I have applied for a job that I really, really want. They are interested in me and are calling my references, which is encouraging.
The problem is that I have only been at my current job for a year and three months and the job I held just before this one I kept for only a year and a half. When I left my previous job, it was because the job I have now seemed to be a good opportunity, and it was. I like my current job and I am not looking to leave. However, this new job is my absolute dream job and it is exactly where I want to live, which is down south. I have heard from my references that the person who is hiring is concerned that I have moved around a lot in a short time.
My question is whether or not I should call the person who is hiring and ask her if we can talk about this issue. I think I can be persuasive about the fact that I am not looking to leave, but that the opportunity she has is too good to pass up. I am worried, though, that calling her will look pushy and/or unprofessional.
Any advice, anyone? BTW, it might help to know that I am a psychologist, as is the woman who is hiring.
I’m not familiar with your line of work or the proper etiquette, politics, etc. but normally if they are contacting your references, the odds are very good that they are interested in at least interviewing you. The question would most likely come up then or give you a good opportunity to mention it yourself. But if, after a few days you haven’t heard anything, (again, at least in the areas I’m familiar with) a call to inquire about the status of the position and your application would not be viewed unfavorably. At that point you can mention that you are being a bit aggressive since “their position is what you have been working towards since beginning your career”. Something along that line. It would seem to me that this isn’t the time to be humble, but aggressive and honest.
By the way, congrats! It’s not often a dream job comes along.
Screw etiquette. Call/email the hiring manager and tell them how excited you are with the possibility of this position. Ask them if there are any questions or concerns they have.
Personally, I wouldn’t bring up the moving around issue unless they do. Talk about the positive things you have to offer, not reasons for negative things.
Of course, if they ask you about it, have a good reason for not staying at jobs very long. For my money, I don’t think your current reason is a good one. Basically, you’re saying that when the grass looks greener, you’re outa there. Today’s job looks excellent, but their concern will be that you’ll find another “opportunity that is to good to pass up” six months or a year down the road.
I second Bill H., managers are looking for a reason to hire you not the opposite. By the time I have called references I’ve already started the paperwork with HR to hire the individual. At least for me references are a final sanity check on the person. As the manager has been asking about this issue obviously they are interested but wary.
I would definitely call. However do NOT bring up the issue yourself. Find a pretext. Ask him questions. Find three things you don’t know but are interested in. These should not be salary/benefits questions. If necessary search for their press releases. Ask about these new projects. Ask about their technolgies. Make sure you leave them with the impression that you understand their problems and are excited to tackle them. Then at this point ask if they have any questions for you. This should impress them greatly. Most people don’t have the interest or skill to do this. It would certainly impress me.
Disclaimer: IANAJC (I am not a job consultant). Any advice should be taken with a grain of salt. Obviously no one here knows the full nature of your job history, qualifications or the postition in question. That said, yeah them a call.
