Job Hunting Question

[tractor]

I have found a listing for a job that I might be interested in. Is there anything wrong with submitting a resume to find out more about it, even if I might not want to accept a postion if it is offered? Would it be better to call HR first to find out more about the job before I apply. I don't want to annoy them, but it seems like a decent job, but I would need to know more before I got serious about making a change from my existing position.

[pig]

You probably won't get any morre information than what's listed in the job description in the ad. I would just apply. They are aware that not everyone that applies is going to accept the job.

[flopsy]

i'd apply for the job because the interview is where you are going to find out more about the job, the manager, etc. i'm not sure what HR could tell you.

[tractor]

I'm always worried about wastings someone's time. Would I put them off if I were to call and find out what their pay scale is? If it's half of what I make now, it would be a big waste of my time.

[pig]

Never talk about salary before they do unless it's an hourly paid position. Worrying about wasting their time?!?!!? That is not even something you should be thinking about.

[tractor]

The posting doesn't say if it's hourly or not. They a fishing for a wide variety of potential applicants ranging from first timers, to those with a professional career (which would be me). It's appealing because they are opening a new office in my town, provide a company vehicle, and would allow me to work with individual landowners (the best part of my job now), it's not a sales position, and I could avoid my hour +one way commute everyday. I also enjoy working in the utility field, everyone needs electricity/gas, even when times are tough. I might send them my resume. I could easily take a $10,000 pay cut if I didn't have to commute, but wouldn't want to go much lower than that.

If you can't tell, while I have been looking, I have worked in the same job for 20 years, switching might be hard.

[pig]

It sounds like your just nervous and unsure. Go ahead and apply, you've got nothing to lose by doing so right?

[Bluerobin]

Tractor, it never hurts to look. Go for it. If you don't want it afterwards, then don't take it. Thing is they will have your resume and the interviewer's assessment, and may keep you in mind for future openings, especially if they are starting up.

[tractor]

Mar 17, 2011 9:03:49 GMT -5 @pig said:

It sounds like your just nervous and unsure. Go ahead and apply, you've got nothing to lose by doing so right?

You're right pig, I will see where it goes. In my twisted mind, I hate to apply for a job unless I'm serious about getting it.

It's a good thing your not a green pig, I'd have to start throwing birds at you.

Thanks to everyone for your help.

[pig]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[Deleted]

Go ahead and send a resume. And remember: He who mentions money first, loses!

You're more likely to annoy and waste your own time by calling and asking questions than by submitting a resume and possibly getting a phone interview at least.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Most job ads I see lately specifically request that you do not call them. Read what the job ad says, if it says submit resume then do that. If you don't it sends a clear signal that you either do not know how to follow directions or do not care. So you would be out of the running before you even got a chance to send in your resume.

[Anne_in_VA]

I agree with Drama - you should follow what the ad says. In my company you have to apply on-line and can attach a resume. You wouldn't believe the number of people who apply but don't attach a resume, and these are for mid-management positions!

It never hurts to submit a resume if you're even slightly interested in the job. Lots of companies now have HR do a phone screening interview to see if the candidate has the skills for the job, then they pass the resume/application to the hiring manager for the face-to-face interview.

Never, ever ask about the salary range, especially in the screening or first interview. Most often the hiring manager will tell you what the salary range is when you go in to see them, but if they ask you what salary you are looking for, you should be vague and tell them you're flexible and are looking more for a good fit. Make them tell you what the salary range is! You can do an on-line search for salary levels for that job in that geographic location to get a good idea of what the job should pay.

Good luck!

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

When I graduated college and needed to write a resume, my father brought home some from his work (he was a school administrator) for good and bad examples. You would not believe how bad some of them were, full of spelling and grammar errors.... for teaching positions.

[Deleted]

MDW, I read an article several months ago saying what not to write in a thank-you email to a potential employer. One of the things was text speech.... really? They had to include that?! I can't believe people actually needed to be told that "LOL" is not appropriate in professional communication!

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

Tractor - how did this turn out?