Q: I was away for two weeks and had spotty cell phone service. I missed the opportunity of a lifetime! I received several voicemails and emails about a job that I had applied to earlier this summer. When I returned to civilization, I was told that the job had been filled, but they thanked me for my follow-up. I am so disappointed! Is there anything I can do to hopefully get hired by this company?
A: Wow, this is disappointing. When you leave for vacation, and you are searching for a new role, most employers and hiring professionals expect you to check voicemail or emails (or both) at least daily while you are gone. Even though your cell service was “spotty” it sounds like you had intermittent service throughout the trip. From the information you have shared, it also sounds like the company tried to reach you several times and several different ways.
I have a few recommendations, but none guarantee you will be re-contacted by this company.
- Make sure you are checking your email and voicemail daily, if not more frequently. You should be responding to those reaching out to you within 24 hours (if not sooner!).
- Stay in touch with your contact at this company. Write this person a quick email and/or a handwritten note. Make yourself memorable in a positive way.
- Connect with your company contact on LinkedIn. Follow the company on LinkedIn. Check the company’s posted career openings.
- A month from now, reach out to your contact. Ask about other similar roles. You don’t want to be labeled as a pest or a nuisance, but you do want to stay present in their brains.
There was no guarantee you would have received an offer. You may never know what the outcome may have been. However, there is a good lesson in here. Someone else responded more quickly than you and was hired. Speed of response is often a signal of interest, commitment and your drive. Those who respond quickly are non-verbally messaging, “I am very interested in this opportunity.” Don’t be left behind because you missed a call or email.
Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.