A Textbook Case

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Job Hunting

It's almost halfway through summer and you just graduated from college, but you still don't have a job. If that's you (or your kid), I feel for you.

Perhaps it might help to check out a recent online discussion by Career Track columnist Mary Ellen Slayter. On Monday she had some good answers to questions on how to handle a job interview (and the many frustrations that go with it). Following is an excerpt from that chat:

Jamison, Pa.: Ok, I have three plaguing questions: On average, how many resumes does a recent college grad submit? How long does it normally take for an employer to contact you? Lastly, how many times and how often should you follow up a resume?

Mary Ellen Slayter: How many resumes: This can vary really widely, depending on your field and how you're targeting your search. I've known people to land a job with the first resume they sent out (out of blind luck or through careful networking), and I've known people to send out hundreds of resumes with no bites. People who focus on quality over quantity tend to have more success for their efforts, in my experience.

How long for contact: Also depends. Could be the next day (not likely), could be weeks or months, especially for entry-level jobs.

Follow-up: one to two e-mails or phone calls, spaced a week apart, are fine.

Washington: I'm starting to get stressed about finding a new job (after finishing a year-long fellowship). I had what I thought was a really good interview and was told I'd get a call soon about a second interview. I then didn't hear another word from the office. I called once to check in and was told that they were too busy and would call back later. They did not. I have since left two voicemail messages, but still no response. Is it reasonable, once you've had an interview, to expect a response about the job, one way or another? Should I keep calling, or give it up? The original interview was a month ago now.

Mary Ellen Slayter: It is reasonable to expect a callback after an interview. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean everyone does it. I'd give it another round of calls and e-mails, and if you still get no response, I'd assume the answer is no and move on.

Riding the Market Wave

If you are among the ranks of those playing the stock market, you might want to be aware that reports are saying that the roller coaster might be calming down.