Are you frustrated with the lack of call backs and responses?

Thread From LinkedIn

So I have been diligent in calling potential employers after making the inital contact( i.e. employment letters, job apps, etc.). However, I am finding that the majority of those I call and leave messages with never call back. I have been using and practicing the concepts in the book "The Job Search Solution" by Tony Beshara. So far I am very disappointed. I know that employers and hiring managers are swamped, but I am saddened that the lack of calling back shows a lack of professionalism and respect for the candidates. Has anyone had these frustrations? Any suggestions on how to overcome this? I would greatly appreciate some advice!

Comments (5)

1.  Kevin Kaputo
   

   Customer Project Manager

   
   

   I have experienced tha same Allisen. I have had better response with dropping off my resume in person. Other than here's some ideas.
   
   1) Dropping off the resume & CV
   2) Sending the resume & CV by regular mail.
   3) Contacting someone in the company that is on Linkedin
   4) Calling the company and asking to be connected to someone in the HR dept. or the dept. I believe the position to be in.
   
   Also, try this https://jobseeker.quietagent.com/Login.aspx
   
   Best regards,
   Kevin

   
   

   Posted 18 hours ago |

   
   


2. Edward Williams
   
   
   

   Lecturer II at University of Michigan - Dearborn

   
   

   Allisen, you raise a good point that I hear often on campus as our students job-hunt preparatory to graduation. Kevin's ideas are good (#1 presumes the position does not involve relocation, and #2 could be expanded to include certified mail, return receipt requested [counterargument: gets expensive!]). I certainly agree that a company that can't be bothered to respond to a person who takes the time to send a résumé and cover letter and/or fill out an application form is exhibiting discourtesy and lack of professionalism. Years ago, I subscribed to a technical journal in the field of statistics pertinent to my work at that time; that journal regularly carried "help wanted" advertisements for statisticians I really admired the journal's policy of telling advertisers "If we get complaints about job applicants (our subscribers) answering your advertisements and hearing nothing, discard the notion of advertising with us any more."

   
   

   Posted 8 hours ago |

   
   


3.  Nan Humes
   

   Visionary Entrepreneur and Designer

   
   

   Yes, I am very frustrated with the lack of response. I have tried all the tricks of the trade.
   
   It is hard not to take this unemployment personally. I heard I'm over qualified, they have hiring freezes, or I hear absolutely nothing at all. I call H.R. they defer to we'll get back to you or we hired for that position already.
   
   When you are a senior executive, out of work, barely paying the bills and competing with so many others out of work. Plus being in the older (40+), more experienced crowd doesn't help either. I have been networking, using my LinkedIn, Facebook, executive search firms, walk ins, professional job boards etc. I also, can not afford to go to another industry however, looks like I have to find a way. I am in the Pharmaceutical Industry, they have the biggest budgets however, it's been 7 months. Thus, I'm thinking of I.T., programming, databasing etc. I have 2 college degrees and am at a loss. Starbucks can's pay me enough to live, the mall stores aren't calling me back and I have no family to see me through. From six figures to nothing is devastating. I do not want to claim bankruptcy but I'm close. What do I do?

   
   

   Posted 7 hours ago |

   
   


4. Susan Tierney
   
   
   

   Biostatistician seeking position in Cambridge, MA, no relo

   
   

   I think growing your network, through LinkedIn or otherwise, is the way to go so you have some 'in' with the company to which you want to apply . I've gotten 3 job leads through my network in the last week and 2 offers to pass my resume on within the company.

   
   

   Posted 6 hours ago |

   
   


5.  Geoff Tucker
   

   Freelance marcom and marketing technology user with social media emphasis

   
   

   I totally understand your predicament, Nan. I am living through similar circumstances. One activity I undertook was to greatly expand my network by attending lots of events where I could meet the right people and that has helped immensely. It hasn't gotten me a job but it's brought me a bunch of 1st and 2nd degree connections that at least get me past the gatekeepers.
   I also started a networking group of my own with some friends, and we now have 1000+ members on Facebook with about 150 attending each monthly event. That puts you in command of reaching a lot of potential helpers, plus it exposes you to people you can help. It takes some work to get it off the ground but if you can find a niche in your area that is an unmet need, you can probably attract a decent size crowd.
   It's who you know more than what you have done or can do. Go find those people is the best advice I know to share.
   Wish you well!