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I'm not referring to a post-interview follow up with thank you card.

I mean: once you have sent a resume [b][i]at the hiring manager's request[/i][/b], how long do you wait before calling? I have a lot more time on my hands than the person doing the hiring. I am EAGER to get a position. I don't want to appear desperate, even though I am. :cry:

What do you think?

HMac's picture

Jeff -
I think John Lucht talked about this in the recent series (second part?) with M/M. It wasn't this exact situation you asked about, but think I remember him (and Mark) talking about telling the hiring manager when you'll be calling to follow up, and making it short enough a time that he'll keep it at the top of his pile (and maybe even in his read-at-home folder).

Even if I'm only dreaming, this seems to be good advice to use in response to your question:

Send the resume, and note when you'll be calling to follow up. Give him a couple of days from the day you think he'll receive it by postal mail, or from the day you send it by email.

More than a day / less than a week.

How's that for vague guidance? :lol:

-Hugh

asteriskrntt1's picture

Hi Jeff

I feel your pain. In the interview series, M&M suggest following up 14 times, once a week. If they requested your resume, I don't see why you couldn't contact them after 3 full business days.

Your follow up should be specific, whether by voice or email. Eg,

Hi Jeff,

It is *RNTT. I am following up on the resume (interview or whatever) you asked me for. I would like to set up a time to meet face-to-face with you. Is Tuesday good or Thursday better?

*RNTT

HMac's picture

Hi Jeff

My two observations about job searching. I'm sure you're aware of both, but they bear repeating:

[list]Employers never do anything for YOUR reasons, and

Employers never do anything according to YOUR schedule.[/list:u]

And as the lyric goes: waiting is, indeed, "the hardest part."

-Hugh

lazerus's picture

Thanks guys.

I ended up calling back on one after 2 days had elapsed, and that went well. Another I waited an additional day and they called me back, now we are playing phone tag. The waiting is indeed the hardest part!

asteriskrntt1's picture

Jeff

You can also be fairly specific about when you will be around to cut down on the phone tag...sometimes they listen, sometimes not.

Hi Bob

It is Jeff. I know how frustrating phone tag can get. If you want to give me a call on Tuesday, I am available from 9-12, then in a series of meetings etc.

I find this technique helpful

*RNTT