No Phone Calls, Please

I recently read a job search blog that addressed the question of whether the words "No phone calls, please" in job ads should be taken seriously. To my surprise, their advice was an unequivocal "no" - that, in fact, the words "No phone calls, please" are not actually intended for you. Apparently, they are only intended to screen out those arrogant jerks that recruiters don't want to talk to. But that it is not intended for intelligent, hard-working, responsible job hunters.

I strongly disagree. If an ad says "No phone calls, please" it means "No phone calls, please." It doesn't mean that some people can call and others cannot. It means that the employer doesn't want to field phone calls. They want to screen resumes and decide who they want to call. Make that prohibited phone call and you run the risk of looking like someone who can't read and/or doesn't respect the rules.

That said, you don't have to become a passive bystander, waiting by the phone for a recruiter to call you. Unless an ad specifically says "No emails, please" you have another option at your fingertips -- use it.