Potential job dilemma...advice anyone?

[Tripper11]

So I have been looking for a job recently and had a former colleague put in a word(and my resume) to one of her former colleagues. She forwarded an email reply she got which said "Your timing is perfect-thanks for Tripper's resume. We will reach out to him this week. Is he interested in moving to Vancouver?"
Yeah!
The next day, this past Wednesday I got a call from someone there, obviously wanting to talk to me. I returned his call but got his voicemail. No problem, we're all busy, I get it.
Next day, later in the afternoon I still hadn't heard from him, so I called back and left another voicemail. I let him know when I would be available and hoped I would hear from him.
Now we are here, at Friday, still no return call.
So should I try again this afternoon? Leave another message saying he could call on the weekend or again on Monday(and let him know best times) or just let it hang??
I hate phone tag, especially when it's something I really want, and want to show eagerness, but not stalking the dude, know what I mean?

So what would you do DU?

Thanks in advance.....

[trof]

1. FWIW...wait.

Two voicemails show you're definitely interested.
And you follow up.
Three begins to sound desperate.
Again, just my humble opinion.

He could be out of town.

You might follow up with an actual LETTER.
"Sorry we missed each other, blah-blah-blah..."
Again, IMHO, I think people tend to pay a little more attention to a real piece of paper with your words on it.

Good luck, seriously.
trof

[Tripper11]

2. That's kind of what I was thinking....

I want to show enthusiasm without becoming a stalker, know what I mean?

Thank you.

[trof]

3. You're entirely welcome. Been there.

It's a bitch trying to decide how 'enthusiastic' to be.

[Tripper11]

4. Update - So, sometimes I can be a little "slow" :-)

I just goggled the person who called me. Turns out he is the Vice President. So I think he may be a pretty busy guy.
Fingers crossed he calls me back early next week.
Now I am little more nervous than before. I was not expecting a call from someone that high up. I work in news and normally it would be a mid-level management type, Executive Producer, Assignment Manager, that type.

[Shagbark Hickory]

5. I have some books on sales with some pretty creative ideas for getting past voicemail.

My advice would be to see if you have any sales books at you local library (aka barnes n noble), that discuss the obstacle that is voicemail.
Cant go wrong with any Jeffrey Gitomer books, especially if you're looking for a job.

People in sales have to deal with voicemail all the time and lots has been writen on the subject.

Don't give up.

[HopeHoops]

6. There are two ways to handle this, depending on how desperate you are for a job.

1) Write a polite formal letter apologizing for not being able to connect (even though it isn't entirely your fault) and list times when you know you will be available for a conversation. Thank them for their interest and express hope that they respond soon.

2) Hand write a letter that reads something to the effect of "Oh shit I need a damn job. I'll rub your feet, kiss your ass and blow you six times a day if you hire me even if my job description is wiping your ass when you shit and cleaning the sofa after you have sex with your secretary. Just give me a fucking job - PLEASE!!!!!!"

[Shagbark Hickory]

7. This may be a stupid question but...

Have you or can you call up their office to speak with a receptionist or another colleague and ask them if so-and-so is in the office.
You can find out that way if they're out of town. You can also ask when the best time of the day to reach them is or when they normally come in in the morning. You can ask "when will so-and-so be returning?" And if it's a receptionist you might tell them you tried calling and got their voicemail and they may just be able to get ahold of the person for you. I can't tell you how many times that's worked for me.

It seems like people don't even check their messages nowadays. Luckily there's almost always another way to get them on the phone by calling another line. If you make friends with the receptionist they may just give you an alternate number like a cell phone number or some other number where they do pickup the phone.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

8. wait it out. --

I went through this one time when interviewing with a Very Busy Owner. Long story short, I got the job.

[Tripper11]

9. Thanks everyone!

My daughter had a therapy appointment with our long time psychiatrist, and I asked for 10 minutes. She's a great woman, and has always had our best interest at heart and given good advice.
Interestingly, without hesitation, she said, "Call him first thing Monday morning."
I work an overnight shift and usually get home around 10am. I'm seriously thinking about calling around 10:30a and if I get voicemail again, just tell him it's me, and give him the best times to call me, again.
I think! :shrug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

10. respectfully disagree. 10:30 on a Monday morning is too early.

[Tripper11]

11. kicking for an update

Well, as I was driving home, I called him again. I left a nice detailed, polite message stating when I would be available etc.
His secretary called me back about 10 minutes later.
She said "I understand you and Kenton have been playing a little phone tag. Would it be alright if I set up a time for a phone interview with you?"
I told her no, forget it..if the dude doesn't have the decency to.....

Nawww, I'm just kidding. Interview is set up for 3:30 this afternoon. I get a good nap in, and will be as ready as I can be!