By Gerrit Hall
In the careers industry, I field a lot of questions about the job search everyday. Everything from resume writing tips to interview etiquette, I've heard it all.
A popular question I hear a lot is about the dreaded follow-up. After
you've applied to a job or breezed through an interview, you need to
follow-up.
How important is following up in the job search?
Following up is incredibly important. When you follow up with an
employer, it tells them that you are invested in this company and this
position. In essence, following up tells an employer you think they're
important. That said, many employers won't consider a candidate who
doesn't follow up as submitting an application or interviewing.
How can I follow up without being annoying?
While there are many different ways to follow up (phone call, candy
gram, smoke signal...), most of these options are incredibly irritating
to employers. After all, they're busy people who don't appreciate their
day being interrupted by curious job seekers.
It seems logical that a phone call or following up in person would be
the most direct approach, but many employers don't like it. When you
call, it requires immediate action from the employer, taking time out of
their day.
The two best methods give employers the power to respond when they want
to, so that they have time to think over a response and really consider
you again for the position:
1. E-mail
Sending a quick e-mail follow up is great for job seekers after submitting a resume
or interviewing. The key to a perfect follow up e-mail is to keep it
short, sweet, and professional. Thank them for their consideration,
revisit the most important points, and remind them you'll we waiting for
a response.
2. Thank you note
In addition to e-mail, a hand-written thank you note is the perfect
follow up to an interview. This "traditional" method still rings true
and tells employers that you are genuinely interested in this position.
Sending a thank you note immediately following an interview ensures that
it will be delivered a day or two later, the perfect window for
following up.
DISCLAIMER: These follow up methods are great, just as long as
the employer hasn't (a) specified a preferred method of follow up or,
(b) mentioned they don't want any type of follow up. Pay attention and
you can avoid a huge mistake!
What do you think? How do you prefer to follow up with
an employer? If you are an employer, how do you prefer candidates
follow up with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!