Many job seekers miss the one step that can land them an interview and the job they are applying for. Sure, they send in their resume or application. They may even send additional information requested. But many of the unemployed simply fail to follow up with the employers to whom they apply. Why follow up?
1. Consideration. Care to guess how often an online resume or application is not received or mis-routed to the wrong person or department? I didn’t think so! Following up can ensure your resume was received and by the right person so you can be considered for the job you THOUGHT you applied for. If an employer doesn’t have your information you won’t be considered. It’s that plain and simple!
2. Recognition. Any contact with an employer is a chance to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Following up will allow the employer to place a voice or face with the name. If everything else is equal, the employer will be more likely to call an applicant with whom he or she has interacted in some way than with one he or she has not.
3. Impression. Employers, regardless of industry, are looking for eager, proactive workers who go the extra mile. Follow up is a simple way to show you meet this expectation.
4. Information. Following up by phone or in person may allow you to obtain additional information about the job, employer, or interviewer that may give you an edge in an interview.
5. Interview. If you are able to speak to an employer contact you may be able to ask about when interviews are being scheduled and to ask to schedule an interview while you have him or her on the phone. Again, employers are looking for eager, proactive workers who go the extra mile – be one!
All this seems to make sense, so why don’t more applicants follow up on their resume? Usually it boils down to just one thing: Fear!
It may be fear of rejection. This is often the case; job seekers have to apply for so many jobs to get an interview and finally a job offer, they come to view even non-contact as rejection. Given they are rejected virtually every time they apply for a job, most are not inclined to stick their neck out only to be further rejected. Job search is partially a numbers game: The more you do to work to work toward your goal the better your chances.
Others feel a fear of failure and worry they will not be able to conduct themselves well in a follow up situation. Wonder if they “flub up?” That will surely ruin any chance they might have had to be interviewed and potentially offered a job, they think. Job search is partially a numbers game: The more you do to work toward your goal the better your chances.
Some job seekers fear that they will look too pushy or bother the employer if they try to follow up. Not so! If an employer is bothered by follow up calls or visits you will be blocked from doing so. A person following up will find out very quickly they are not able to reach anyone in any positive way that will be helpful. This may feed into those who fear rejection, but shouldn’t bother those fearful of looking pushy! Besides, job search is partially a numbers game: The more you do to work toward your goal the better your chances.
Notice a recurring theme? A job seeker has to overcome his or her fears to apply for jobs and to follow up. So. How does a job seeker overcome his or her fears and follow up? Several things will help:
1. Target those employers for which there is special interest and/or opportunity.
2. Research those employer to the best of your ability – include an in person visit if this is possible.
This site has comprehensive information about industries and some specifics about employers.
3. Develop a telephone script paying special attention to the goal of your call.
Click here for some guidance on how to develop a telephone script. Of course, make sure you are well situated and will not be interrupted.
4. Practice both in front of a mirror and with someone whose opinion you respect. Practice until you feel comfortable and sound natural.
5. Just do it. Jump in and start calling the employers on the list – it will get easier and more comfortable with each call. If you want, start with employers or positions in which you are not as interested.
6. If an employer does not respond by phone, try email or in person – again take care to develop a script, practice and review with someone else prior to sending an email or visiting in person.
Much like the application process, follow up will provide success the more often it is done. More follow up equals more interviews/job offer. Not that you shouldn’t be smart about what you apply for or follow up on, but you should actively do both. Remember, as a job seeker you are only looking for the one employer who is offering you the job – not those who aren’t!
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Mary is a Masters-prepared Career Counselor with over 18 years experience in resume writing, personal branding, career assessment and counseling. Specializing in non-traditional specialized careers and career-transitioning, she has the ability to synthesize and focus your unique skills and abilities to obtain interviews for the positions you want with the employers you want to notice you. Follow her on Twitter at@MarySevinsky.
