looking for a job: desperation is a turnoff

you're looking for a job. you've consulting with an outplacement professional for help on your resume. you've contacted everyone you know to let them know you're looking. you've combed every ad from monster to sixladders to your local paper. you've sent out tons of resumes. you've read every book on how to land an interview, how to ace the interview, how to negotiate your salary, and how to land the job. and in that moment, you aren't getting much response and you do the unthinkable. you get desperate.

what next? what do you do now?

well for some people, it seems the answer to that question is start playing the numbers game. you know, that old sales trick of just throwing a bunch of stuff out there and seeing what sticks. you start sending resumes for jobs you aren't even remotely qualified for. (note: it's absolutely appropriate to send a blind resume to a company when you see they're hiring. but don't mention the ad for the wrong job for you at all. and definitely don't apply online for that job when your skills are something completely different.)

then, you apply to my job posting online. i get your resume.
and then, you hunt down my actual email address. and i get your resume again.
then, i get your resume through the online application site again.
and then you email it to me again.
and now i'm wondering, "what is up with this guy?"

and then you call. and you tell me you weren't sure your resume went through. on my voice mail. and then you call again. and you tell me personally that you aren't sure it went through. and i tell you that we did, indeed, receive your resume. and i tell you that i appreciate your enthusiastic interest in our company. and i tell you that we'll be reviewing resumes along with the hiring manager, and we'd probably begin calling people in for interviews in about two weeks. (phone interviews will happen before that though.)

because, you see, i'm not a recruiter. i'm in HR. and i have a major year-long training program wrapping up and i have to develop the final piece for that. and we're right in the middle of negotiating contract renewals for our employee benefits, and we're making changes. and that all has to be completed in two weeks. (yikes!) and i have employee issues to deal with and another position to hire for and.....you get the idea.

so, two days later, you email your resume again.
and i respond and thank you again and assure you that we really do have your resume and really will take a look at it. what i'm really saying is, "would you stop already?"

and two days later, you leave a voice mail again. "no need to return my call, but i just wanted to check in and let you know i'm still available."

suddenly, i'm beginning to feel like i'm being stalked by someone i just broke up with. you know, the incessant phone calls and emails. the slight pleading tone that belies the confidence you're trying to feign. and i'm getting a sneaking suspicion that if we let you in the door, we will never be rid of you. ever. i'm also getting a sneaking feeling that hiring you would be hiring someone high maintenance.

but, ever the trooper, you call me again. and this time, when i tell you that our timeframe is still the same and it will probably be late next week....you tell me, "well, i just hate to pass on another job offer and miss out on an opportunity like this."

what?
we haven't even asked you to interview yet.
why would you pass up on a job offer when we don't even know you, and you don't know us, yet? is this the stalker equivalent of proposing on a first date?

here's the thing. the interview process is grueling. and we know that. and we try to be as kind as possible. and i appreciate a good candidate we've been working with letting me know where they are with other interviews with other companies. if (and this is a big if) we're at that point. if we've had dialogue. if we've been talking. because i will promise you that i will communicate with you and be honest with you about your qualifications, where we are in the process, what expected timelines are, i will tell you everything i possibly can.

if it's a natural extension of the conversation, let's talk about other interviews you have going on. in fact, i might even ask what other options you have going on out there when it becomes appropriate. keeping me informed *after* we've expressed some interest in you and you in us, is great!

but if you use this technique as a way to rush me or my hiring manager into making a decision, i'm probably going to call your bluff. and if you try to use this technique before we've even asked to interview you? well now i have several red flags of concern raised when it comes to bringing you in.

knowing how and when to negotiate, knowing where that fine line is, is very important when it comes to looking for a job. especially if you're looking for a job in sales.
;-)

all the best!
deb

Comments

[Wanda]

WOW! If this guy is for real the red flags would so be flying. Stalker sales rep!!

The HR lady who got away

[Rowan Manahan]

And somewhere in the distance, a bunny came to a slow boil ...

When I do talks on career management, I ask the rhetorical question: "Who is the job-hunting process all about? Who are we here to talk about today?" The answer slide consists of two words in 200 point type: NOT YOU!

When I explain what I mean (in terms very similar to your excellent post), the audience always nods their heads. But then a bunch of them go out the next day and start boiling bunnies again ...

Deep sigh.

[deb]

ha! bunny-boiler alert! fabulous reference, rowan!

and i'd like to see that presentation!

all the best!
deb