If you are a job seeker in this economy, you have most assuredly come to the realization (or are coming to a realization) that you have to be a bit assertive in order to rise to the top of the competition. A record number of applicants are applying for jobs across the board, and the dilemma job seekers face is standing out in the crowd. The key is to be aggressive, but not to cross the line in becoming too aggressive. The following 4 points are areas that I see most commonly as problems for candidates if their enthusiasm transcends into the realm of annoyance.
Follow Up vs. Stalking
It is important to follow-up after an interview, or after applying for a position. In some jobs, like sales, showing that you have follow-up skills can be a good thing since that is a related key to success. However there is a boundary between simple follow up, and too much follow up. As a rule of thumb, wait at least a few days to a week before making any contact after applying. After that, don’t email or call more than once per week, and after 3 or 4 unanswered queries, it is probably a good sign they are not interested. For interviews, send a Thank You email to the interviewer the same day, and make sure you understand the timeline for the hiring decision. If you are implicitly told that it could take up to 3 weeks to make a decision, then don’t make contact 3 days later wanting to know the status. An incessant string of emails and/or voice mails in a short period of time is irritating. Put yourself in our shoes: what type of impression would 3 voice mails and 4 emails in an 8-hour span leave on you?
Showing up out of the blue
If done correctly, show up to the company and drop off your resume (and a tailored cover letter) to a receptionist in a manila envelope. But if the organization has a stated policy such as “no calls,” or “online submissions only,” it is probably a good idea to follow that protocol. There’s no easier way to ensure you won’t be considered for a position than to show up and ask to see the hiring manager directly. And if you are told by the receptionist to please follow the company’s procedures for submittal, you will not do yourself any favors by reacting negatively or rude.
Being over-exuberant…..until you don’t get the job
There is no quicker way to burn the bridge for future consideration with a company than becoming angry, impolite or downright rude when not selected for a position. I have noticed that usually the people who do so were all overenthusiastic during the process. It’s almost like a huge mood swing, and it’s not attractive to employers. If you are not selected, sincerely thank the interviewer and organization for the opportunity to interview, and keep all interactions positive. Why? Because it isn’t uncommon for the candidate selected to receive a counter-offer from his/her current position, or to just not work out. If you have maintained a positive impression throughout the entire process (until the bitter end), you could be next in line. You also never know how many connections the interviewer has at other companies in your industry. A momentary lapse of judgment in this regard can end up costing you dearly.
Calling to follow-up vs. Misrepresenting why you are calling
As already mentioned, it is a good idea to follow-up after applying or at the conclusion of an interview within accepted parameters. This is the acceptable use for a call. The list for unacceptable reasons to call is a bit longer. One of the most annoying is when someone gets through to you because he/she misrepresents the call to the receptionist. You think this call is for one thing, and it ends up being disguised as a call asking about a position or a resume that was submitted. The only result that comes from a misleading call is permanent dismissal from future interactions or considerations. It also becomes annoying when job seekers cold call numerous employees within the same company, and when they call every 15 minutes, only to go to voice mail, and then repeat the process over and over and in hopes of getting someone to answer. I take not of that number, and believe me, I make sure that it is answered just one time – to let the individual know to never call again.
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