Catch 22 ?

[luv2ski]

Several weeks ago I sent my resume directly to a large corporation that had a good job posting but I never heard back. It's probably sitting in a pile in the HR Dept. So I called a couple recruiters to see if they would be able to get me in the door - but each of them told me that since I already sent my resume in, they wouldn't be able to help me. Any ideas how I should proceed? I'm not even sure the position is still open, but it seems I'm stuck?

[tozzime]

Hi Luv2ski, You can always follow up by phone or another email. If you sent your resume directly to a contact - follow up with them. If you don’t have the contact’s number try to go through the company's directory or operator, or try to contact the HR Department directly. You have nothing to lose and all to gain.

Tozzime

[late74C]

Another behind-the-scenes research would be to see if its on any of the big job boards (monster.com, etc.). Although even though it may get pulled, if its still posted it means they are still looking. Back to the companies own site, if it's still posted its still an active position --- you may try the old school approach of sending a 'snail mail' to HR with the job number/description in the attention area with a simple professionally crafted letter to inquire about it's status. You may get a response, you may not but at least you're making an extra effort --- with all of the resumes being sent in, it may be enough to garner a response or a second look.

As far as the recruiters -- sometimes I get a call with a general job description to see if I'm interested and then can determine the company on my own (through again searching the big job boards) --- I'll still respond to the recruiter as they found me versus me finding the opportunity. As a general rule, if you apply direct and the company can prove it they get no fee so what you hear from the recruiters is correct --- you're on your own.

[WinningImpression]

late74C is correct, no fee = no help, sadly. However, don't burn your recruiters either as you just never know what they'll have around the corner.

Have a look on LinkedIn and see if you can figure out who the hiring manager could be. Do you have a connection with them via someone else? Can they introduce you? Call them or email them, politely.

I recently persuaded someone to do this when he could not submit his CV to the company via the automatic recruitment system because he was missing one simple "required" element... after looking on LinkedIn he called in to the right person and he now works there (and I am thrilled).