There are two schools of thought on this one:? the call and the don’t call schools.? I’m firmly in the don’t call school of thought, but I don’t think it was necessarily a mistake.

Here’s why I don’t believe in calling the recruiter:? It’s annoying.

That’s it.? The big secret.? People like to chat on the phone with their friends.? They don’t like to get phone calls asking about the status of their application, especially when they have a website that you can check yourself and see that it is still being reviewed.? You don’t need to ask the recruiter for an interview.? The recruiter knows you want an interview because you applied for a job.

However, I don’t think it was necessarily a mistake to make the phone call.? Why?? Because some recruiters honestly still believe that making a phone call shows “initiative.”? And all recruiters get this type of phone call, so unless you were especially obnoxious, it goes in one ear and out the other.

Now, I realize the irony of this is that you’re dying to make a phone call and the recruiters rarely seem to want to make phone calls.? For many jobs, they do get many more applications than they can reasonably personally respond to.? Now, if you’ve made it to the interview stage and the recruiter isn’t getting back to you, first e-mail and then (after a reasonable 24 hours wait), follow up with a phone call.

But, stop stressing about the phone call. It’s not? big deal one way or the other.? Just keep in mind that the best way to get the job is not to be the one who makes the phone calls, but the one with the great cover letter and easy to read resume with all the relevant qualifications noted.

Got a workplace dilemma? Email your questions to EvilHRLady@gmail.com.

Photo by Nicholas_T, Flickr cc 2.0

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