In a time when we are bombarded with negativity it can be difficult to get and keep a positive outlook. But persistence and optimism are imperative when you're in the middle of a career search. This is easier said than done when you've had some promising interviews and you're sure that an offer is coming...and then nothing, for 2 or 3 weeks. In your head is the usual "they must have gotten busy, maybe it's on hold, they're probably not interested, they probably hired someone else". This is too often the point when people give up and just wait to see what happens next; big mistake.
This is a perfect time to show how interested you are and how much you want this opportunity. Competition is very tight in the interviewing process right now and sometimes the deciding factor is who fights for it the most. So, pick up the phone and fight for it.
A couple weeks ago I called a candidate to follow-up with him on his search efforts (he had been unemployed for some time). The last time I talked with him was a couple months prior. At that time he had received an offer that was less than he needed, counter-offered the company and hadn't heard anything for 10 days. He was convinced it was a dead deal and was already mentally moving on. So when I called him, I was pleasantly surprised to hear him happier than he had sounded in years. What had changed? Well, he had heard that the position was still open and HE CALLED THEM. Not only did he get the job, he got the salary he needed and he loves his new employer as well as his role there.
Had this person just waited around, not wanting to "bother" anyone, he'd probably still be looking AND he'd be much more likely to take a big pay cut.
So, there's a good lesson. Stay at it. Be persistent. Don't be too proud to follow-up with a company that is not following-up with you. You could be missing out on the best opportunity of your career.


Bruce Bradford-Royle
President