Getting your player ready...
Job seekers often complain about employers who do not acknowledge their calls, letters, even their interviews. How often have you heard: “I sent out hundreds of resumes and have yet to hear back from any of them. They at least owe me a letter or call.”
That notion could not be further from reality and will get the job seeker nowhere. The interviewer’s only mission is to find the right person as soon as possible. The job seeker is owed nothing. Interviewers have no moral or business courtesy obligation to acknowledge anything.
Then how do you know if you have a chance for an interview or the job? Call them. And therein lies the competitive edge. Few people believe they should or “are allowed” to follow up. One company told me they received 40 resumes for a job and only one person bothered to call to see about an interview!
Consider the followup an integral step in the job-search process, whether it is after sending a resume, talking on the phone or a formal interview. There is no need to be fearful or intimidated about the follow-up process. The most common excuse individuals cite about not following up is that they fear rejection. Job seekers believe it is easier to accept rejection if they hear nothing at all than it is to get the final “thanks, but no thanks” over the phone.
Although it may be hard for some to hear that they are not right for a position, it helps to keep the job process moving. If the answer is no, it brings to a close a job possibility you were hoping would come to fruition and which may have held you back from going full force in your job search.
Secondly, if you were not right for one position that does not mean you may not be a candidate for another position at the same company. You can ask the person with whom you interviewed or to whom you sent your resume if there are other positions where someone with your energy and commitment and skills would fit. See if there are other hiring managers that you could meet.
Another important factor in the followup is that you might find out that the person never got your resume or your call. Fax machines, the mail service, voice mails and secretaries are by no means foolproof.
Following up also sends a signal that you are interested and eager to get a position. Remember the story about how only one person out of 40 followed up after sending their resume. That person secured an interview!
Once you have talked with the interviewer on the phone, offer to come in before or after business hours for an interview. Or, offer to meet at an offsite location such as a restaurant for breakfast or on the weekend if it is more convenient. Being very flexible will help you get the interview.
In your persistent follow up, however, be careful not to cross the line between showing your enthusiasm and becoming a nuisance. Although firms want individuals who are enthusiastic and aggressive, they do not want people who do not exhibit good common sense. There is no need to leave several messages a day or send several copies of your resume. Keep calling without leaving a message until you have an answer. It is better, however, to err on the side of being too aggressive rather than too respectful if in the name of respect you become too passive.
When you arrange for the interview, or if you have no answer yet on where you stand in the interviewing process, do not let yourself get caught up in false hope that you still have a chance of getting the interview or the job. While you still may be a viable candidate, too many individuals at this juncture become complacent and believe: “I can relax now until I hear back from them.” Your mindset should be like that of the Energizer Bunny, “keep going and going and going” until you get the offer.
Do not take anything for granted. You need to create as many opportunities as you can. The worst thing that could happen is that you receive more than one job offer.
Following up a call, letter, resume or interview is all part of the job-seeking process. When you call, that says you are interested, that followup is a part of your personal style, and you are aggressive and go after what you want. That is a strong, positive message you are sending about yourself.
