Monday, August 14, 2006
Candidate Limbo - Part 2 (scroll down for part 1)
Ever get a "Dear John" letter from a company that you really wanted to work for? My daughter did. Here it is:
June 2, 2006 - "Thank you for your interest in the Pharmaceutical Sales Rep position. Although the position you applied for has been filled, we remain interested in your candidacy and we will maintain your resume in our database for twelve months in the event future opportunities match your qualifications. We encourage you to visit our website; select 'careers' to search for other sales opportunities in your area. We appreciate your interest and wish you every success. Please do not reply to this email!"
Despite my 33 years as a Job Search Coach I hated to see this happen to my child, especially after she had done everything so well. I was disappointed and was no longer in the mood to continue the search for awhile. I needed a break, something I constantly strongly discourage my clients against. But this was different.
"Ya can't just become immobile," I'd caution. "Keep that momentum going and you get hired. Become immobile and you'll have to start over."
I've seen so many discourage so easily after merely one disappointment and I'd pulled them right back up and out into the search and interview scene. I was tough but not this time. This time I just wasn't in the mood. Fortunately my daughter had learned and listened. Going back to their web site she applied for every sales opening the company posted; geography no longer mattered. She was now on a mission. She was called and re-invited. She didn't even tell me and while I sat this one out, armed with everything she'd heard me teach everyone else for three decades, she stepped back in the line of fire. I include a second letter.
July 27, 2006 - On behalf of our company, it is my pleasure to extend you the offer of employment for the position of Medical Representative. With your abilities and experience, I know you will be able to contribute to and benefit from our growth. I believe this position offers an outstanding career opportunity and look forward to your acceptance.
The lesson was meant for me. More from the trenches soon... How I adore the trenches!
June 2, 2006 - "Thank you for your interest in the Pharmaceutical Sales Rep position. Although the position you applied for has been filled, we remain interested in your candidacy and we will maintain your resume in our database for twelve months in the event future opportunities match your qualifications. We encourage you to visit our website; select 'careers' to search for other sales opportunities in your area. We appreciate your interest and wish you every success. Please do not reply to this email!"
Despite my 33 years as a Job Search Coach I hated to see this happen to my child, especially after she had done everything so well. I was disappointed and was no longer in the mood to continue the search for awhile. I needed a break, something I constantly strongly discourage my clients against. But this was different.
"Ya can't just become immobile," I'd caution. "Keep that momentum going and you get hired. Become immobile and you'll have to start over."
I've seen so many discourage so easily after merely one disappointment and I'd pulled them right back up and out into the search and interview scene. I was tough but not this time. This time I just wasn't in the mood. Fortunately my daughter had learned and listened. Going back to their web site she applied for every sales opening the company posted; geography no longer mattered. She was now on a mission. She was called and re-invited. She didn't even tell me and while I sat this one out, armed with everything she'd heard me teach everyone else for three decades, she stepped back in the line of fire. I include a second letter.
July 27, 2006 - On behalf of our company, it is my pleasure to extend you the offer of employment for the position of Medical Representative. With your abilities and experience, I know you will be able to contribute to and benefit from our growth. I believe this position offers an outstanding career opportunity and look forward to your acceptance.
The lesson was meant for me. More from the trenches soon... How I adore the trenches!
