Reading this post, I was reminded of how awful most of the job applications we receive are.

Here's the top couple of reasons that lead us to send someone's resume to the circular file:

• Grammatical errors
• Typos
• Experience clearly not consistent with requirements stated in job ad
• Applicant obviously has not read our website

The shame of it is that none of these things take much effort to fix.

Read the job ad carefully, and decide if you meet the minimum qualifications. Chances are, if the ad says we're looking for seven years of professional daily newspaper experience, and you've just graduated from college, you're not a good candidate.

Run the cover letter through spellcheck. And spend a few minutes on the website. That's it.

I can't believe people don't do this.