Ask Heather: Hiring freeze, applying for more than one position at an organization

November 2, 8:31 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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Have a question about finding, landing or succeeding at internships or entry-level jobs? E-mail them to entrylevelexaminer@gmail.com to be included in an upcoming “Ask Heather.”

Q: I recently went through about four rounds and over six hours of interviewing for a job only to have them call me a couple days after my final interview to say they have to go on a hiring freeze until the end of the year. The HR person mentioned that they really want to move forward with hiring me, but they can't do anything further until the freeze is up. She also said they can't promise me a job or anything so I should continue with my job hunt.

My question is, when your candidacy is put on hold due to a hiring freeze, how can you keep your name fresh with the company so when the time comes you're the first person they call?

A: This is definitely a difficult situation that’s happening more often than we’d like these days. First of all, I completely agree with the HR pro—continue your job hunt and don’t hold out hopes for this position. You have no idea if or when it might become available again.

That being said, if you truly want to stay in front of the organization, put your contact there on your regular networking list. Reach out to her once a month for coffee. E-mail her articles (but not too often!) you think would interest her. Connect with her on LinkedIn, and be sure to update your status frequently so she’s aware of your professional news.

Again, good luck, but for your sake, do look to other organizations!

Q: Do you have to include the company name on your résumé or can you just put, for example, "Boutique PR Firm, Washington, DC"?

A: In short, yes. If I received a résumé that didn’t give the specific organization names, I would be suspicious of the candidate’s background. Remember, they are going to run a background check to confirm you’ve worked where you say you have, in which case they will need the organization’s name, anyway. Best to just include it upfront to avoid additional questions surrounding your tenure there.

Q: If I'm applying for more than one job at the same company, do I have to make different cover letters or is using the same one ok? Also, if I don't have to make different cover letters, is it ok if I send one e-mail for both jobs since it's the same company and e-mail address?

A: Be careful about applying for two different positions at the same organization, especially if they are not very similar. You don’t want to come across as unsure of your career direction.

However, you should definitely write two tailored cover letters and two tailored résumés. Be sure to indicate in each cover letter that you are also applying for the other position. After all, both applications might not go to the same hiring manager. For the same reason, I would also send two e-mails unless you know for sure the same person is in charge of hiring both positions.

Q: If I see a job posting for a company I like and I apply for it but most likely won't get it because it's not entry-level, should I say in my cover letter that I'd like the résumé on file and/or inquire about entry-level openings if they don't accept me for that posting? Or is it more appropriate to save that for a follow-up letter so I don't shoot myself in the foot?

A: Most organizations keep your résumé on file anyway. So, the only real way you might shoot yourself in the foot here is to apply for a position for which you know you don’t qualify. That does not make hiring managers very happy! Instead, send in a carefully written cover letter indicating your strong interest in the organization and the desire to keep your résumé on file should something open up.

For more career advice, visit my new blog at HeatherHuhman.com.