This is a repost from the blog Finding The Perfect Job.

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Probably not. The reality is that even though there seem to be few jobs out there, there are even fewer corporate recruiters to handle the influx of resumes. Give these poor souls a bit of understanding...with the cuts in HR they are most likely left handling the workload of several recruiters instead of just one - their own!

I'm going out on a limb to suggest something out of the norm...in fact, you might even call it CRAZY talk! But here goes...why don't you give them a call? Yes, believe it or not, that cell phone is good for something besides texting your teenage daughter about her curfew!

Get the corporate phone number (this is easily found on the Internet or by calling 411) and ask to speak to a recruiter in HR. Be a bit persistent about talking with the person handling your particular job function.

If you get a voicemail recording, leave a polite, CLEAR message stating your name and phone number and which position you are interested in. Then repeat your name and phone number and ask for a call back. Try calling at several different times without leaving another voicemail to try to get them live on the phone. Call again the following day and leave a voicemail if you don't reach the person live.

If you get a live person on the phone...again, POLITELY tell them that you have applied for a position (if you have a job number, that's good too). You may ask them how the process works...you may ask them if you are being considered...you may ask them what you need to do to get in front of the hiring manager.

Recruiters are very nice people (I should know!). Despite their current overwhelm, if you are polite and persistent, but mostly - qualified, you stand a good chance of getting in front of the hiring manager. Do not under any circumstances act rudely or disregard their importance to the process. They could very well be the key to your getting an interview, so make a good impression.