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They didn't call back?
You've sent your resume, maybe applied on-line, and no one ever called back. It's a common malaise but it's important to give you some perspective.
There's a disconnect from the get go. Resumes are written with the intent of getting hired - or called back for an interview. However resumes are read as a filtering tool to determine who doesn't get hired - much less called back for an interview. The meeting in the middle occurs when you've set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd with compelling reasons for the reader to call and seriously consider your candidacy.
Here are my top tips to help you make an impression that motivates the reader to call you back.
- Do your homework: Learn what the reader needs to get done and demonstrate your experience in achieving similar objectives
- Prep meaningful questions: We tend to focus on having good answers, but asking great questions will equally impact your status, ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge of what needs to get done (see above)
- You came across as uninterested: Just a wee bit of enthusiasm, curiosity and focus sets the tone and builds the connection, let them feel your passion
- Ask appropriate questions: Know the boundaries and don't step on your own foot, keep it professional and not personal
- First impressions count: You only get one chance to make a first impression and it only takes 3 seconds; eye contact & posture are a good place to start
- Stay positive: Optimism pushes the "hope button" and gives the other party something to look forward to vs. a negative "downer"
- Don't pretend to know what you don't: It's always better to say "I'm not familiar..." and then briefly describe how you would go about finding an answer
- Build credibility: Focus on facts and avoid emotions and feelings when demonstrating your relative experience
- Keep the numbers realistic: Whether is salary, price, time or other quantifiables be sure you're within reason
- You missed the opportunity: The position was filled or the search was canceled -- if you're late to the party remember that's out of your control. Turn the negative into a positive and plant seeds for the future
It's a well documented fact in the world of marketing that it takes from eight to 15 impressions to motivate someone to buy. Unless your resume and background are the "Holy Grail" you'll need to create a marketing campaign with a bundle of mixed media including voice mail, email (with a video?) and a quiver full of arrows for the classic questions everyone asks.
Bullet points are best. If someone asks you what time it is don't tell them how to build a watch. Keep your responses short and meaty -- the person you're speaking to will make their decision to move forward in about 8 seconds.
Your job search is a marketing campaign for your "brand me" so think of yourself as a "$5 Foot Long" or "McRib" and how your going to gain your own share of stomach.
Of course, this is only my opinion, but it's one I value highly.
