Pongo Resume

On the Pongo Blog, we generally recommend following up on a resume submission or an interview with a phone call. Our view on this approach is that it underscores your interest in the position and the company, which could help land the job if it's brief and respectful of the employer's time.

That hit home for me last year when my teenage son filled out an application for a part-time job at a local grocery store. He didn't hear anything for a few days, so he called the hiring manager and, because he followed up, he was hired — over the phone.

But that doesn't work for everyone. In fact, depending on who's on the other end of the phone, following up may not help at all.

Two of my favorite career bloggers — Kerry Sandberg Scott and Alison Green, both hiring professionals — come down squarely on the side of "don't call us, we'll call you." That's not surprising since they have, no doubt, received far more than their share of follow-up calls during their careers.

Kerry, in fact, was emphatic in her views in this recent post:

"It's really about understanding that the key variable in getting a job is being the right person for the job. It's not about being the most attention-seeking candidate."

She adds: Even if you really are the right person for the job, but "… the person on the other end is an idiot who wouldn't know talent if it bit her in the ass, she's unlikely to appreciate the fact that you're essentially pointing that fact out to her."

Alison, who endorsed Kerry's views, took aim earlier this month at job seekers who ignore the "no calls please" phrase that accompanies some job postings:

"If I say 'no calls,' I mean no calls. I'm not just testing applicants to see who will take the initiative to call anyway. …

"But, on the other hand, many employers are unorganized, don't necessarily mean what they say, and are more likely to answer their phone … I've heard from plenty of people who called an employer to follow up on their application and had an interview scheduled on the spot. These employers are reinforcing bad behavior and ruining it for the rest of us …"

But others swear by the "go ahead and ask" approach. Author and job search advisor Kevin Donlin recently opined: "What's the worst that can happen if you call and ask an employer to meet? They say no."

If it's because there are other, better candidates, then fine. Pick up and move on. If you are qualified yet get a vague brush-off, think twice about sending them another resume again.

What about you? If you've tried to boost your chances of getting hired by following up with a phone call, were you ignored more than you were acknowledged? Or the other way around? Tell us about it.

RELATED LINKS

Two Harsh Truths about Your Job Search
The Job Search Follow-Up Guide You Can't Live Without
Job Ad Says 'No Phone Calls, Please?' Call Them Anyway

I was lucky enough to be called back for a second interview on Sept. 2nd. I waited until Sept. 14th to email the HR rep to inquire if the position had been filled and relaying my interest and qualifications for the position. I received an email from the HR rep stating that a decision had not been reached and the gentleman that I interviewed with the second time was very impressed with my qualifications and she was hoping to talk to me soon. I have been debating whether or not to email her again to see what's up or not. The email sounded very promising to me but maybe it's just a courtesy email and I am not even being considered! Any suggestions? Should I email her again?

You must follow your resume presentation with follow-up calls. This is absolutely essential. You can take your cover note and resume and use them to develop a short script that you can use for a follow-up call pitch. The best way to deliver this, is to call the company during non-work hours and find the decision maker on the company directory. Then mention that you are following up to make sure that (the decision maker) received your resume and then say “just to recap” and leave the remainder of your pitch which should let the decision maker know your current employment status, a brief employment snap shot (company names), education, certifications, if relevant, and your competencies as they relate to the job description that you are going after.

@ Paula - Since it's been more than 10 days, I'd say a friendly call or e-mail early next week would be appropriate. Remind then of where you left off at the last communication and - if it's an e-mail or you're leaving a voice mail - simply reiterate your interest in the job and want to know where things are at this point.

@ Jim - I like the idea of leaving a voice mail after working hours. It's the least intrusive tactic.

I always go with a follow-up e-mail. This way you don't become a nuisance to the people looking to hire - and show your interest.

I would say it is a case by case basis. In the example where someone explicitly says "do not call", then you'd be a fool to call.

In the case, where you receive positive feedback (i.e. We like your resume and you seem to be a good fit... we hope to be making our decision soon), I would say that it would make sense to follow up and show initiative. I would also immediately send a hand written thank you card if that had not already been done.

I would also say it depends on the position you are applying for. If it is sales or business development, initiative would rank high with me as a hiring manager.

In the case of the hiring manager that wouldn't know good talent, I would hope that the applicant asks enough questions to know whether or not the company makes good hiring decisions in general, given their failure in hiring that hiring manager.

If the job posting says "don't call", don't. Not following instructions is not the way to get hired. Otherwise, yes- call. Be infallibly polite and make it quick and easy for them to reply- showing respect for their time.

Hearing Kerry and Alison's POVs on whether or not to call is, frankly, a relief. Calling HR after sending a resume always seems so pushy to me. I've never been comfortable with it despite the fact that it gets recommended fairly often.