I’ve applied for over a dozen various positions at this point: so many that I’m beginning to lose track of where my resume has been sent. Its been my experience that most job seekers do the same. No one puts all their eggs in one basket when it comes to finding a job: its a shotgun approach.

While I enjoy getting a call from a prospective employer, one thing that always annoys me is when the caller doesn’t identify themselves or the position for which they’re calling. What happens is that you’re deep in the middle of sorting through job leads when a call comes in out of the blue.

Boom! You’re caught off guard and nine times out of ten the interviewer proceeds as if you know exactly to whom you’re speaking and about which job. That’s why I keep a file folder with a printout of all the positions to which I’ve applied and including the dates when I applied for them. That way when the phone rings I’ll have a clue about what in my skills and experience might be relevant.

I’ve got experience from the other side of the phone, too, and have interviewed many people for jobs. Whenever I’ve called a prospective hire, I’ve always made it a point to clearly state who I am and which position I’m calling about. Its just good hiring etiquette.

Now if I could just start getting some calls I could put this all to use!