Manners!

“Manners are especially the need of the plain. The pretty can get away with anything.”

—Evelyn Waugh

During many of my talks I often get asked why the world—especially the employment world—has become so impolite, even rude. When asked to amplify, those asking the question tell me that they do not get response to their emails, their voice mails are not returned, and often, the employment process looks like a black hole because of its one-sidedness!

One reason for this is that the process of sending job applications has become so easy because the Internet that most applicants do not even look at the match between their qualifications and the job requirements. So, even a very specifically crafted job posting gets a cataract of resumes and the employer is forced to screen all of them looking for a needle in a haystack. Everyone has become cost conscious so that employers are relying on their recruiters to do the screening before sorting out the wheat from the chaff. They (The pretty) simply do not have the time to respond to each request from the applicant (The plain!). There is not much one can do about this (pretty) side of the equation.

However, the other side of the equation is you and you certainly can do something about this. Here are some guidelines:

1. Unless you assess the match between the job description and your skills at 90% or more, do not apply. For gaps that are noticeable craft a great cover letter to justify sending your response. This cover letter must not only neutralize the gaps, but it must intrigue the reader to call you.
2. If you send your response that does not allow for differentiation from other responses do not expect to get any response for your follow-ups. If the opening requires a response with your resume posted in their browser’s digital window, your response in not differentiated. However, if you send an overnight package or even a package in the US Mail in addition to the required mode of response, you are differentiated. If your response is worthy of attention (you decide) then calling or emailing the recipient is worth a try.
3. When sending emails make sure that you completely identify yourself in your signature block. It must have your complete name, email address (yes again here, too) and your contact phone number in one place. This makes it easy for the recipient to call you right away if they so choose, and it shows them that you are careful about your identity. I cannot even tell you how many emails I get from my own clients simply signed “Dave” or “Sally” and I am expected to figure out who they are, look up their number, and call them; and I am not even a hiring manager!
4. Most managers do not like to return messages by phone (takes too much time); they prefer email, instead. So, if you want to get a response the best strategy is to first send an email and say that you’d call them at a certain time. Then call them, leave a voice mail and say in that message that you are also sending them another email to make it easy for them to respond. My anecdotal experience with this strategy is that the response rates jumps from less than 5% to nearly 75%! Not a bad investment to get a returned message!
5. Manners are about making others comfortable dealing with you. Hassle free interactions require forethought and an understanding of how humans manage their time in this frenzied world. This is not rocket science but considering how many “plain” folks do not get it, it is beginning to look as though that it should be!