Tom's job application method 2/3

Congratulations! If you've followed Stage 1, you're now ready to make your mark with your digital fingerprint. While it's tempting to send your resume to every job opening you come across, even those you haven't fully read, this can harm your reputation. But don't worry, this isn't you :)

Hiring managers and recruiters appreciate candidates who show initiative. Here’s a simple process to demonstrate that initiative:

Read

Before applying for any role, no matter how urgent your job search may be, take the time to read the job description thoroughly. Make sure you fully understand the position you're applying for to avoid any unexpected surprises.

I've seen IT Project Managers wanting to oversee the construction of multimillion-dollar industrial buildings—ridiculous, right? And engineers applying "just to learn about the market." These examples get noted in the system, and their profiles receive a negative mark.

So, you've read the role description, and it seems like a great fit, but you still have some questions (and everyone does). Let’s move on.

Call

Time to get your game face on and have that morning coffee—it's time to reach out to the hiring manager or recruiter, not by submitting an application, but with a call. If there's a name at the bottom of the job advertisement, it's even easier.

Ring, ring

You: "Hi, could I please speak to the person in charge of this role, [Job Advertisement Title]?"

Receptionist: "Sure, that's Betty. One moment, please."

Transfers call.

Betty: "Hi, this is Betty."

You: Ask your questions and then get Betty's direct email.

What has this done for you? It has put you at the top of the pile because of the rapport you've built with Betty during that brief phone call. How many other candidates for the role did that? Probably only 1-5%. A much smaller pool than the hundreds who applied.

Follow Up

I recommend following up on your application within 24-48 hours. By this time, most hiring managers and recruiters would have reviewed your application and noted your initiative.

Your first follow-up should be a call. You have Betty's name and direct email—use them to keep building that rapport.

Your second follow-up can be an email if you haven't heard back.

At this stage, it's crucial not to worry about being too persistent. With these timing guidelines, you won't be. It shows initiative and determination to secure the role, traits any employer would value.

Signing Off

Stage 2 has always been a secret weapon I share with candidates I work with. I’m sharing it here for free to help others. It helped me back in 2018 when I stepped into the recruitment industry—I called the director :)

I'm all ears for feedback, so be sure to drop me a message with yours.