There are many obstacles that you will experience in the hiring process:
►By the time the hiring client comes in contact with your resume, they may have reviewed as many as two hundred others for the same position. At this point, you all look quite similar on paper, which leads them to look for some sort of triggering mechanism to make you stand out and grab there attention.
►Hiring clients have a myriad of reasons and excuses for not getting back to qualified candidates.
►Taking proactive actions can and will set you apart. Though such actions may be awkward and not second nature for you; it should be noted, that no one has ever not gotten a job because they wanted it too much.
The proactive candidate should take the initiative to contact the hiring client.
This time proven phone verbiage works:
►“Hello (Client’s Name), this is (Your Name) and I am calling you with the understanding that you have received my resume from Dan Fitzpatrick for a (Job Title) position. As a proactive person, I called to find out if you’ve had an opportunity to review my resume. I would like to discuss my qualifications, answer any questions and ultimately find out what we can do to move forward in your interviewing process.”
As the discussion ensues and the opportunity presents itself, be prepared to proactively indicate your availability to interview on a specific date. Have alternative dates in hand.
►“(Client’s Name), if we’re at a point where you’re ready to schedule a face to face interview, I have cleared the following available dates . . .”
The hiring client should say and do all the rest at this point. This will set you apart from the myriad of candidates. If you don’t get the interview or the job, we can quickly move on. There is no reason to fear losing the job! Remember, you can’t lose something you never had. This as well as other employed strategies along way should help to give you a competitive edge.