A client of mine just went through a long two-year drought, but in the last month he had four responses from job applications and two interviews. One of the responses was for a job he applied for six months ago. While job seekers are anxious to get on with the process, prospective employers are taking their time. Every morning they look at the phone and imagine it ringing, displaying a prospect’s phone numbers. Positive affirmations. Visualizations. They’re not working.
One of the frustrations in this job market is the lack of urgency on the part of employers to make a hiring decision. They are certainly in the driver’s seat. So what if a position has been vacant for three, six or even 12 months? Employers are learning to get along with less, and that means that job seekers are waiting longer for responses to applications, phone interviews etc. How do you get through the waiting period?
No one likes the silent treatment. Here are some things to do to keep your spirits and hopes up.
1. Keep track of application submission dates. A couple of days can seem like a week to a job seeker waiting for a response. With the number of applicants for each job, it’s going to take longer from submission to response. A simple spreadsheet with each job and the date you applied will give true perspective to the waiting game. It helps relieve the stress and uncertainty.
2. Have a follow-up plan. On your spreadsheet, enter follow-up dates for each job application. I recommend sending a hard copy of your resume to a hiring manager or the company’s HR department with your cover letter the same day you submit an online application. Do some research online or LinkedIn to find the name of a real person, or just address it to “HR Manager.” Follow up with a phone call or email a week later, and again after two weeks. If you have an email address, put your name and the position title in the email subject line for instant recognition.
3. Don’t become a stalker. If you haven’t heard anything after a month’s time, go on the company’s website and see if the job you applied for is still listed. Companies don’t always update job listings quickly, so if the job is still listed, it may still be open or just hasn’t been taken down. Some company career websites set up applicant accounts, and you can log in to see if you’re still being considered for a position. Use the tools available to follow up. Knowing you’ve been passed up for a job is better than the stress of waiting for the phone to ring.
4. Ask for “next steps.” If you get a phone interview, you’ve attracted enough attention to put you in contention. After the interview, always ask for the next step in the process. If they are going to make a decision in a week, or call candidates back for a second round, ask for a timeline. If they’re going to select second-round candidates in a week, send an email or make a phone call if you haven’t heard after two weeks. People get busy, and silence doesn’t always mean you didn’t make the cut. Following up lets the employers know you’re still interested. You may be the only one who follows up at all, which sets you apart from the crowd.
5. Move on. Keep your hopes up, but keep searching and applying for jobs. Things change. Companies restructure and cut positions all the time. The job you applied for a week ago may have been eliminated or changed to the point you’re no longer eligible.
6. Keep copies of all the jobs you’ve applied for and the job descriptions, contacts, etc. That way you won’t have to scramble around for information when you get a call for a job you applied for six months ago.
Rejection is tough, but being ignored can be worse. Don’t take it personally. Stay focused and organized, and you’ll be ready when the phone finally does ring.
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