Timing on Applications and Interviews

Timing is everything. Like everyone else, I apply for jobs and nobody cares. As far as I know, most of my applications go into a black hole and aren't able to get out of it and get the attention of the HR person or manager.

Case in point, my recent interview. I applied for the posting a week or so before the closing date. In late Aug. About three weeks later, I had e-mail from an HR rep informing me that I'm qualified for the position. Unlike all the other positions for which I seemed to be just as qualified and was immediately told I was unqualified, they had other candidates who had better qualifications or they had re-hired people previously laid off. It was a huge surprise to hear anything, much less something positive.

It's a job with the state, and upon signing in to their webpage, one is greeted with a list of positions for which one has applied and it shows whether they've been filled or remain open. Depressing place to go. There's also a place to click to see whether you're still a candidate. I clicked on this once a week between receipt of e-mail and call regarding interview. Since I didn't hear anything for another 6 weeks.

Government works in glacial time, so it's best to apply for every position possible; you'll be quickly ruled out for many, but the ones that find you interesting will take their time.

It's a good place to go in a bad economy.