Receiving Text Messages from a Company After No Contact...

“What could possibly be the reason for a Sr. Director to reach out to me via text stating the company wanted to speak to me for a position I had applied for, but despite 3 separate attempts to respond, he never corresponded with me again?”

Here are a couple possibilities that come to mind:

1. The regular HR person/Recruiter is sick, out of office, let go, etc. The Sr. Director was attempting to keep things moving forward without the right person in place. Maybe he got distracted/busy with something else after that.

2. The Sr. Director especially liked your experience/application and wanted to reach out directly to expedite the process - maybe he thinks HR is slow, or he knows the right person for the job better than their process does. Since this isn't his usual role, again, maybe he got distracted.

3. Maybe he was asked to help out with hiring. Some people are much more loose about texting. I personally wouldn't want an applicant to know my cell number, so I'd guess that he was interested in your application.

It's important to understand that these people get busy with other things and do let applicants fall off their radar. I have also experienced internal changes that applicants don't know about - perhaps the person that manages the role they are hiring for left - now they have to hit pause and figure out how to proceed, but also don't want to lose good candidates. They also can't tell the candidates the truth about their manager leaving, as that in private, internal information.

Unfortunately, companies dropping contact with applicants is common and in my opinion, unprofessional.

It doesn't hurt to continue following up - either via text, calling in, or emailing. I know you are frustrated by this, but when you contact them, it's important to forget your frustrations and stay positive. Do NOT mention your failed attempts to contact - keep things moving forward. Best luck to you.

Work Life Balance

"I'm starting to look for a new job. My main reason is that I'm burning out in my current position. I work 8-5 and am on-call nights and weekends for after hours work. I can work from home at those times but I can't make plans or go anywhere because it's so involved.

When I get asked why I'm looking for a new position is it okay to say that I'm looking for better work-life balance? Is there a better or more appealing way to state that?"

When interviewing for any job, focus your motivation on the company you are interview with, NOT the fact that you need to find new employment. Think about a date with someone: you wouldn't tell someone on a first date that you are seeing them because your ex-girlfriend is intolerable, or that you're seeing them because you're desperate. You would tell your date you are out with them because THEY are amazing.

Try to get a clear idea of work-life balance early on - and avoid those positions. Ask about work requirements carefully - you don't want to seem like you are trying to work as little as possible. Explore what types of work utilize your skills that don't require An-call work. It might take a slight career shift, but might be necessary to avoid that amount of time commitment.

What are skills that you find lacking in recent graduates?

This is a great question. If you are a recent grad, introspection like this already places you ahead of the curve. Obviously, recent grads will lack "real world experience", but to dig a little deeper, here are a couple thoughts:

1. Social maturity - working with other people well, taking criticism as a good thing, selflessness as an employee

2. Understanding of the industry and economics - younger people don't seem to understand dollars and cents, profit and profit margins, business plans, and generally what motivates people in the big picture.

3. Altruism and willingness to give back without receiving anything in return. Investing time and energy into something bigger than themselves.

4. Interpersonal communication. This is a hard one. Young people tend to let their maturity level show. Learning to reign in comments, funny remarks, opinions, etc is the start. As you mature, re-learning how to express yourself intelligently and in a kind manner is a skill that will take you far.

I keep hearing conflicting advice on resume format for uploading a resume... so, when uploading a resume, word or pdf?

I strongly recommend .PDF unless otherwise instructed.

Military Spouse - Solid Experience but Gaps in Resume

"I'm a military spouse with a resume that has more holes than Swiss cheese, but solid experience. I interview very well, but can't seem to even get to that stage lately - I'm guessing due to the gaps in my resume."

I am glad to help. Thank you and your spouse for your service!

Even if the gaps in your experience aren't brought up, feel free to clarify it yourself - even if you aren't asked. Be honest and from my side of the table, I would see this as an advantage for you.

Communicate that your spouse made sacrifices and served our country. And with that, you happily made yourself flexible to change and adjustment to stay by his/her side. You can conclude that this loyalty and flexibility also plays a part of who you are as an employee.

Is there a chance that you will continue to move around the country in this situation? Or are you permanently settled in your current location? That is the next thought that will go through HR's mind.