As a woman (and employer) I see the same thing happen time and time again…
The best candidates for the job hide their talents away inside a resume, uncomfortable to talk about the wins they’ve achieved or to follow up and see if their resume has even been received…
In my experience, the ones who follow up or ask if they can keep in touch, who send a monthly or fortnightly email?
They’re the ones who stay at the front of my mind.
They might not be the best or most skilled applicant. They might not even be the best person to do the job. BUT-
Their advantage comes with realising that (like most people) I’m also busy and need prompting!
Yes, it’s true – following up with the boss is a great way to land the job. Often the BDM/CEO/HR manager spends their time chasing down leads, putting out fires and managing the business. Sometimes, even with a great set of skills to get a business off the ground and place current applicants into a file, it can still be a case of WHICH of those candidates impressed me the most.
I know, you can accuse me of being disorganised, and it can be difficult to juggle a lot of balls, which is why if the current crisis isn’t “find a new employee,” it gets put at the bottom of the stack.
So what should you do when you find a great employer, or a potentially great cultural fit?
If you ask me, nothing beats keeping in touch with the person named on the job ad.
Did they give a work address? Send that resume to the work address instead of simply hitting “Apply.”
Did they give a phone number? Use it. Whether it’s an internal or external role, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. The number is there for a reason, it’s to see if you’re one of the special few who takes initiative.
If the job has been filled, don’t despair – not every new hire works out. Follow up in a few weeks with an email. Keep in touch every fortnight and when the next position comes up, chances are you will have a relationship with the person who hires – they know you, you’ve touched base enough times and you’ll be the first person they think of.
Men, I’m betting you think, “I do this!”
Women, at this point you’re probably thinking “Hmm…that’s a bit pushy…”
No, it’s not “pushy” to ask for what you want.
It’s proactive.
So fear not, and go get ’em, ladies!