Sometimes all I want is information.
I was job hunting and applied for two different public relations-type positions at a medical center.
I had been on a sip and go nearly a year before with a man who worked as that medical center’s Director of Radiology and Imaging Services. After three months had passed and I hadn’t even received an automated generic rejection from the hospital, I sent an email to the radiology guy I had met more than a year prior.
The following is the email I sent him. I’m giving the medical center, job titles, and name of human resources the name of XYZ.
Jim, Hello! We met months ago. It might have been last year. I attached my resume to refresh your memory. I’m emailing regarding employment questions. Are you still working as the director of radiology and imaging services at XYZ Center? I applied for two positions with the Center. One is XYZ and I applied in October. The other is XYZ and I applied in November. I haven’t heard a thing about either job. Who do you know at the Center who I can contact for the status of the hiring process? Thank you so much!
His first response was professional.
Hi Sip and Go Girl,
Of course I remember you! The XYZ position was filled by an internal candidate. I believe the XYZ has not yet been selected. Would you like me to forward your resume to the Director of Human Resources, XYZ, with a note recommending you? I am confident that you have the skills to do well in this position. The only obstacle may be a lack of direct medical experience. Let me know what you think. Hope you are well. Jim
I told Jim thank you and that any help he could give me would be great.
Then he got personal.
He told me how delighted he was to hear from me and that he never understood why we didn’t go out again. He asked to meet me again to discuss the jobs.
I did not want to be social with him. I just wanted information. But, I decided to treat this as a business get together. He could help me maintain contact with pertinent people at the hospital.
We met at a sushi restaurant. During our happy hour appetizers, he told me that he was so surprised to hear from me after such a long time had passed since our original meeting. I told him I had contacted him because I knew he worked at the hospital where I applied for work.
I assumed he was clear on the purpose of the current meeting, but when he hugged me goodbye, he was kissing me on the cheek and I had to pull myself forcibly from his embrace. I said a quick goodbye and left.
A couple days later he called.
“I had such a good time Sip and Go Girl,” Jim said. He suggested a movie or bowling. He talked about a near future of dinners and hanging out.
He did not suggest a near future of employment.
“Jim my priority is finding a job. Not dating. I don’t want to date. I need to take care of my future and security.”
“Oh. OK. Oh,” he said quietly and with disappointment.
I was hunting for a job. Jim was hunting for a girlfriend. We both walked away with neither.
