Timing is Everything

 

If you are actively looking for a job in the current job market, timing is everything!

When companies are receiving hundreds of resumes for every position they post, if you're fortunate enough to receive a response, you don't want to risk missing it.

While hiring recently for a corporate opening, the recruitment team not only sourced potential candidates but also sifted through hundreds of applicants. Each qualified candidate received an email expressing interest in their background and requesting an initial interview. Many never responded. Of those who did, interviews were scheduled, and within two weeks, an offer was made and accepted.

One potential candidate responded 15 days after the initial email had been sent and scheduled their interview for another nine days later. The interview was canceled and the candidate was informed the position had already been filled.

If you're actively looking for a job, be prepared to respond to emails and schedule interviews in a timely manner:

• Check your email—including your junk/spam folder—at least once a day. (Make sure you're checking the email that is listed on your resume)
• Research the company that reached out to you and respond promptly if you're interested.
• Schedule initial interviews for the earliest available time.
• If your phone doesn't have voicemail set up.
• Throughout the interview process, keep an eye on your email and voicemail, and respond as quickly as you can.

Email is typically a recruiter's first method of outreach because very few people answer unknown numbers anymore. Between spam filters, call screeners, full or inactive voicemail boxes, and endless rounds of phone tag, email is often the fastest and most effective way to connect.

Finding a new job is stressful enough—don't let an unread email or a missed voicemail be the reason you miss out on a great opportunity. Think of your job search like online shopping: when you find something you really want, you don't wait three weeks to put it in your cart! Stay ready, respond quickly, and give yourself the best chance to land the job you're looking for.