Following-up is a necessary and important part of the job search process. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most uncomfortable activities for a Job Seeker. Below are 5 quick tips to help make your follow-up more successful.
- Use the Appropriate Method – Whether this is in writing, by phone, or stopping in-person consider each method and pick the one that works best for you and the situation. Typically you write when you send the Thank You that follows an interview and you call when you follow-up regarding your status after the interview. An in-person follow-up is very aggressive and should be used with caution.
- Establish a Timeline – This will allow you to establish an expectation for the Hiring Manager regarding when follow-up will occur. The Hiring Manager should give you a snapshot of when they expect to have a decision regarding the next step in the process. You should then adjust your timeline to meet that next step. If you make contact prior to this timeline, a Hiring Manager may quickly label you as someone who cannot follow directions or hold to a commitment.
- Have a Reason to Follow-Up –There are few more awkward moments than when an applicant calls a Recruiter or Hiring Manager looking for an update. The question is usually asked without confidence followed by tense seconds waiting for a response. It is much better to follow-up with a reason. I recommend instead of asking for an update, call to see if there are any follow-up questions you can answer or assistance you can provide. This also spins your contact as being proactive and helpful rather than desperate.
- Avoid Bothering Them – Recruiters accept a certain amount of follow-up as part of the process, especially in a position such as sales where a level of aggressiveness is appreciated. If you, however, start to bother the person you will severely damage your chances of being hired, particularly if your target is the Hiring Manager who will be your supervisor. Excessive follow-up will provide people the impression you have the negative character trait of being obnoxious or intimidating. You may also come across as being desperate if you follow-up too much.
- Don’t Forget To Sell – Use any contact you make to remind the Hiring Manager that you are the right candidate for the position. I would not recommend any hard sell tactics but a key point regarding how you fit well to the position is appropriate.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
