Persistence Is?

Today I started thinking about what does it take in today's world to get across to potential employers that you are the right candidate for the job. I have been told that being in the right place at the right time can largely amount to being the right candidate. Let's face it, who you know is more important that what you know.

I also know that for some employers you may not hear from them for extended periods of time, or not at all in most cases, when you apply for their jobs. For both of these reasons, persistence is key. But it's a fine line. Persistence can easily cross that fine line, into what can be perceived as stalking. And we know that will never help! Where this fine line is depends on the specific circumstances, the employer (or recruiter) you are dealing with, and (frankly) how charming you are. So, with that in mind, consider:

• What do you have to lose? Persistence may keep you under consideration (or even put you back in the running). Rarely will it spoil things when you're in the running. So, persist: what have you got to lose?
• Employers (or recruiters) may appear annoyed by your persistence. And, if you catch them on the phone at an inconvenient time, they may really feel, and sound annoyed. (and rightfully so)   But we all respect candidates who can in fact be respectfully persistent. Perhaps persistence can be construed as a great quality depending the the job.
• So, the question is how should you persist? My best guess would be to mix things up. It does get a bit annoying, or a bit old, to get the same follow up voice mail every week. So, use the phone one week, email the next, maybe send a hand written note "thought you'd find this interesting" and include an excerpt from an article the following week.
• To help minimize the risk of being annoying, be amusing. Make fun of the fact that you are being persistent.
•  Perhaps another approach to "take the edge off" is to ask permission. Each time you leave a voice mail, for example, end it with something like "as you have probably figured out, I'm very interested in this position. I hope it's OK if I check in once a week. If you prefer I wouldn't, just let me know."

 Remember not to cross the line as you don't want to get pushy, and you don't want to seem desperate. Avoid coming across either way, and you may well find persistence turning job opportunities into job offers!