Blog Post: RaceTrac: Be Ready When The Phone Rings!

Today's market has brought forth an amazing increase in the number of applicants I review. Recently, all of us in the HR field have been discussing the fact that there is now such a great opportunity to really focus on bringing "A" players on board. 

I have now learned that an increase in applicants does not necessarily mean an increase in hires. Why do I continue to struggle with filling openings? Why do I phone-screen 100 applicants and yet only set up interviews with (on a good day) 7?

In thinking over today’s calls (all 62 of them) I can give a potential applicant some insight on behaviors that may get them that interview. I would like to share with you a success story from today's calls.  I also hope it might be educational to pass on some of the things I hear that make me go "hmmmm." 

The applicant who will move on to the next step will need to be pre-screened. That means someone will review each application and may call to gather additional information.  Availability and pay expected are just a few of the questions that might need to be answered.

Late last week I phoned an applicant  that had pre-qualified on-line. We played phone tag until today when we finally talked. This applicant is one of those people that "smiles over the phone".  In other words, even over the phone she projects an image of courtesy, friendliness and approachability.  Her availability fit what RaceTrac is looking for and her expected pay was in line with what we offer. As we talked further, she told me of her previous work experience. She had valid reasons for leaving that  job and was further able to explain to me why she chose RaceTrac over other places she considered applying. She wants more than "just a job" This is what she wants to do. I scheduled her for a face-to-face interview where she will have an opportunity to fill out our full application. If all goes as great as that phone call, she will definitely be a candidate for the next opening.

I try to always leave a message if I don’t reach the applicant, but I must be honest: I sometimes hang-up without leaving voice mail. I will never understand why someone who is looking for a job insists on "making their statement" through offensive, sometimes vulgar, language in their outgoing voice mail message.  One applicant’s voice mail message actually said "I don't like to talk so just leave a message”. I didn't leave a message.

Once, when speaking to an applicant over the phone, the music at their end was so loud that the applicant and I couldn't hear each other very well. I do know they knew who I was and why I was calling. I also know they didn't attempt to turn the music down to talk to me about a job.

To sum it up, when a representative from a prospective employer phones you they will be hoping to talk with you directly.  If you are not available (and if your  outgoing voice mail message reflects the professional values the employer desires) then they will leave a message with a number to return the call.

If you are interested in applying with us, please visit racetrac.com/careers.

And be ready in case the phone rings!