Ask the Recruiter

Q. I tend to be very aggressive when it comes to getting back to editors/publishers about media jobs. I usually wait a week before I start calling for feedback, even for employers who say, "We'll get back to you if you are considered a match." When it comes to employers who say "No phone calls," I generally don't call until three, four or five weeks later.

If I'm too aggressive, I'm afraid the editor will get turned off. If I wait, I'm afraid someone else is going to pass me, or worse, the editor won't get to my resume at all if he/she has 50 or 100 to look at. There's no way the editor will even remember me if I don't speak up. At least, this is my thought process.

There has to be a better way of doing this. Could you give me some peace of mind? Am I messing something up? (I do ask former co-workers, editors and supervisors whether they know anyone at these organizations, and most of the time, the answer is no.)

Thanks for your help.

James

A. Your process is not a bad one. It reflects the normal feelings of job seekers and the consequences of waiting silently.

You're also looking for some inside knowledge. This is critical because the real determinant is not a set number of weeks, but how that specific hiring manager operates. I assume that, when you get the chance, you ask editors, "When should I expect an answer?" or "When should I be in touch?"

So, yes, you are on the right track.

I would add two things to your approach. Often, postings that say "No phone calls, please" omit the name of the person you should really be applying to. These are often called "blind ads," as they disclose very little to the applicant. If you know the name of the company you're applying too, I would look at the staff listing and send your materials to a specific person, choosing the one that seems to be most responsible for that position.

Also consider how e-mails might be used as you seek follow-up information. They are less intrusive on a person's day than a phone call and are, for some editors, the preferred method of communication.

How much easier applying would be if we had some standards and consistency!

Coming Thursday: She is looking to move from traditional, daily journalism into more freelancing and work for companies outside of journalism. What should her resume say?