Dear Cindy – When the Job Post Says "Don't Call"

There's a job that I'm interested in applying for, but it says "no calls" and "only those selected for an interview will be contacted." What if I have questions? Can I call?

Sincerely,

Perplexed

Generally the answer is no, don't call. Of course, there are exceptions. What is your question and are they the only people who can answer it?

First, recheck the job post. Having worked in recruitment, a huge irritation is having someone call with a question that was clearly addressed on the job post.

Is your question about the facility in general? Before calling, see if they have a website. In fact, you should find and review their website even if you don't have any immediate questions.

Similarly, if your questions are about the community, do your own research online. Most communities have several websites you can use – an official government site, a tourism site, a chamber of commerce site, etc. You can also check location descriptions on MedHunters.

If your questions are about benefits or salary – whoa! Wait until you get an interview and then ask away – so long as it's not the first thing out of your mouth. (See: Dear Cindy – Show You The Money? and How to Create a Bad Impression with No Effort at All.)

Is it a question about whether you are qualified for the position? You should be able to tell from the requirements listed in the job post. If you still have questions, check out: Dear Cindy – Not 100% Qualified and/or ask yourself, "Based on what I know about this job's requirements, would I consider me?" If you are some kind of special case, or important unanswered questions linger, call.

Of course, there are also vague job posts. Certainly if a job post doesn't indicate who your application should be addressed to (see Write an Effective Cover Letter), contact reception and ask the person's name and title – make sure you get the correct spelling.

And another exception is the follow-up. If you have all the necessary qualifications, and you are very interested in the job, call and say something like: "Hello, my name is Jane Doe and I emailed my CV yesterday morning for your vacant Radiographer position. I know that you don't want to be called, but since emails sometimes become lost in cyberspace, and I'm very interested in the job, could you tell me if my CV was received?" As you know, this sort of follow-up may be avoided by requesting a reply to your email (although not everyone replies when requested).

Because the employer doesn't want to be called, if you do call, remember the words of one of my more cantankerous teachers: "Be brief, and be gone."