Ensuring a job offer often requires a robust follow-up plan. Despite submitting an outstanding resume and cover letter and participating in an interview, there’s no guarantee of securing the desired position.
In today’s competitive job market, numerous highly qualified candidates apply for limited openings. Success often requires more than an impeccable resume and a stellar interview performance.
An effective follow-up strategy is equally vital in the application process, and its execution can significantly influence the outcome of your job hunt. It demonstrates your continued interest, professionalism, and commitment to the role, keeping you at the forefront of the hiring manager’s mind.
Two Important Levels of Follow-Ups
Proper job application follow-up involves two steps. The first step is to get an interview date after submitting your resume and other relevant documents.
After your submission, give the hiring manager a week or two before placing a follow-up phone call. Make your request simple, short, and to the point.
State your name, the position you applied for, and the date you submitted it, and thank them for requesting information about the state of their search and when you could meet with them. If you encounter an answering machine, send a short reminder email with your resume attached. Once or twice a month is enough so you don’t seem rude or annoying.
On the other hand, if you have attended an interview, you still need to use a follow-up strategy. Be skillful and careful here since you are just a few steps away from getting the job. Send a thank you email or note no later than 48 hours from the end of the interview.
In the message, thank them for meeting with you, reiterate your interest in the job, and say why you think you are the best candidate. Mention some things you would have loved to say but were constrained by time during the interview meeting.
Attention to Detail Matters
Avoid inquiring about the recruitment timeline in your thank-you note, as it may convey insecurity. Instead, express confidence by framing your message as though you already have the job and await their decision.
Your note is as crucial as your cover letter and resume, so meticulously review it for misspellings and typos. Additionally, notify your references and ensure they are prepared if the company contacts them.
Don’t Rush the Follow-Up
Please give it a week or two before you make any phone calls. At the end of the interview, you are expected to have collected one or two business cards. Try to make your phone calls short and straight to the point, mentioning your name and the position you applied for.
Overall, never call too often; calling and mailing will usually annoy the committee, and your chances of gaining the position will grow slimmer.
Give it time and continue applying to other vacancies. Even when you believe you’ll get the job, you’ll stop job-hunting until you land one. If you don’t get the job, don’t get upset; accept the news with some sense of responsibility, ask for feedback, and forge ahead.
Be sure to comment and share this post below to spread the word to other job seekers! If you need additional help, contact Candace to boost your search and land an interview!