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Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:05:00 -0400 |
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Ashley, I can empathize with your situation, and so can many many many others.
I think it's interesting how you say HR is the "FIRST WALL" regarding the disposition of your (read: everyone's) application. What a clever way to acknowledge the other "walls" we as jobseekers face! Like it or not, we'll never be able to tear them down.
As Megan so accurately implied, there is a possibility HR never received your materials in the first place. Sometimes USPS loses the mail, sometimes emails are junked in a spam folder, sometimes people forget to take all the pages of a fax. I make an attempt to confirm that my application was actually received (automated receipts are fine, try not to call); there's some semblance of comfort knowing they have the necessary documents.
Stephanie is correct -- "tag" words are absolutely noted by the humans AND computer programs that scan an applicant pool. (In fact, sometimes there's an algorithm set decide what applicants are contacted: say hello to USAjobs.gov.) True, HR might be unfamiliar with the particulars of the job; but also true, HR might know everything about the job based on the vocabulary used in the job description and your cover letter. Using these words and/or characterizing the job responsibilities might be the only way they can tell you've done everything you say you've done.
The opportunistic thing about networking is that you can have a referral do BOTH of these for you: ensure your application is in the hands/on the mind of the appropriate person, and vouch for your familiarity and interest in the job/institution. These days it's actually kind of fun to engage the Six Degrees of Separation in our professional communities.
I guess all of this is to say that a little proactivity and gamesmanship on the applicant's part can help weaken the walls!
Nicholas Merkelson
[log in to unmask]
www.cultureinperil.com
@cultureinperil
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