by Torski Dobson-Arnold
I have been unemployed for more than a year now and have applied for lots of jobs. As part of my severance package, my former company offered me transition workshops on resume writing, interviewing and job search strategies. I took the trainer’s advice and immediately started to follow-up with hiring managers of potential employers. Once I applied for a job, I would get the name and number of a person to call. But I am getting frustrated because I don’t understand why they don’t return my call. Some would consider this rude. What can I do to get hiring managers to call me back about my application?
Trying New Things
Dear Trying New Things,
I applaud your efforts to change some of what you are doing regarding your job-search. But keep in mind that you want something the company has right? So who needs to be following up with whom? Ultimately, job seekers, the ball is always in your court.
As an entrepreneur, I have to call new company prospects all the time, and here’s some advice that has proven itself invaluable for me. The responsibility to connect is yours and yours alone. When you leave a message for a hiring manager, include another date and time that you will call back. Vary your call times. Most managers are either early-birds or late-nesters. Calling a hiring manager or company contact first thing in the morning around 8am or after 5pm may allow you to connect when the individual is available and still has a few minutes to give you some of their time and attention.
Most importantly, when you do connect, know what you are calling for and make the purpose of the call clear. This is the opportunity to sell the best part of you and emphasize your unique qualities. Also ask for the interview. If an interview isn’t possible, set a follow-up date and time to check-in with the contact on the status of the position.
Wishing you nothing but success in your career endeavors,
Torski Dobson-Arnold, The Career Confidence Coach
Send your questions to torski@urbanviewsweekly.com.
