The new portfolio guide clearly implies that job applications sealed with wax are more likely to be successful than those sealed with other methods (I assume self-stick envelopes look sloppy and unprofessional).
but the article fails to discuss the specifics of the seal - which is the best wax type? traditional red sealing wax? I feel that beeswax may be easier to find, but perhaps won't leave as good an impression. I know recently a wide range of synthetic colors have become available. How does everyone feel about sparkles?
Or should I go for old-school bitumen, ancient-roman style?
and the seal itself - is it necessary to have a new seal carved to reflect the contents of the portfolio, or do you think a coat of arms or simply an initial will suffice? I would hate to have to re-design my family crest for a job application....
Finally, do you think it's alright to send an application package by carrier pigeon, or should I send it horseback, with my most trusted rider?
I think sealing with a capital A implies that you're already licensed ("a capital A Architect") so unless you're registered stick to the lower case a - don't want any legal issues.
The type of wax depends on the type of firm you're applying to: for example, for a sustainable design firm, beeswax for sure - tinted with onion skins or berries.
Sealing the hot wax with your own thumbprint, of course, implies that you're willing to suffer a little pain for the profession - likely to move you to the top of the pile.
my envelopes [envelopes? i still use envelopes?] are sealed with bloody index fingerprint - sign of chip board model making - and dried tears - sign of unemployed architect.
I'd go for a California Condor feather as your quill, Evan. John Stewart brandished one momentarily on the Daily Show a few days ago and it was magnificent.
To be honest I've never found the wax sealing to work to impress the employers.
In an envelope with my portfolio, cover letter, and resume, I always like to put in a headshot, some glitter, and a personal note that reads something like "I know where you live ha ha"
Okay, I am going to totally apply for a job on pink scented paper, put it in a hot-pink foiled envelope, fill the envelope with glitter and confetti, put a white wax seal on it with glitter.
Where should I apply... I will document the whole thing.
The last time I ever interviewed for a job before I hung up my nail.
I sent a nice custom photo-post card of the "White Dove of the Desert." With a thank you note for having the opportunity to interview. I ended up getting hired in an extremely slow market and the Man kept the photo post card on display in his office. So think Large Folk... And if you don't know what the "White Dove of the Desert" is you will have to ask Liberty.
Is this what I have been missing? A wax seal? Should I not be emailing my stuff? some other article said THAT's the way to go.
I will have to take out a microloan to pay for all the printing and ink and papyrus and quills and blotters and wax and not to mention the scrimshander (I want a cool seal right?)
Should we use USPS or should we overnight it Fed Ex? UPS?
I am SO confused...
Nov 18, 09 2:07 pm ·
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Wax seals on job applications.
The new portfolio guide clearly implies that job applications sealed with wax are more likely to be successful than those sealed with other methods (I assume self-stick envelopes look sloppy and unprofessional).
but the article fails to discuss the specifics of the seal - which is the best wax type? traditional red sealing wax? I feel that beeswax may be easier to find, but perhaps won't leave as good an impression. I know recently a wide range of synthetic colors have become available. How does everyone feel about sparkles?
Or should I go for old-school bitumen, ancient-roman style?
and the seal itself - is it necessary to have a new seal carved to reflect the contents of the portfolio, or do you think a coat of arms or simply an initial will suffice? I would hate to have to re-design my family crest for a job application....
Finally, do you think it's alright to send an application package by carrier pigeon, or should I send it horseback, with my most trusted rider?
You should definitely send it along with a freshly slaughtered calf and some bushels of wheat. It's only expected.
I think sealing with a capital A implies that you're already licensed ("a capital A Architect") so unless you're registered stick to the lower case a - don't want any legal issues.
The type of wax depends on the type of firm you're applying to: for example, for a sustainable design firm, beeswax for sure - tinted with onion skins or berries.
Sealing the hot wax with your own thumbprint, of course, implies that you're willing to suffer a little pain for the profession - likely to move you to the top of the pile.
i'm with lb on this one - pain = advancement. definitely.
my envelopes [envelopes? i still use envelopes?] are sealed with bloody index fingerprint - sign of chip board model making - and dried tears - sign of unemployed architect.
not to mention the papercuts on your tongue from licking the envelopes.
i don't lick, don't you remember george costanza? that shit is poison.
never use cheap envelopes on your job applications beta. didn't you read the article?
Always use 2 types of paper; a simple bond for the letter, and a heftier paper for the resume.
That was a strange article; the guy said He was a project captain but he only graduated in 2007, Im confused.
I don't know the author, and I thought it was an excellent article, but that struck me as odd as well. The bio does seems suspiciously inflated.
but more importantly, which type of papyrus do you think will get me more responses? calfskin? sheepskin?
any quill recommendations?
I'd go for a California Condor feather as your quill, Evan. John Stewart brandished one momentarily on the Daily Show a few days ago and it was magnificent.
To be honest I've never found the wax sealing to work to impress the employers.
In an envelope with my portfolio, cover letter, and resume, I always like to put in a headshot, some glitter, and a personal note that reads something like "I know where you live ha ha"
Works every time...
i don't know.... i don't trust satirists.
this is a all a joke right? or has obama now anointed archinect as all-powerful architecture czar or some crazy shit like that?
Hahaha, on my next job application mailing... I am definitely going to fill the envelope with confetti and glitter.
wax seal?
YES!
Steven for the win.
But you could also be like Elle Woods, and print your resume on pink, scented paper. It gives it a little something extra, don't you think?
why not dip the entire portfolio in wax?
you'd have to hold it over a flame or freeze it to get inside.
that's full-commitment interviewing.
Okay, I am going to totally apply for a job on pink scented paper, put it in a hot-pink foiled envelope, fill the envelope with glitter and confetti, put a white wax seal on it with glitter.
Where should I apply... I will document the whole thing.
And what scent should I use?
I can't resist: apply to Robert A.M. Stern, of course.
The last time I ever interviewed for a job before I hung up my nail.
I sent a nice custom photo-post card of the "White Dove of the Desert." With a thank you note for having the opportunity to interview. I ended up getting hired in an extremely slow market and the Man kept the photo post card on display in his office. So think Large Folk... And if you don't know what the "White Dove of the Desert" is you will have to ask Liberty.
Is this what I have been missing? A wax seal? Should I not be emailing my stuff? some other article said THAT's the way to go.
I will have to take out a microloan to pay for all the printing and ink and papyrus and quills and blotters and wax and not to mention the scrimshander (I want a cool seal right?)
Should we use USPS or should we overnight it Fed Ex? UPS?
I am SO confused...
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