Article Index: Career Coach | Life at Work | WorkWise
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
No callbacks? Focus on what you can control
The following is a composite of questions I've received from readers regarding the irritation they experience after applying for jobs but not getting responses from employers.
Q: I am frustrated beyond measure. I've submitted my résumé online and by snail mail to at least 50 job openings and haven't heard back about any of them. I've followed up on each one, several times, by re-submitting my résumé, and still, no response. I do the logical thing and get phone numbers for each of the companies, call human resources and either get voicemail or a human resource manager who isn't much of one, who tells me to hold, which results in my getting disconnected and having to start the process all over again.
Once, out of complete desperation, and when I admit I was somewhat out of control, I went to a place of business and demanded to talk to the person in charge. That resulted in a security guard ushering me politely, but firmly, off the premises while informing me that I would be arrested for trespassing if I were to attempt that stunt again.
I know I was wrong to take that approach, but I was at my wit's end. What does it take to get a response?
A: I get that you're frustrated. Anyone who is as committed as you to finding work would be. But your approach to following up will not only not get you anywhere, it will set your job search back significantly by turning away the very people you are seeking to attract. Although your passion in finding a job is misplaced, it is genuine and admirable. You know better than most what happens when you get so aggravated you do things you'd never otherwise consider. So what will work?
- Tailoring your résumé to the position description.
- Using keywords from the advertisement in your objective/summary and the body of your résumé.
- Streamlining your résumé by focusing on your accomplishments instead of your responsibilities.
- Quantifying your accomplishments, focusing on what's relevant to the job at hand.
- Writing your résumé in reverse chronological order instead of rearranging the order to mask gaps in your employment history.
- Keeping your résumé under two pages, using 12-point type, a professional font, and wide, clean margins.
- Updating your references, letting them know where you're looking and when they may be contacted.
- Networking. Meeting people who work where you'd like to work, who do work you do well or aspire to do. Meeting people who know people and are willing to connect you with them. Tell them, succinctly and directly, but politely, what you bring to the table that can make a difference to employers.
- Asking for assistance, suggestions, information, direction, leads and guidance that enable you to close in on opportunities that match your strengths and your values.
- Giving assistance by volunteering. You can make a difference in the lives of others, and in the process demonstrate that you are accountable and reliable. You may even pick up a few references in the process.
- Putting yourself out there by joining clubs and organizations to get to know like-minded people who are easy to talk to. Instead of selling yourself in ways that create discomfort for you and the people around you, describe yourself as the person you are, with strength and determination, and a desire to contribute where there is need and in the distinctive ways in which you are capable.
Joyce Richman is a career coach, leadership development consultant, and author of "Getting Your Kid Out of the House and Into a Job" and "Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success". You can read her blog at www.richmanresources.com or call 3P Career at (540) 989-0046.
