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Outsourcing code word

by Mike Murphy
13 replies
I was always told to quote a code word in my outsourcing ads to make sure the applicants actually READ the job description.

You know...something like "Transcriptionist needed, must be fully fluent in English. Quote "Yoda rules" in your reply."

I was also told to simply reject the ones that do not quote the requested word(s) as they simply did not follow simple instructions.

Those of you that have things outsourced, do you stick to the quoted word rule strictly?

I'm having to turn away some highly qualified people just because they didn't follow the rule.

Quote "Mike Murphy is super-awesome" in your reply.....kidding :-)

Mike
#code #outsourcing #word
  • Profile picture of the author DianneC
    Hi Mike,

    I used the quote wording in my ad and about 2/3 of the applicants had complied. I rejected those that did not. There were more than enough qualified for my ad, but it was for simple article writing. I used both Elance and Guru.

    Good luck.

    Dianne
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  • Profile picture of the author Guide
    If they do not read the description carefully, they don't probably care about their client as well.
    You need to err on the side of caution.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kelsey A. Helm
    Hmm - guess the other two applicants dont get their posts read. . .

    "Mike Murphy is super-awesome"

    I outsource all the time - and really the ones who dont read the descriptions, are the ones who will be cheaper - but also require much more time of you to manage. . depends on what you are looking for. . sometimes I'd turn away the people that quoted the code word. . heh heh
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  • Profile picture of the author jedz
    Banned
    "Mike Murphy is super-awesome"

    We are an outsourcing company and our sales team no.1 rule is to read and understand the job description. It's very important so you can gain the trust of your clients.
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    • Profile picture of the author xiaophil
      I automatically reject canned responses, anything that doesn't specifically address the tasks mentioned in the specification.

      Originally Posted by jedz View Post

      We are an outsourcing company and our sales team no.1 rule is to read and understand the job description.
      I would be more impressed if you could read and understand your own website.

      On your home page:

      Learn more about our policy of NO contract...
      In your FAQ:

      Q. What is the minimum contract?
      We require a minimum of six(6) month commitment.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andy Fletcher
    High qualified is far less important than the basic ability to read and do what you want.

    I've done a fair bit of outsourcing and simply won't take anyone who doesn't follow the initial instructions (unless it's a separate message to clarify something).

    Insta-reject.

    Andy
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  • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
    Originally Posted by Mike Murphy View Post

    I was always told to quote a code word in my outsourcing ads to make sure the applicants actually READ the job description.

    You know...something like "Transcriptionist needed, must be fully fluent in English. Quote "Yoda rules" in your reply."

    I was also told to simply reject the ones that do not quote the requested word(s) as they simply did not follow simple instructions.

    Those of you that have things outsourced, do you stick to the quoted word rule strictly?

    I'm having to turn away some highly qualified people just because they didn't follow the rule.

    Quote "Mike Murphy is super-awesome" in your reply.....kidding :-)

    Mike

    Mike Murphy is super awesome.

    I have been hiring a lot of intelligent,highly qualified people for the jobs that I want done. Most of them do it their way, not mine. Now I know why.

    Where were you a year ago? Would have saved me so many hours and dollars.

    -Lakshay

    P.S. This is super awesome advice guys. Serious advice. I never did it myself, and now I know what I was missing.
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    • Profile picture of the author manofinfluence1
      I would automatically reject them. It's a sign that I will be having a hard time getting the output that I want because they might not read my instructions. Following instruction is one thing that I give high regards when it comes to choosing the people that I want to work with me.

      Remember school days? When your teacher says encircle the right answer and you put a box-you get an F.
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    • Profile picture of the author Fred_Acker
      "Mike Murphy is super-awesome" in your reply.....kidding :-)

      I guess the others just don't get it Mike

      I've not done too much with outsourcing but the suggestion does make sense. I for one am terrible at reading everything. But it's sometimes due to font size or bg colors or other distractions on the page.

      Fred
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  • Profile picture of the author GuerrillaIM
    I have "To Apply" instructions and state I will reject anyone who doesn't follow exact procedure.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mukul Verma
    This is GREAT advice....I am gonna use "Mike Murphy is super-awesome" as the code word when I do this. Just as a thank you to this thread and learning this tactic.
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  • Profile picture of the author billionareHuman
    if you can't follow a simple instruction in the job opening how can you follow instructions later on, or you read it and just don't care which is another bad sign. I reject all people who do not follow the simple instructions, it's not complicated!
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    • Profile picture of the author Mukul Verma
      Originally Posted by billionareHuman View Post

      if you can't follow a simple instruction in the job opening how can you follow instructions later on, or you read it and just don't care which is another bad sign. I reject all people who do not follow the simple instructions, it's not complicated!
      Here is the flip side, I got people who cannot follow instructions and they are running successful websites for me. I think it is also a give and take.
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