Following up, after an introduction call, after sending your resume, or after an interview can have a great impact on whether you are selected for the next steps in the hiring process.
And, obviously, in getting the job offer.
Follow-up is one of the things job seekers often seek advice about, and one that many don't do very well.
As an Executive Recruiter, I often coach candidates I'm working with on how they should be following up with the potential employer, yet it still often doesn't get handled well. Here are my observations...
The vast majority of people will tell you to send a thank you note after a job interview.
Yet only around 25% of them ever actually do it!
There's a very large disconnect between what they say they believe, and what they actually do.
Consequently, by sending your thank you note after an interview, you distinguish yourself from the majority of other candidates.
A very brief acknowledgement of the contact, written professionally and without typos, signing off with your contact information so they always have it handy, does nothing but make a positive impression.
As a recruiter, seeing how my clients (the employers) choose one candidate over another, the "little" things may tip the scale toward one candidate over another when both seem closely qualified.
After receiving good follow-up, hiring managers frequently tell me --
"This candidate seemed to be more interested. They sent me a thank you note, and the others didn't."
"This candidate was persistent, they called and followed up regularly, and were very thorough in the process."
Rather than simply claiming important skills, you are demonstrating them:
The most "technically qualified" person is not always the person who receives the job offer. An employer wants to hire the best "complete package."
Communication, personality, professionalism, and tenacity have as much influence in the selection process as skills.
These are the reasons I hear most often for not following up.
As you go through your job search... making networking contacts and introduction calls, sending resumes, applying online, going to interviews and making other connections... how well do you follow up? Be polite, professional, and consistent. You will see the difference in your results!
Harry Urschel has over 25 years experience as an independent recruiter in Minnesota. He currently operates as e-Executives, writes a blog for Job Seekers called The Wise Job Search, and can be found on Twitter as @HarryUrschel and on LinkedIn.
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