How to halt the cycle of no in your job search
Does it feel like you only hear No in your job search? One of the biggest complaints I hear from job seekers is that they tire of hearing no.
It is true that few people apply to one job and land that job at the salary and in their career goals. But one of the reasons many job seekers complain of the consistent no answer is that they are using the wrong strategies and sometimes the wrong tools.
Can you break the no in your job search?
Yes, but you have to be willing to leave your comfort zone behind. Job seekers at all levels, yes, even top managers and executives, are comfortable applying online and hoping someone will call.
You have to be willing to initiate the call. Yes, I just said to call someone. Today many people are afraid of the phone.
When should you call?
- Right after you apply to make sure a human received the application.
- 7 to 10 days after each stage of the job search, unless they tell you an earlier deadline.
Who should you call?
- While checking on the application, it makes sense to call the hiring manager or even the human resources department but use that to gather more information.
Could you tell the name of the decision maker for this position? …. Great, would you happen to have his phone number?
- Leverage LinkedIn to learn other people from that department and find their contact information. If you get as far as finding someone in the right department, check who they are connected to on LinkedIn. Ask your LinkedIn connection if they would be willing to help you by calling or emailing the person to facilitate an introduction.
- After an interview, you should be sending a thank you not but you can also call to express your interest if they haven’t scheduled a second interview in the time frame they suggested.
The cycle of no in your job search is only breakable if you take action. This is your job search, take it as seriously as you would making calls for your company. You can’t be afraid to take action.
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Julie Walraven
Professional Resume Writer
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