How to Get Hired By "Double-Hitting"

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We have to keep in mind, especially now with so many looking for work,the HR person is overwhelmed with applicants and as so often occurs blinded by numbers. I was told the people who personally show up and drop a resume with the receptionist have had their first interview...with the receptionist! That's correct, the first question the HR person will ask the receptionsit or whoever took the resume is for their thoughts. Where they polite, clean, courteous?
Often the resume is actually read at the same time the receptionist is with HR. This was the case at my last job, the receptionist and I had such a nice converstion she actually asked me to wait while she handed my resume to the HR manager who then came out to the lobby, asked me a couple questions and thanked me for coming in.
I later found out she then personally walked my resume to my future supervisor's office 2 weeks and 3 interviews later I was offered a newly created position.

Bill Kay of OH 9:31AM February 24, 2009

Hi Lynn,
Thanks for your questions. I think that you're raising the very issue that following up is intended to address. You asked: "How do you communicate that drive and desire to succeed? It just seems like nothing sounds sincere and meaningful and different than what every other applicant says."
Words are easy, actions are difficult. He has to prove--rather than merely say--that he's driven and desires to succeed. Every bullet point on his resume should be proof of those qualities--with numbers that quantify his successes and achievements. His job search itself also has to prove those qualities--his job search has to look like the job search of someone who is driven and desires to succeed. So, he should be following up with paper copies after E-mailing. In certain cases, he should drop by the office (although he may not be able to meet with the hiring manager, his persistence will likely be noted). He should also be finding connections at the companies he's interested in and thoughtfully pursuing contacts.
Good luck to him. He sounds like he has your support, which is a great start.

Liz Wolgemuth of DC 11:17AM February 23, 2009

All good salesmen/women know one thing. Their customer's first response is always no. You have to hit again. My own response to cold calls is always no. If those phone salespersons only knew that if they were to call me right back and ask the simple question: How come? Or, How come you hung up on me? They would make a direct connection to me and I would have to respond with something other than no. I would have to explain why. Now the salesperson's real job begins.

Vince Johnson of CA 12:24PM February 22, 2009

Good point! I know my husband is so frustrated after e-mailing resumes in response to job postings and never hearing anything back. With no response, he feels that sending in a paper resume is just a waste of time and postage. I'll have to share this article with him.
I do have a question, though. I see job openings posted by the same employer week after week on many job search sites and their requirements are so specific, it's like they are content to wait for just the right employee. In the meantime, my husband generally has all the requirements except one. For example, they want someone who has experience in a certain industry and while my husband has a passing knowledge of the industry, he has no actual experience. Is it a waste of time to apply?
He is a quick study and he will spend his own time researching the industry, the company and he just immerses himself until he feels confident that he is up to speed. How do you communicate that drive and desire to succeed? It just seems like nothing sounds sincere and meaningful and different than what every other applicant says.

lynn of WI 7:28PM February 21, 2009