I'm Just Not That Into You - Cues You Give To Candidates...

Between Recruitingblogs.com, the Fordyce Network and the 8 million Ning networks that are out there, there's a lot of UCG - user generated content - out there to troll through.  Some of it's good, some of it's average and some of it makes you look away - it's hideous...

Spend some time in the communities, however, and you run across some gems.  I have no idea who Beth Lisogorsky is, but she's posting content to a member blog at Fast Company and absolutely nailed a post from the candidate's perspective.  The post is focused on how to know if an employer is into you as a candidate or not.

Like Mikey from Swingers, Beth's so money she doesn't even know it.  Among the gems from the now discovered Ms. Lisogorsky (the name alone may merit an invite from FOT):

-Parting Doesn't Need To Be Sweet Sorrow: Whether you've finished an initial phone screen or made it on to the final in-person interview with the hiring manager, at the end of the interview, the person on the other end should give you some verbal cue as to what the next steps are (i.e., "we'll be in touch to set up another interview with X"). The more straight-shooter they are with you, the better the sign. If someone just leaves you with a non-committal, "Thanks for your time" without expression of next steps, move on. And if you're still not sure, ask them about their timetable and see if it elicits any sort of statement regarding your standing.

-I Had You At Hello: It's a fallacy to think that you'll go into an interview situation and fall in love instantaneously with the people there. You may love the idea of the job, but more often than not when you visit a place for the first time, both you and your interviewer have on a protective layer of distance since you're still feeling each other out and deciding if it's a good fit. Proceed with caution, but don't take it personally if you're not sensing "warm, touchy-feely" vibes the first time out. That doesn't necessarily mean they don't want you to come back.

-The 48-Hour Rule: Generally, in my experience, when an employer wants a follow-up with you, they get back to you within 48 hours after last contact. Translation: Don't sit around for weeks pining over one job when they haven't gotten back to you and run the risk of missing out on other golden opportunities. If you're still not convinced that they aren't over you and need more proof, send a follow-up email and see where that gets you. Lick that wound. Bandage it up and don't throw any pity parties. You have better places to be and be seen.

-Don't Waste Your Time On The Could Have Beens: Whether it's a job interview or going out on a date, you're presenting the best you. Even if you feel like you want a second chance or could have done better, if it's the right fit the pieces will come together so don't sweat it too, too much. As I learned watching Jim Carrey on "Oprah" yesterday, there's an abundance of all things in the universe. That blanket statement carries over to good men and great jobs.

The most money tidbit on this post?  It's the 48 hour rule.  If you're a player, you get urgency from the employer and recruiter.  That doesn't happen all the time, but it's a great indicator of the interest and intensity/motivation...

Comments

[Beth]

Kris,
Thanks for posting my piece. I'm glad others are able to relate to it and learn from it. It comes with some hard-earned growing pains! Hopefully it will serve as piece of mind to others in the job hunt:)

Sincerely,
Beth
aka Workerbiatch (http://workerbiatch.wordpress.com/about/)

[Todd Rogers]

Superb post, Kris. The time and energy burned whilst lingering about whether or not they are in to you (or your candidate) can be better utilized finding other opportunities. Not only will it improve your odds of finding a suitable victory, but it will also cause you (or your candidate) to project a type of confidence that is both subtle and hugely attractive.