To follow up or not to follow up?

[riverwed070707]

Applied for a job Aug. 15. Posting closed Aug. 18. Grandma worked for the company for 30+ years, just retired last summer. She gave me a couple people to contact and offer to send my resume directly to them. The one she knew well was the hiring manager's boss. I called her a little more than a week after I applied and left a message but she never returned my call. Grandma thinks I should try her again; I kind of feel obnoxious if I call again. Thoughts? I don't know for certain that the position hasn't been filled, but I do know that if HR pulls you out of the running before passing it along to the hiring manager you get a notification that you did not get the job so I at least made it that far.

[DebbieL]

This is such a personal thing, but I wouldn't. I think at this point I would assume I didn't get the job. It's a tough call. You already followed up a week after and didn't hear anything. Best of luck in your job search.

[bjl584]

I'd call again. Assuming that you didn't get the job, then you have absolutely nothing to lose. Assuming that you are still in the running, then as long as you present yourself on the phone as eager to work and not as desperate, then you may be viewed as the proactive go-getter that this company is looking for.

[Redraidernurse]

I'm torn. I don't think I would because I'd be afraid at coming across as obnoxious.

[photo]

Phoning multiple times would be obnoxious. Calling once (or twice during a longer period of time) to check is showing interest.

I'd call.

[krantcents]

I would call back and use the excuse that maybe they didn't get the message. You haven't lost anything, but keep it very low key.

[mcfroggin]

Call. It couldn't hurt unless you repeatedly call and stalk them.

[maat55]

As a boss, I would not be annoyed by someone following up.

[Gary Barzel]

I would go for the call. If they are interested in you, then it helps to reinforce your position that you are persistent, and like to follow up on things, provided that you're not calling everyday. A lot of times they actually wait on you to see if they will hear back from you. If they aren't interested in you, you have a right to know that you didn't get the job. No harm done there.

[riverwed070707]

Thanks everyone. I called and got voice mail again. Instead of leaving another message, I handwrote a note just expressing my interest in the position and company and indicating that I understood she was busy but that I'd appreciate it if she would pass my resume along to the hiring manager if they were still seeking candidates. I dropped it in the mail to her attention at the corp headquarters (where the position is located) along with a copy of my resume and cover. She should receive it today. Fingers crossed!

[DebbieL]

I think that's all you can really do then. Best of luck

[Frugal]

Personally, I would not call back a second time, given the situation where you had already called once. It is a tough call, though, and people might approach the situation differently.

[alphadore]

Originally Posted by krantcents

I would call back and use the excuse that maybe they didn't get the message. You haven't lost anything, but keep it very low key.

I agree. If I were you, I would call back as well. Being assertive is an important quality at work.

[DebbieL]

Originally Posted by alphadore

I agree. If I were you, I would call back as well. Being assertive is an important quality at work.

Not necessarily a quality all bosses are looking for, lol.

[riverwed070707]

Well IDK if it had to do with the letter but I got a note from the company's HR today saying they are pursuing other candidates I can live without the job but I'm definitely bummed I didn't even get an interview. I met all of the qualifications -- now I'm more curious than anything what makes them turn away someone well-qualified with salary requirements below the pay range for the job without even meeting them.

[snafu]

I'm aware that a position is often advertised to meet the mandate of the HR dept. mission statement or even to meet union regulation even though the job is 'wired.' Often an internal candidate or someone in some way linked to the hire group has an inside track so long that they don't blow the application or the interview.

You may not have been selected for an interview because of volume of applicants. Some companies now select candidates using a computer screening program that seeks certain keywords. It is ok to call HR and make an appointment explaining you so wanted to work for their organization and would appreciate learning how you could have made a better impression on your resume and cover letter. Most good organizations are quite kind during these difficult times.