‘For an informal chat about this role, please call X’ Do you?

[Thunderbuddies]

There’s a job I really want to apply for (well, one of many, I’ve been job hunting quite intensely for months!).

I’m getting so fed up of just not hearing anything back. My situation is a little unique in that I’ve been self employed in a completely unrelated (less skilled) field than the role I want to apply for, and for the roles I have been applying for. There is just SO much competition out there now and I’m wondering whether I should start phoning when it says this in the application.

But what do you say? I mean, I’ve read the job description, it all seems pretty clear so I’m really not sure what I should actually SAY?! ‘Err, Yeh I’m phoning about X role’ ....and?! Just doesn’t cut it. I don’t have anything I specifically want to ask, but on the other hand I think employers are put off by the fact I’ve been self employed in a low skilled job for the past 4 years? Equally though, for 7 years previous to that, I’ve DONE this role (it’s basically an admin role) I almost want to say, please don’t discount me straight away. But I can’t really ring up and say that, can I?

Also, my friend is quite high up and respected in this company and knows the person recruiting well. She said he’s lovely and is happy to ‘put in a good word for me.’ My husband’s friend is also fairly senior in this company, my husband mentioned this to him yesterday and he said it’s not his remit or his side of the business, but if asked, he’d be happy to endorse me on a personal level. Do I mention either of these people?! Because to me that’s just a bit cringe and wanky but equally, there’s just so much competition atm for jobs and I need all the help I can get?!

So if you do/ have rung when it says ‘ring X for an informal chat’ what do you say? Do you talk about yourself, the role, the company?

I did once as I had a question and they were v nice and I got an interview.

If you can think of a good question then yes. Almost certainly can't do any harm!

You don't need to declare people you know there unless asked. Do I wouldn't mention that off the bat.

Say that you’d seen the role advertised and you are interested in applying but you wanted to get a better idea of the role and the day to day responsibilities would be a good start.

If they then give you an overview that’s when you can say something along the line of ‘thank you for that, I did a similar role a few years ago but have been working in a different role for a few years so I wanted to understand whether it was a similar type role or how much it was likely to have changed. I have heard good things about the company. . .

I think it shows you’re keen and proactive, which can be helpful. You can always think of a couple of questions, even if you don’t really care about the answers or know them already (things like queries about the culture of the office, any particular skills or qualities they’re interested in, whether the interview will be skills based or something else etc).

Ring and say I have X number of years doing similar role .. but for past X years I've been self employed in X job and wondering if that would be an issue. ie that my relevant experience is a while ago. I don't think it would be an issue but gives you chance to chat with them & when they see your CV they have the background. Maybe drop in that your friend works there & you've heard good things about the company

It's an opportunity to sell yourself and establish it wouldn't be a waste of time to submit an application.

In your position I would emphasise your skills and previous experience and put a positive spin on the last four, for example, "I've been self employed doing X for the last 4 years, I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to do something which accommodated my personal circumstances ( insert relevant reason) and I gained valuable new skills but I am now looking to progress in my chosen field, would you consider an application from someone with my experience".

Good luck

In my organisation it is code for ‘if this person likes you then you’ve got the job sewn up before the interview even takes place’. It’s a chance to show you’re enterprising and will take the initiative and gives you an opportunity to show off your knowledge, interest in the area and also to casually slide into the conversation a few casual references to all the important people who love you.

Yes, phone them! When we recruit, the applicants who phone stick in your mind so their applications are definitely looked on more favourably, it’s human nature rather than “deliberate”.

Don’t mention the people you know, really unprofessional. But if your friend happens to put a word in...

Just outline your experience in a “would that be OK” kind of way, ask a couple relevant questions, but the recruiter will probably waffle on about the company of the role anyway.

Thank you all so much!!

I won’t mention the people I know, wouldn’t really feel comfortable doing so tbh. I’ll mention to my friend once I’ve applied and hopefully, if she hasn’t already, she’ll mention me to him

I’m going to ring and just explain what I’ve been doing for the last 4 years and briefly (if I can) explain what I’ve done before that and say I appreciate my experience isn’t current, but I do have quite a bit of it (and 4 years isn’t that long is it (kids self). it could be worse, could be 14 years, that might be a bit different) it’s an admin role at the end of the day, does admin change that much?! Particularly a non- specified admin role? It’s not like it’s a specific database administration role or anything. Anyway, I’m waffling now, incidentally I am quite passionate about this company (it’s a charity) and just genuinely would really like to work for them. I’m just invisible to employers atm unfortunately I’ve had my CV and Covering Letters checked by HR professionals who say they’re concise and articulate and fit the ‘brief’ they’ve both said they think it’s just because my experience isn’t current and it’s a saturated market, infiltrated by people with current experience.

Ooh yes, definitely give them a call! Let us know what they say!

I usually do! Make sure you give your full name when you ring and think of a couple of pertinent questions about the work/ organisation, sound keen and friendly and if its the same person doing the interviews/ sift, you will stand out to them. Even if not, it will give you a bit more to go on when asked why you're interested in the job.

If it’s an admin role you are probably going to be answering the phone at some time.
I done this when recruiting it’s a way of measuring someone’s telephone manner.
Be bright, cheerful, positive, clear diction and enthusiastic about the role.

I have done in the past. But yes I agree that you do need a reason to call. The last job I did this for had a niche technical element to the job description so I called about that. Saying I had very relevant experience but not specific technical detail.
I think it makes your name stick out-in a good way. But don't call just to say ' oh I'd be really good for the job'
Good luck

'I'm really interested in this role, but my recent work experience is in a slightly different area so I would love to give you a quick overview of my work experience in this area so you know my skill set when my CV lands on your desk. Also, can you tell me more about the interview process and is there anything in particular I can prepare for if I'm selected for interview?'

I always feel odd calling up with stuff like this so would probably write myself a script so I don't stumble over words when I call

Also sometimes when they talk to you they might tell you some information you can use in your interview.
Eg they are implementing a new IT database you can read up on it.

I wouldn't if all you are going to do is talk about your experience. That's what the cv/personal statement are for and, as a recruiter, I would find it at a waste of my time so wouldn't be impressed

I've been job hunting recently. I had an interview which I didn't get. In the feedback, he told me I should have called for an informal chat, as you can find out more about the role and use that your advantage.

Saw another advert with the same thing, the woman was obviously annoyed that I had bothered her!

When you call don't say anything negative like pointing out your experience isn't recent. If the recruiter is worried about that then they'll be able to see (or hear) the dates for themselves but don't raise any negatives.

I work in a dental hospital. this is the third I've worked in. Every time before the interview I call and ask fo have a look around. I'm not bothered with having a look, they're mostly all the same but it shows willing which the managers love and I've always been shown around by one of the interviewers so it gives them a chance to get to know me in a more informal way. I've got every job so it must work!

The only time I've had an informal chat as an applicant was when they were whittling down the number of applicants and the business requested an informal interview. As an interviewer, I'm happy to have informal chats if the applicant has a question - the ones where it's "can you repeat the job advert please" suggest they will need more hand holding in the job.

I've had people ask questions around things like "where would I sit in the team/organisation?", "What is the office culture like/is there home working?" Or "why has this vacancy become available?" Type questions generally seem to be asked a lot.