No Response to a Resume, What do I do?

My son went through this recently. He applied for a few jobs, one of which he really wanted. He got called back for some interviews, but not for the job that was his choice. With the others planning on making him an offer, he wondered what he should do.

He called, and I'm glad he did. I've been in this situation before, and I've been passive. I've let opportunities go by. I don't know that I would have gotten some of those jobs, but I certainly know that I didn't have a chance with my inaction.

My coaching to him was what I'd tell a fellow professional. If you really want the job, show some initiative and make a call. Let the hiring manager know that you really want the job and you would appreciate any opportunity to discuss the position with them. Apologize for the interruption, but explain you have a deadline with another offer.

I've done this, and I've learned that it helps. Most managers don't want to hire people. It's not the main part of their job, it's a distraction, and it's a pain. Give them an easy way to pick someone, like you, and they often will.

It worked for my son. He got an interview.

Titles or Skills

When you look for a job, are you most concerned about the title or the actual work? Do you limit your search to a particular job title, such as C# developer, or do you look widely for jobs that just require C# skills?

My advice here is that you look for both.

A skills fit is more important than a title fit. This will ultimately be a better match for you and hopefully be a better long term fit. There are certainly other considerations with finding a position, but I’d hope you want to do the work that interests you or that you do well. The last thing any of us wants is to work at a job that doesn’t use our skill set or asks us to do work we don’t want to do.

In many industries, a job title does imply certain duties and responsibilities. I would tend to apply for those jobs that match may last title, or maybe the one I think I am ready to grow into.

Keep in mind a job title can mean one thing to organization A and another to organization B. Ultimately, your decision to search out positions is a wide net that should help you find multiple options. As you learn more about each opening, you’ll get the chance to move forward with the process. Eliminate some, and keep others, according to your desires and needs.

Whether you are looking at a position based on the skills required or the title, I hope that you find the position that’s a great fit for you. Just don’t eliminate positions early because of a title.