Comments on: Job Interview: They Have Another Candidate. Why Would They Lead Me On?

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:48:36 +0000

Thanks for your thoughts, opit. You’re right that looking for a job is always about marketing ourselves the best we can.

Ronnie Ann

By: opit

opit — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:57:36 +0000

Having options is not a problem for them – nor should it be a problem for you. By that I mean keep looking even while busy closing.
Sales is a numbers game where the more options the better – yet those which have been around a while are not ‘dead’, but perhaps your best shot.
Jobs do not happen to open up on your schedule. but those who have invested time in chasing down a particular lead are at an orientation/selection /credibility advantage.
Recruiters have to make a selection from available applicants. not idealized ones. The same way, you have to make a choice from available options.
But. Your first ‘real’ job is important in beginning to acquire marketable skills and your selection will be noted.
You noticed I referred to sales. That’s what you are about. A little reading on marketing techniques wouldn’t hurt ; though I think “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie is a timeless classic that translates well into a number of different applications.
Also – knowledge about what a target company does is a significant aid in selling the idea that they have been selected by you as a desirable place to work ; and that you have put some effort into chasing that idea.
I know that shortens the possibilities. Flexibility in adapting to changing conditions is a valuable trait too. Meantime you have to eat and shouldn’t begrudge the need to spend your time where it isn’t immediately rewarding.
Have you considered all the meanings in the word ‘career’ ?

By: Ronnie Ann

Ronnie Ann — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:36:15 +0000

Thanks Steven. You expanded nicely on my suggestion to “keep your contacts warm and friendly from this point on”.

I actually might wait a few weeks before making the call, letting them settle this one. Having been an internal recruiter, I’m pretty good at still remembering people a few weeks later. I also remember wanting a few weeks not to be bothered at all by former candidates (and they do call), so I guess there really is no one-size-fits-all answer.

My compromise suggestion to Sophie might be a nice short note now saying she understands how these things work out sometimes, but very much would like to stop by next time she’s in town. And then just say she’ll call her when she knows she’ll be there and appreciates the consideration she was given. Not even asking if she may, but being very polite about it. I was once called “pleasantly aggressive”; this may be a nice time for that philosophy.

But each person has to choose the approach that fits them. Glad Steven you brought up the whole idea of follow-up. A former college mate of mine says when it comes to business “no is the beginning of yes.” And as you also said, Steven, you never know if this hire will work out.

Best of luck Sophie, whatever way you decide to keep those contacts warm!

Ronnie Ann

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:10:13 +0000

Ronnie & Sophie,

Ronnie, I think your answer is a good one, but I would also suggest that Sophie take one further step to position herself: call the recruiter back now, and ask to come in to see her the next time that Sophie is in town. Make that call now, while the recruiter still remembers the opening.

Then, next time you are in town, call the recruiter and set up a meeting. Your goal is to impress her with your ability and with your interest in the company. As part of that conversation, you should explicitly tell her that you would like to work for her company, and to please keep you in mind for future opportunities.

This way, you don’t just have to hope she remembers you (and can find your paperwork), but you have an active contact (whom you can call periodically to update on your career), and you learn more about the company.

Sometimes recent hires don’t work out, so this could also work out well for you in the short term.