing and marketing companies receive responses from many qualified candidates for every job they post. What separates those who get the jobs from the others banished to searching Craigslist yet again?  First impressions are everything.  Here are a few key tips for making sure you get a second look:

Write something in the Subject Line!

• Include the name of the promotion (if you know it), the city and your name.

Example: Boat Show Promotion – Miami – Dan Robertson

Use good grammar, spell check and “buzz” words

• Staffers want to see that you can write well, because that probably means you can speak well too!
• Include “buzz” words like “activation”, “execution” and “premiums” in your email to show you know the lingo of the promotional marketing world.

Answer all the questions mentioned in the job posting!

• It is of paramount importance to completely follow listed directions in your responsive email, because if you don’t, you have automatically signaled that you can’t adhere to a strict and predetermined protocol (crucial in promotional marketing!)
• If you are requested to list your experience with promotions RELATED to the proposed event, don’t ramble on or post your whole resume in the email with things completely unrelated.

When you first see a job posting, or receive one through email, RESPOND IMMEDIATELY!!!

• As mentioned before, staffers receive sometimes HUNDREDS of applicants for one job. If you are number 107, chances are your email won’t even be opened.  As trite as it may sound, the early bird does actually catch the worm, so respond ASAP!