I would like to reiterate how important follow up on sent resumes are. Most people just don't do that. If you can't find a contact name, call the company and ask the receptionist for the name of the person. She may say that she can not ask then to be transferred to the HR managers voicemail. The recording will tell you the name. Don't leave a message. Instead, call back some time later and ask to speak to the person but don't mention the job or the job posting. Just a little trick.
You must be PERSISTENT and continue to follow up; and remember to be PATIENT and POLITE at all times. I call this the "3-P's of Cold-Calling" which also pertain to resume follow up calls.
Resume follow up calls.
I have listed some helpful “Do’s” and “Don’ts” to keep in mind when you call to follow-up on your resume:
1. Always have the name of the administrator - the "gate keeper" – to the decision-maker before you call. Use his/her name when during your brief conversation. People like being recognized; it puts a smile on their face.
2. Do research to see if you know someone who knows someone who knows someone... and have a name [referral] when you call.
3. Don’t volunteer that you are following up on your resume. You are likely to trigger an auto response such as "we haven’t finished reviewing…" or "we are still receiving resumes…" etc. Say “Mr./Ms [Referral] suggested that I call and speak with [Decision-maker].”
4. Don’t leave a message on voice mail and you will be able call back much sooner than if you do. If you do, its voice mail jail for you, and do not pass GO for at least a week.
5. If the administrator/gatekeeper asks "would you like to leave a message?" Respond with “does h/she have voicemail?” Once in voice mail you can hang up, and again, you will be free to call back sooner than later.
6. If there is no voicemail, respond with, "That's fine, I can call back another time" and do ask, "Can you recommend a best to reach [Decision-maker]?"
7. If administrator/gatekeeper doesn’t suggest a time, you can always ask, “If you were me and needed to speak with [Decision-maker] what would you do?” People like to be put in a position to give advice, be asked for their guidance. It is uplifting when others ask for your mentorship.
Lastly, I suggest you put a placard on the wall in front of you with the “3-P’s of Cold-Calling”: Patience … Politeness … Persistence.
The “3-P’s” are not just for Cold-Calls. They are useful with all calls in which there are likely a gatekeeper between you and the decision-maker. To help further, place the placard shoulder height to remind you to stand when you call. Just as a chorale group stands when they sing, you should stand when you speak. You will sound so much better during your call.
There is no one sure-all method to get you to the decision-maker during this kind of call, but give these “Do’s” and “Don’ts” I try. They work for me!
Hope this helps!
YT,
Rob Taub of RésuméPro PLUS and the
Job Search Corner: “Job Searching with Rob” http://bit.ly/18wCkO
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