Most of us have been in a situation where we've left what we believe is an important message but we never get the return phone call. This can be particularly frustrating when we've left a message regarding a possible job... maybe you've seen a job posting and it's got your name written all over it, you've left a message or submitted your resume and well-thought-out cover letter but silence is the response. There are no set rules on how long you should wait before trying again, or how assertive/pushy/forward you need to be but here are some suggestions and I've found these time frames work well, although they're by no means set in stone.

YOU'VE ALREADY SUBMITTED YOUR RESUME

You've submitted your resume to a company and you're perfect for the job but they haven't even called to admit they've received your documents. If you've emailed your information from a company web site, it's a good idea to follow up with the HR department after about 5 days. You could double-up and send your information to the manager of the department where you could potentially work, then follow up after the same amount of time. And don't forget to make friends with the secretaries; they can be your champion and provide a wealth of info and/or help you navigate through the obstacles. If you've submitted your resume to a recruiter, feel free to be more assertive in this situation. Recruiters are deluged with information on a daily basis and sometime resumes fall through the cracks. If you haven't heard from a recruiter within 2 to 3 days you should be on the phone introducing yourself.

YOU'VE ALREADY INTERVIEWED

When you go through a phone or on-site interview be sure to ask "what's your time table for filling this position and when should I expect to hear from you?" This puts you in-the-know plus eliminates some of the initial post-interview anxiety. If the deadlines passes and you haven't heard a thing, wait 2 days beyond the deadline then follow up with your contact. A very valid reason is "I wondered if your time table has changed for filling the position and also wanted to find out if there was any additional information I could provide for you." If you continue to hear nothing for another 2 days, follow up with a letter (email or US mail). If a couple of weeks goes by, it's a safe assumption that your candidacy isn't going to continue and the company just doesn't make a practice of letting candidates know.

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Recently a friend of mine got caught in a downsizing, and even though I've spoken with hundreds of people in the same boat, it was quite an eye-opener watching a friend go through it.

Here are some thoughts:

1. There's a definite emotional process at work here. You'll rotate from being stunned to depressed to angry to hopeFUL to hurt to hopeLESS, then back to being stunned. These emotions can hit all at once, or in any combination, and you can go from one to another with lightening speed. There's a required rotation, and if you don't hit each emotion enough times you have to go back.
2. Your former co-workers often won't contact you because they don't know what to say. You're sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring just so you know you're not forgotten. But life back at the office continues without you, and the void you left is quickly filled.
3. You might feel embarrassed that this has happened to you, and you may start believing that you have "fired" stamped on your forehead. You're tainted! Everyone knows, including the clerk at the gas station you've never been before!
4. When you first begin updating your resume and searching for a new employer, you will probably focus on how you will address the question "Why did you leave your last employer?" It's only after the required amount of self-punishment that you begin to focus on what you still have to offer. Be honest, straightforward and brief! Don't be bitter. If you can't say anything nice, be neutral. Practice your answer so you will appear at ease with your predicament.

5. Here are some thoughts I passed on to my friend: This, too, shall pass! Embarrassment isn't fatal; it only feels that way! Job hunting is part statistics. If you talk to enough people you may find that "perfect job" (incidentally, my friend did).

   And one final thought: Many people who lose their jobs due to downsizing end up with much better jobs and increased pay and are often very thankful they were forced to re-evaluate their lives and make some much-needed changes.

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Over hundreds of conversations, I've come to the conclusion that one of the most difficult things to accomplish is to earn a degree while holding down a full time job. I take my hat goes off to anyone who's juggling school, work and family... it's a scheduling nightmare and a tough and frustrating existence at best.

The main problem to contend with is timing... or rather, a lack of it! How do you find time to study and make good grades when you're on rotating call, your boss just gave you another major project, you're behind schedule and your family is dropping SERIOUS hints that they would really like to have slightly more than 5% of your time and attention!

One solution has come about as a result of the Internet... the On-line Campus program. I can honestly say that if I were to go back and get another degree it would definitely be via this avenue. In one particular program I'm very familiar with the classes are 6 weeks long, you take one course at a time and, because it's on-line, you just download your homework, complete the assignments then upload to the instructor for grading. Don't get me wrong... it's a tough road and you will be stretched and challenged just like you would in any traditional campus classroom but the key is TIMING. You complete your assignments at any time of the day you wish... maybe you're a night owl and prefer the 9pm to 1am time slot ...or, for the early birds, 4am to 7am might work best. And best of all there's no commute time unless, of course, you count the 10 seconds it takes to walk to your computer (including a detour by the coffee-pot).

There are a number of on-line campus programs around... an Internet search will provide a wealth of information and, as we all know…information is a powerful thing! If you're contemplating a return to school and have questions I'd be happy to send you some additional information.

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Have you ever been in an interview and received only a thundering silence from the prospective employer, or maybe a "Don't call us, we'll call you". Rejection is definitely part of the process. There are many factors that can prevent you from getting a job offer and here are some very obvious ones to watch out for: Lack of poise, poor presentation, lack of self-confidence, timidity, hesitant approach, arrogance, conceit…no employer wants these characteristics on the team; lack of enthusiasm and interest, no evidence of initiative, or an apparent lack of goals and ambition show a low level of preparedness. Poor personal appearance and careless dress can demonstrate poor judgment.

Here are some more to avoid:

• Unrealistic salary demands, more interest in salary than opportunity, or unrealistic about promotion to top jobs. · Inability to express ideas or poor speech habits.
• A lack of maturity or no leadership potential demonstrated.
• A lack of preparation for the interview and a failure to get information about the employer and therefore unable to ask relevant questions.
• A lack of interest in the employer and the type of job available or an attitude of "What can you do for me?"

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