How do I land an interview? I need your help!

[smkiya]

I am extremely interested in working for a particular company. I emailed my resume a couple of weeks ago, but I hear that the process is a little slow. I know that they have a few positions available, but they have already made a couple of offers. I don't want to get lost in the shuffle and was hoping for some advice to help me land an interview. I am qualified for the position and sent a resume with a well written cover letter on May 23rd.

Should I send another letter, or a qualifications only resume that just highlights the skills and attributes specific to the position? Should I send a letter through the mail? Or is there something I'm not thinking of? What do you think is appropriate? What would make you want to call someone for an interview?

Thanks!

 

[DawnM]

I don't know if you should sent anything else at this point, but do want to tell you what has caused DH's company not to call prospective employers.....they GOOGLE everyone they are potentially interested in. They look for any FB or Twitter pages that might be inappropriate or that bash their current company.

The last woman who applied had "I hate this place." and "my boss does X,Y,and Z."

They didn't bother calling her.

So, just a heads up, most likely you don't have anything, but sometimes letting off steam can be taken the wrong way by potential employers.

Dawn

 

[smkiya]

I don't know if you should sent anything else at this point, but do want to tell you what has caused DH's company not to call prospective employers.....they GOOGLE everyone they are potentially interested in. They look for any FB or Twitter pages that might be inappropriate or that bash their current company.

The last woman who applied had "I hate this place." and "my boss does X,Y,and Z."

They didn't bother calling her.

So, just a heads up, most likely you don't have anything, but sometimes letting off steam can be taken the wrong way by potential employers.

Dawn

I don't have anything to worry about if they Google me. I just don't want to be passed up because I didn't do anything to make myself stand out. If I do nothing and they don't call, I would regret it. On the other hand, I don't want to be seen as a stalker or desperate (I do have a job now). This position is really what I want, it suits me perfectly and it's with a great company. I want IN! What makes a recruiter say "I'm really interested in meeting this person" when the 100+ resumes on their desk are all the same?

 

[Acklander]

Do you know anyone who's already in the company? That might be a way in.

 

[smkiya]

Do you know anyone who's already in the company? That might be a way in.

No I don't. I Googled for the recruiting manager and found her name. I was thinking of mailing her a letter... I just need some input about what I should send...

 

[Acklander]

No I don't. I Googled for the recruiting manager and found her name. I was thinking of mailing her a letter... I just need some input about what I should send...

Maybe place a call letting them know you sent a resume and you're just following up on if it was received???
And network, network, network..... You may not know someone there, but you might know someone who knows someone there. Either way, good luck!!!!

 

[Handbag Lady]

I work for a company that a lot of people also want to work for and we do not take any emailed resumes. If you email it to me, I am just to put it in a folder.

Does this company have online recruiting? Ours has a massive website just for people looking for employment and we also pull both paid and unpaid internships from this as well. When I get calls, I ALWAYS tell people to go to the website and submit their resume and cover letters there.


The reasoning is this: We have MANY divisions that cross over different types of employment. If you send me your resume and I don't have an opening in our Post Services, the person in TV Post might be looking for someone with your exact skills but they wouldn't get your resume from me.



Other than that, a nice phone call to your Googled person asking for advice will go a very long way.

 

[shortbun]

You could call and ask a receptionist if there was anything you could do to distinguish yourself. Get the name of the person doing the interview and google them. See if you have anything in common with them and how old they are. If they're old school, send them a personal letter. Young? Figure out how to text them to be sure to check your resume. The job market is tough. Good luck! It used to be ok to show up someplace but now...they don't let you in, do they?

 

[low-key]

I wouldn't send anything else. They dont seem interested. But I have never been in a position to hire anyone so I admit I dont know

 

[smkiya]

Other than that, a nice phone call to your Googled person asking for advice will go a very long way.

Do you really think so? I was afraid a phone call may sound desperate or pushy. What should I mention?

 

[Handbag Lady]

Do you really think so? I was afraid a phone call may sound desperate or pushy. What should I mention?

I get calls daily from people looking for work and the smarter ones ask me how I got in to start the conversation going. Don't be wordy, don't be pushy. Call and say, hello, I am Jane Smkiya and I submitted a resume for X position. Would you happen to have any advice on how I can find out about other positions that are currently accepting applicants?

When he or she says yes or no, I would then add that I would love to work for your company. Thank them for their time and hang up. If there is time, you can ask if they've received your info.

If you hear ANY hesitation offer to call back at another time.

Be pleasant.

 

[smkiya]

I get calls daily from people looking for work and the smarter ones ask me how I got in to start the conversation going. Don't be wordy, don't be pushy. Call and say, hello, I am Jane Smkiya and I submitted a resume for X position. Would you happen to have any advice on how I can find out about other positions that are currently accepting applicants?

When he or she says yes or no, I would then add that I would love to work for your company. Thank them for their time and hang up. If there is time, you can ask if they've received your info.

If you hear ANY hesitation offer to call back at another time.

Be pleasant.

Thanks, that's really helpful.

 

[Alphabetsoup]

I teach job hunting skills to university students....one of the cardinal rules is NEVER to 'cold-call' and send your resume or cover letter -- since both of these need to be tailored individually for EACH AND EVERY job you apply for.

If you emailed your info to the company, and weren't applying for a SPECIFIC position -- that alone could get your info filed in the 'round bin'. It doesn't matter how much you want to work for them or how suitable you think you are, if you don't follow the directions in their job advertising (where to send things, what info to include, how to submit, etc....) you can get ignored or even blackballed from future position pools.