Don't be weird during your job search
(read my thoughts on Ladders, too!)
There’s something about the job search that has the ability to drive some applicants a litttttle nuts, causing them to lack common sense. For example, if a job listing says “no calls,” don’t call. Really. Nope, it doesn’t show that you are a fearless AF female, proactive and unafraid of being old school and picking up the phone, taking control of your career destiny. What is does show is your impressive inability to follow simple directions. Calling when a job description blatantly asks you not to only gives them a reason to disqualify you.
If they ask you to email a specific email address, despite it being posted on LinkedIn with an “easy apply” feature? You guessed it! EMAIL them! Psst…they aren’t checking the applications landing in their LinkedIn inbox. Some employers add instructions like this as a “test.”
Sending a gift? No. Showing up at the office? ARE YOU HONESTLY FOR REAL??? (not kidding, I had this happen…twice.)
Scenario: you come across what you feel is your dream job. You apply. :::crickets::::
You follow up a week later.
. . . Um.
You think to yourself, “Hmmm, maybe X missed my email. I’ll follow up again to be safe. It just doesn’t make sense that I wouldn’t get an interview, I’m literally perfect for this job and there is no one better suited for this position than me, because I am an angel sent from heaven, who is meant to impart my perfect AF skill set on this HR coordinator.”
Listen. If you’ve followed up twice on a job application with no response, stop emailing. Trust me, they received your emails and are just deleting them. I know that sucks to hear, but a LOT of people apply to jobs. There’s a fine line between enthusiastic and over-eager, and another email will place you on the wrong side of that line. Don’t take this personally. While you may think you are the best person for the job, and nailed your interview, they may not agree. And that’s allowed!
Would you continually text someone who wasn’t texting you back? Didn’t think so. You would take the hint, pack up your dignity and semi-bruised ego, and delete all textual evidence.
So, if you get ghosted post-interview, save the snarky email, and just keep it moving. This is why it’s so important to continue your job search — no matter how well you think an interview went. Even if you’re on interview 3, continue your job hunt, say yes to interview opportunities, and network your butt off.
Also to consider: you never know what an interview might lead to, or where the person who interviewed you will end up. Today’s “no thanks…” may be a future “hell yes!” Years ago, I interviewed for what I considered a dream job at the time, and was disappointed when I never heard back following the interview. A year or so later, I received a call from my interviewer, asking me to come in to discuss a position at an amazing luxury jeweler she was now working with. I was offered the position on the spot! I walked in thinking it was just a casual chat at Starbucks, but walked out with my dream gig. Thanks Mariah!