CONTINUING OUR CONVERSATION ON . . . 

Unanswered emails. We reference this mostly in regard to applying for jobs, but also in broader terms. We posed the question: while we have more technological means to reach out, why do we feel less connected than ever?

Many of you wrote in to share your experiences. They ranged from getting 1 in 7 responses from job applications (to clarify, this is not 1 in 7 interviews, but 1 in 7 employers that even responded to say that they got the application at all), to a distaste for the fact that friends have time to make frequent updates to social media but no time to connect one-on-one, to the guilt that one might feel at the burden of having too many emails to answer.

Here are some ideas to ponder and / or adapt and implement, if you so desire. They all relate to hiring and job seeking, but they can also be applied to everyday life. 

FIRST AND FOREMOST, DO YOUR PART
While we're appalled by the 1 in 7 statistic that was quoted above, we also know that there is a flip side of things. If you've ever posted a job, you know that applicants don't always inspire you to want to respond. In particular, if you are a job applicant, remember:

1) Be sure to reference the appropriate person / organization in any correspondence. We've heard feedback from several employees about how badly they feel when it's clear that applicants simply copy / paste their information on multiple applications.

2) Be sure to answer any pertinent questions that the employer asks. Not every application (thank goodness) is just a straight up resume and cover letter. If they ask you to provide alternative information (or to put a specific title in the subject line of the email correspondence) be sure to do so. It's an easy way for employers to tell who is paying attention.

SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Eight years ago, a boss gave us this great advice: set clear expectations. When you correspond with someone, it is okay to state something to the effect of: 'I look forward to hearing back from you by close of business on Monday March 28th. If I don't hear from you by then I'll be sure to follow up via email.' It sets a deadline for folks to return the correspondence. Come second time around, you can switch your follow-up to phone or in person.

MAKE IT EASIER FOR FOLKS
The nature of job searching is that usually there are far more applicants than there are spots available. And often it's hard to feel like you are disappointing people. Have you ever had to deliver bad news? It's not our favorite thing to do. But even though it's hard, it's better than the alternative: people out there just wondering (or thinking the worst) about why they never heard back.

If you are an applicant used to not hearing back, it's okay to help soften the blow. A lot of time folks might need this 'permission' and assurance that getting back to you - even with not so great news - is what you prefer. You can say something like, 'I kindly request a note to let me know that the application arrived to you safely'. Or: 'While I understand that I may not be called for an interview, please do let me know if I'm not a good fit at this time'.

Even in a non-professional context, it's okay to write to a friend or family member, 'Even if you're not ready to respond fully, just pop me a line to let me know you got this. Thanks a million.'

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH
Even the best communicators and connectors among us can't answer everything all the time (guilty as charged). In a world of overwhelm, some things inevitably fall through the cracks. We all know it well ... you tag the email as unread so that you'll back back to it later when you have time... before you know it, it's on page two of your email, not to be seen again until your yearly email inbox purge. 

If you've ignored (purposely or not) someone, humbly apologize.

Second, forgive yourself. We concur that every day is worthy of email debt forgiveness day.

Third, see point #2 above about setting clear expectations. Consider adding an auto responder to your email. It can indicate that you are only checking email every third day, so please pardon a delay. Not only do people usually not mind, they often express gratitude, for either setting clear expectations and / or giving them inspiration to get out from behind their screens. The other side of intense pressure is relief. 

As always, this is just the start of a conversation. If you have anything to add, don't be shy.

Cheers,

Taylor & Dorothy
Co-Founders, Good Food Jobs