“The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.” Dennis Waitley
Conducting a job hunt can take quite a long time and over a period of weeks or months people begin to self-doubt. Why haven’t they found a position yet? This feeling of doubt can change into one of desperation—especially if you’re not receiving so much as an interview call back.
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan” press on” has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge
It’s well known that in the process of job seeking, you must be very determined. Acquiring a job takes as much time and effort as a full-time job. In fact you need to think of it as your job if you are out of work. Approach it professionally; dedicate your day to it. Have a strategy.
But in the process, there is a fine line between being determined and being a bit aggressive. To avoid appearing aggressive here are some tips to consider.
Don’t sound entitled in your cover letter
This can appear to the interviewer as: “I deserve this job.”
While you need to prove you are the right person, with the skills and background that are required demonstrated in both the cover letter and resume or CV , you don’t want to send a negative message.
So balance an approach of gratitude for the opportunity to apply, then convince the reader with your application that the company needs you.
Follow up, but don’t pester
If you’ve sent in your application and haven’t heard back —or have been called in for an interview and now are curious about the process—it’s fine to follow up. There’s nothing wrong with initiating communication with a company, unless it specifically asks you not to.
But it’s important to avoid pestering the employer. In other words, send a follow-up e-mail, or place a phone call—and then allow the recruiting manager to do their job.
Don’t apply for every vacancy in a Company
This is a difficult balancing act – asking for help and showing persistence without pestering and making a nuisance of yourself. Think carefully, and put yourself in others shoes during this process.
Your desire to be taken on may lead you to apply for every job you think you’re qualified for within a company. This is not a good idea. In fact it’s a bad idea because an employer wants to know that you feel committed to a particular position and bring specific skills to the table that can enhance the role.
Applying for every job makes you appear desperate. So take time to review positions and try to limit your search to the most suitable ones.