By Mark McDonald, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers (Dublin North)

Quite often, my colleagues and I hear clients say that they have made several job applications but have heard nothing

back. The palpable frustration this causes is clear for all to see. It’s an all-too-common problem within the recruitment process but there are ways to reduce the chances of it happening to you. In simple terms – it boils down to you as a job seeker making a connection with someone on the other side of your application, writes Mark McDonald, Career Coach.

The majority of job applications we make will either be conducted through online recruiters such as CPL, Monster, HRM or other sites, or directly through job boards such as Irish Jobs, Indeed, Jobs.ie and so on. Some applications will be made directly through employer websites while others will be submitted through career portals such as Public Jobs.ie. Most online applications will give the option to upload your application while also outlining the recruiter or sometimes employer contact details.

Use these contact details to your advantage prior to making your application. Ring the contact name if possible and find out a bit more about the role in question.

This provides you with two advantages. Firstly, you may get a little more information about the type of skills they need and, secondly, you have now introduced a personal element into that particular application. This person is now your contact point. If you’re looking at an application which doesn’t state a contact name, ring the company, if possible, and ask to speak to a HR staff member. In my experience, and that of many of my client, someone will oblige.

Making a personal connection with someone on the other side of your application may not push you further along the road but at least when they receive your information, they can metaphorically ‘put a face to the name’. Email or phone them at some point after your application and ask for an update. This can help reduce the stress of applying and then hearing nothing.

Think of your recruitment activity as being a sales process. You are the product and the employer or recruiter is your potential customer. Anything you can do to build that relationship will help.

Think about what happens when you make a decision to purchase an item after meeting with a sales professional. If they have made a connection with you, and understood your needs, you are more likely to make your purchase. Now apply that logic to your recruitment endeavours.

Making a personal connection as early as possible in the process will help you increase your chances of selling your skills and talents in the hope that the employer will buy. This also affords you an opportunity to get an update on that application. Don’t become a stalker, I hasten to add.

Sadly, hearing nothing back usually means you have been unsuccessful but, generally speaking, it’s better to know this for certain as early as possible. In my opinion, recruiters and employers have a professional obligation to communicate this to candidates. The reality is somewhat different.

So make it a little bit easier for yourself and try to make a personal connection as early as possible.

Mark McDonald is a Career Coach with Sli Nua Careers and works out of Dublin North. You can read more about him, and make a booking HERE for CV Preparation and Interview Training.

More articles from his blog can be accessed HERE