What to Do If You Receive No Response After Sending A Resume

Here at our resume builder, we sometimes hear from job seekers who aren’t getting the respect they deserve (or think they deserve) from employers. Here’s a common scenario:

Question:

During my job search, I work very hard to treat potential employers with courtesy and respect. After all, they wouldn’t hire me if I made vague statements, didn’t follow up, didn’t show up on time, or didn’t follow through on my commitments. However, the more I show respect, the less respect I seem to receive from employers. Once I had an interview at 1:00 p.m. and was left waiting in the lobby till 1:30 p.m. I was told the interviewer was still at lunch. When I submit my resume, I sometimes don’t even receive an acknowledgement of my submission. Most recently, I was interviewed and told I would hear back with a firm offer in a week. That was three weeks ago. I’m waiting by the phone, but this passive, eager-beaver behavior isn’t my style. I feel like if I rebel and raise heck, I might get more attention. What should I do?

Answer:

Rebel and raise heck. Specifically, call the company and request an update. After three weeks, what do you have to lose? In the worst case scenario, you’ll be told Oh, gosh, sorry. We were going to accept you, but then you showed that you have the nerve, and the backbone, to call us for an update, and when we saw that we changed our minds. Here are two news flashes: First, That won’t happen and second, if these employers would do such a thing, then this isn’t the right job for you. Job seekers are often instructed to please employers at all costs, but it’s a good idea to remember that you’re forming a long-term relationship with these people, and you want this relationship to work. So it pays to assert your real personality, stand up for yourself, and ask directly for the things you need. Give respect, but expect the same in return. In your case, it’s time to pick up the phone. If you don’t hear what you like, move on. With this in mind, use our Resume Builder to design the resume that will get you the attention you deserve.