After
the Job
Interview:
Persistence vs. Stalking a Job
Q. Six months ago, MegaCorp posted a job that
matches my qualifications perfectly. I sent a
resume to the HR manager. He’s been friendly and
informative but says the department has delayed
scheduling interviews.
I’ve called HR back twice. Anything else I can do?
A. Are you stalking a
job – or attracting your
next career?
1. Buyers don’t have to be rational and
employers
are buyers -- they're paying you! They have hidden
agendas and they work on their own time frames.
You may believe you’re perfect for the job. And
indeed you may be perfect. But remember that a
car salesman may honestly believe that a certain
car is perfect for you. You, the buyer, may not
agree.
2. Network creatively. Use
trade organizations,
friends-of-friends and any contact you can
generate. Your goal: Create opportunities to meet
other managers in this organization and also
develop new options.
You can even try cold-calling, but if you’re at
a senior level you’ll probably have a harder time
making a case to "interview for information."
3. Investigate multiple options,
not just one. I
believe in doing one’s best and perhaps following
up once. Okay, maybe twice, if you’re dealing
directly with the hiring manager. But after that,
move on. Take charge on your job hunt and focus on
attracting your next career – not attacking each
prospective employer.
Need more?
Dozens of job hunters have enjoyed my Irreverent Guide to
Job Search: Download
and start moving!
Also consider:
Hermini Ibarra’s Working
Identity.
Martha Beck’s Finding
Your Own
North Star
I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy as
well as
consultations for interview
and resume
strategy.
Weekly Ezine: Why most career change fails and how to write your
own success story.