On the down side, want ads can draw a lot of responses, which can mean tough competition for you. Depending on the company's name recognition, the economic climate and the position, there may be an avalanche of responses. Still, answering ads in a professional and intelligent manner will get you some interviews — unless you respond to positions for which you don't qualify. In Chapter 11 you'll learn how to put together a cover letter and resume package that sets you apart from the rest of the pack.
For entry-level sales jobs, clerical and administrative positions the response time to your resume will be relatively short, usually three days but to a maximum of three weeks. It can take three to seven weeks, however, before you hear anything regarding a management position. Keep in mind that this means a positive response. If the employer isn't interested, it can take six to 10 weeks before you receive the official "thanks, but no thanks" letter (if the company responds at all). Therefore, if there is a phone number in the ad, or if you can track down the employer's number yourself, use it first. Talking directly to an employer can eliminate fruitless effort and waiting on your part and will expedite the entire interview process. In the phone conversation, explain your background and qualifications without emphasizing your age. Your tone needs to be professional and upbeat. From the conversation you should be able to ascertain if, for whatever reason, you are not appropriate for the position, or if there is the possibility of a match. If your qualifications are on target, your odds of seeing someone within the next few days increase dramatically. In my experience, if all conditions are go, you can actually get a decent job offer within a day or two. This, of course, can only happen if you call the employer directly.
Should you be skeptical of an employer who wants to hire immediately? Not particularly. It could mean one of several things. The need may be desperate: Someone has left with little or no warning and the position must be filled at once. Or the employer may be naive about how to hire someone. Or- the best-case scenario - the employer understands the time-consuming hiring ritual (asking for resumes, screening resumes, setting up interviews, conducting interviews, scheduling second and third interviews, and conducting them) and decides to buck the system. This individual wants to make things happen quickly. God bless him; he could be your next employer!
If the ad requests a resume and cover letter, however, and you cannot call the employer directly, wait four to five days before mailing yours in. Most job-seekers respond to ads when they first see them, which means a whole batch of resumes will arrive on the same day. By holding back a little while, yours will stand apart from the rest and will receive more attention.
What should you do if the ad requests salary history? Ignore it. Or camouflage your answer with vague generalities. The same holds true for salary requirements. True, by ignoring the employer's specific request you run the risk of being screened out, but I think it's a chance you should take. I wager you'll be screened out many more times if you do include your salary history or requirements than if you leave them out. Either you'll be viewed as "too expensive" or "not good enough."
One final comment on want ads: If the ad sounds too good to be true, it is. If the ad is predominantly hype and gives you no clue as to the industry or type of business, be cautious. It might be worth a phone call, but don't waste your time on a resume and cover letter. On the other hand, if an ad is well-stated and provides detailed information but doesn't indicate the name of the company, it could be a winner. Better firms often practice this policy because they don't want the competition to know their personnel needs. Or they may not want an incumbent employee to know his or her future with the company is short lived.
