I hear the same frustrations from so many journalists seeking jobs:
- "I have called and left two messages, sent an e-mail, mailed in my clips and resume. I've heard nothing. What do I do? I hate to be a pest. You'd think they’d tell me if I missed the mark."
- "She told me she got my stuff and that she was interested. But I haven't heard anything in two weeks."
- "I had a good interview a month ago. He told me to call back and get a meeting with his boss. I did that and left a message. But he never called me back. That was two weeks ago. I guess I should call again."
My response: Pursue the job as you do a story.
It's ironic that journalists can be so assertive when reporting a story -- probing sources, calling again and again, gathering all their facts and confirming everything. But when it comes to looking for a job, something holds them back.
Why not go after the job the same way? True, when the story is about you, you can't act like you don't have a bias. But you need perseverance, follow-through and confidence in your abilities to land a job, just like a story.
Investigate what is going on behind the scenes. Sometimes open jobs become frozen for weeks while budgets are tight, and then they reopen. Hiring managers get caught up in day-to-day duties, and recruiting is not their first priority.
Avoid assumptions. Deal with facts. Recruiting can be a "hurry up and wait" experience for the job seeker. Sometimes hiring managers become job seekers themselves if they are laid off or accept a buyout; other times, normal life events such as vacation or illness stall the process.
Remove the personal aspects of job hunting and focus on where your assets match what the employer is seeking. Then take the necessary steps to bring the process to closure:
- Go to the source: the hiring manager. Call and e-mail, but also follow the instructions in the job posting. Always be courteous and focused.
- Use the application process to build rapport with the hiring manager and the company. Make each interaction count, from the cover letter to the resume to the voicemails and e-mails.
- Remind yourself that this is business. The employer has a need and you have talent. Focus on how to bring those together, just as you would use your reporting skills to connect the reader, viewer or listener to the story.
- Employers, recruiters and hiring managers have a lot going on, so they may appreciate a respectful reminder that you are out there and still interested in their company.
- Remember that how and how often you follow up reflect on you. Consider that as you check in with the hiring manager with reasonable frequency and common courtesy. Too little interaction and it will seem you don't care. Too much interaction and you show impatience.
- If you have the chance, ask the hiring manager when it's appropriate for you to check back throughout the recruiting process. Then follow the instructions. If you can't get a sense from the recruiter, check back once every 10 days or two weeks -- and always be polite.
- When you call, briefly mention the job you're pursuing, what has happened so far and when you last checked in. Say something about your experience or skills that shows why you are a good fit for the job. Leave your contact information.
- Try to get to know the gatekeepers -- secretaries, recruiters, headhunters, referrals -- and keep in touch with them as well.
- I know it's hard, but exercise patience.
- Don't bank on one job. Search the market for the opportunities you desire and follow this process with each one.
Next week: Hire for core strengths, not skills.
I was once flown to another state for a series...
