I applied for a job that looked cool: director-level position, presumably more pay, shorter commute, lots going for it. Didn't hear back from them, so I Googled around until I found the guy I'd be reporting to, and I emailed him directly and made my case. Nothing. Sent a second follow-up email, in which I delved deeper into my experience with one of the primary job responsibilities--kind of like "In my last email, I gave an overview of my background and experience, along with my interest in Company XYZ specifically. Here is some more detailed information about my experience with _____ and why I'm so good at it."
I pretty much treated it like an email campaign, with myself as the product. And bingo, the day I sent the second follow-up, I got a response from my would-be boss. He said that my info arrived "late" in the hiring process--which I doubt, based on the job posting date; I suspect that I was overlooked in the inital flood of resumes and it was my first follow-up that was late--but that they hadn't filled the position yet. He said that they had a couple of candidates "in process," but that he'd referred me into their process and would "actively pursue my interest."
I sent him a short reply thanking him for the information and asking whether he was the best person to follow up with, or whether I should contact someone else. And he gave up the HR guy's name. Score.
Y'all, I am going to wear these people down until they finally call me in for an interview, even if they only do it to shut me up. Even if I become the laughingstock of their company. I don't care. If they don't hire me, then I really don't care if they think I'm clever or ridiculous or persistent or whatever. And if they do, then I guess I won in the end.
I guess my best strategy is wearing people down? I guess you have to go with your strengths.
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