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YAJobHuntT: getting employers to respond

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mmntech

mmntech

Lifer
I've been applying for a new job for months now. One of the biggest problems I'm facing is getting employers to respond to my apps. I can't even get to an interview. Seems to be a common complaint from other job searchers too.

I'm new to my field. I'm going up against dozens of equally qualified people. If I do get an answer, it's usually "we're still looking at resumes. I've made a few cold calls by phone and I usually get rude responses. Basically, everything I've been taught to do isn't working. I'm not a big people person either.

Does anybody have any tips to help get employers to respond to me?
 
dozens? You are probably in a stack with 1000+ in today's economy. Not sure on the canada situation but down here many employers are not even looking at a resume unless that person is currently employed. it sucks.
 
Just be patient. It took me roughly 100 applications to places that were "hiring" before I even got a call back. Granted, that was Dec. 2008-- right when the economy tanked. May be easier now.
 
mmntech said:
I've been applying for a new job for months now. One of the biggest problems I'm facing is getting employers to respond to my apps. I can't even get to an interview. Seems to be a common complaint from other job searchers too.

I'm new to my field. I'm going up against dozens of equally qualified people. If I do get an answer, it's usually "we're still looking at resumes. I've made a few cold calls by phone and I usually get rude responses. Basically, everything I've been taught to do isn't working. I'm not a big people person either.

Does anybody have any tips to help get employers to respond to me?
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Same deal for me. Though it's especially awkward when they tell you they've already invited a few for interviews and you're not included. 🙂
 
I never bought the whole cold call tip from the "experts." That might work on HR drones who don't have anything better to do, but as someone who was responsible for interviewing employees, I would be really annoyed if people cold called me asking about job opportunities.
 
IndyColtsFan said:
I never bought the whole cold call tip from the "experts." That might work on HR drones who don't have anything better to do, but as someone who was responsible for interviewing employees, I would be really annoyed if people cold called me asking about job opportunities.
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1st one, FALSE!!!

2nd So TRUE!!!

WE, HR, hate it. I have had departments say they are thinking of guy 1 or 2. If one of them is the usually ass who calls/emails everyday I just say "oh guy 2, that asshole. He bugs me everyday". I don;t say they would be a good/bad emplyee but I rather have to do a extra 5% work then 5% less and work with someone that just makes me hate working.

I have jobs where 200+ people apply for 1 opening. We, Fed, are required to send out notice if you got the job or not. So calling me does not help your chances of getting a job.
 
If you are new to the field, then you will be on the bottom of the list below others that have some experience.

An employer will only contact you if you have what they need (in some fashion) for an existing job slot.

While what is advertised for may be an employer wish list; you should have at least experience (not just education) in half of the skill sets unless theslot is intended for noobs/interns

If you know of a manager that has a slot that has the skill set, then you have a chance of avoiding the HR filter by contacting the manager directly. That does not move you much father up the food chain - it just pulls you away from the HR rejection filter.
 
Common Courtesy said:
If you are new to the field, then you will be on the bottom of the list below others that have some experience.

An employer will only contact you if you have what they need (in some fashion) for an existing job slot.

While what is advertised for may be an employer wish list; you should have at least experience (not just education) in half of the skill sets unless theslot is intended for noobs/interns

If you know of a manager that has a slot that has the skill set, then you have a chance of avoiding the HR filter by contacting the manager directly. That does not move you much father up the food chain - it just pulls you away from the HR rejection filter.
Click to expand...

The problem is I have to make money to pay my bills, so I already work full time and long hours in a menial job. I've already done an internship at a very large media company. I can't keep working for free. I try to squeeze in some writing and editing work in my spare time, but there isn't enough.

I agree that the cold calling is useless. I took a career management course for my field in college. I was told you absolutely have to make those calls. It's bad advice. I imagine I'm not the only one calling.
 
Cold calling really depends on one's level and what they can bring to the table.

If you fit in to 95%ile or below...don't bother. If you know you can leverage your expertise with the companies vision, then call...but it probably won't be to the HR clerks.
 
Can't help you much without you providing more details.

What industry are you looking at? What do you have on your resume? Are you secure enough to post it so that everyone can critique it?
 
The purpose of internship is to get you the experience and if good enough, a position with the employer. Unless the employer runs through interns as a source of free labor.

Have you talked to the company about a position.
Having worked in the industry, you should have obtained some names that you can send you resume to directly that are outside of your internship
 
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