Hi! New to the forum

[slaphappy]

Hi I'm new to the forum, and totally happy I stumbled across this site. I am 24 years old and trying to figure out what I'm doing and where I'm going. I currently work for a software company in Austin Texas, and the company is fast going down the tubes. Since I'm "only a temp" I haven't been given the boot yet, but I feel like its coming - and even if it's not, I want to get outta here.

I'm applying all over the place, but have yet to be called in for an interview (except for those rediculous "make $3,000 cash in your first week" type sales jobs). Does anyone have any suggestions about how to land an interview? Does it help to call the place you're applying if you've already submitted a resume/cover letter via email? I don't want to be an annoyance and am always torn about calling the place.

Thanks - I'd be interested to hear feedback.

[J-girl]

Does it help to call the place you're applying if you've already submitted a resume/cover letter via email? I don't want to be an annoyance and am always torn about calling the place.

It doesnt hurt. As long as you are not calling them constantly. Once or twice with significant gap in between is fine. That way they'll know you are actually interested and didnt just send a generic resume.

[workerbee]

Job hunting is always difficult. Since you are a temp, can't you go back to the temp agency that hired you and let them know that you are looking for another position? Usually they are very professional. Otherwise, I like the site indeed.com. That is a great website to check on all types of jobs. And I agree that calling to follow up after sending a resume and cover letter is a good idea. Just make sure you give at least a week for the person to receive it or if there is a deadline, maybe call after the deadline.

[slaphappy]

Ok - but what about the jobs who force you to submit a resume via email only - and they post something on the website such as: "Resume's will be reviewed by x/xx/06, and we will contact you if we think you are a suitable candidate. Please do not email with a follow up as it will not be answered. If you don't hear back by x/xx/06, this means you do not fit the qualifications."

Also note, it is a government job at the Texas Department of Agriculture. I got the feeling that they might get a lot of applicants - many of whom aren't qualified. But - I'm very interested in the job and I would love to have it. Basically this means looking their phone number in the yellow pages and calling the front desk clerk trying to get to their department. Which, I'm fine with doing the work - but my point is, they did not list the phone number and made a point to mention that they will be calling US. In this situation, is it still ok to call and follow up?

[WorkInProgress]

Ok - but what about the jobs who force you to submit a resume via email only - and they post something on the website such as: "Resume's will be reviewed by x/xx/06, and we will contact you if we think you are a suitable candidate. Please do not email with a follow up as it will not be answered. If you don't hear back by x/xx/06, this means you do not fit the qualifications."

Also note, it is a government job at the Texas Department of Agriculture. I got the feeling that they might get a lot of applicants - many of whom aren't qualified. But - I'm very interested in the job and I would love to have it. Basically this means looking their phone number in the yellow pages and calling the front desk clerk trying to get to their department. Which, I'm fine with doing the work - but my point is, they did not list the phone number and made a point to mention that they will be calling US. In this situation, is it still ok to call and follow up?

Well, I wouldn't, as they've said that they'll call you, and they made a point to say not to email them. If they don't want people emailing them as follow-up, I have a hard time thinking that they'll be ok with people calling them to follow up.