Dear CareerBabe:

My job search has been filled with ups and downs. I find that many employers do not return phone calls after several attempts, or simply do not have the professionalism to inform me where I stand.

What suggestions and approaches would you recommend and would you take these opportunities seriously?

Dear Status:

Great Question! And I detect the frustration (and fears) you express.

Here are some tips to help in your process, and understand that it is a process:

1. Do not leave more than 3 voice mail messages for anyone. You can call more than 3 times, but leave only 3 messages, max!
   
   
2. Try to understand that if you are not called back, there is some reason the company isn't deciding yet, or on you, or whatever. Don't rely on just one source of information! Try to make friends in other areas of the company so you know if (for example), something has changed, the req has been pulled or the person who interviewed you has been fired him or herself.
   
   
3. Don't preclude if you are not called back that the problem must be you! It can be, but there is still information you need, so your job is to make it easy and pleasant for Ms. Return Caller to give you that information whether it is what you want to hear or not. Practice, practice, practice!
   
   
4. Always try to reach a real person. Often not wimping out by leaving voice mail is impressive to an employer - providing you are skillful, not abrasive or overly aggressive.
   
   
5. Try to call before or after normal business hours. This is when people are usually at their desks and more available to talk. Remember something about them that makes them a person and you a person.
   
   
6. Make the assistant or AA your friend. Schmooze, build the relationship, understand that it will take time. As a job seeker, you are selling yourself, you are networking and developing relationships - not just going for one quick hit. This is a much better attitude to obtain real information and for people to not "cringe" when they hear you on the phone.
   
   
7. If Mr. or Ms. Return Caller has a pager, use that number! Take charge of yourself and prepare something good to say - either about them or yourself: "I'm going out of town on Thursday and wanted to be sure we talked before my interview with the President of General Motors." "I read about your promotion to Sr. VP and I just wanted to be sure to congratulate you."
   
   
8. If you leave voice mail, make the messages exciting!
   
   
9. Status, I also sense that you have just one opportunity you are counting on. That's not enough! You must do enough work so you become a candidate in demand. This creates excitement about you as a potential employee for Company ABC. Remember, your responsibility is to have at least 3 good opportunities developing simultaneously. Then you are more assured when you call and can honestly say: "Mr. Smith, I have another opportunity I like but the Art Director's job with Rainbow Systems is my heart's desire. I would like to speak with you before I make my decision."
   
   
10. Prepare what you are going to say so you are not flustered if Mr. Jones answers himself. Practice it with a buddy so even if you are frustrated, what comes across is that you are interested in this person as a person and in the great opportunity they have for you - now or in the future.