SEALING THE DEAL IN YOUR JOB SEARCH: THE FOLLOW UP

Happy Summer!  This is a great time of the year to job search: no heavy outerwear…just your really cool interview outfit, portfolio with some copies of your professional looking resume and your bright, positive Mercy “can do attitude”!

Tips to make your follow up great!

The Thank-you Note

When you get home from your interview, send the hiring manager a thank you note.  Two days later, send the manager an idea note.  A week later, pick up the phone and give the manager a call.  Then, stay in touch.

    “55 % of job hunters send thank- you notes”. Vault. com

Keeping in mind that manners count and thank-you notes are expected, keep yours brief.

  • Thank the manager for meeting with you mentioning the date and title of the position that you interviewed for.
  • Express that you want the job.
  • Offer one or two solid reasons why they should offer you the job.
  • You might want to offer a thirty-day trial period to prove yourself.

Mention that you will call in a week or so to see if they have made their decision.  Write your note and send it within 24 hours of your interview while they still remember you.

The Idea Note

Most interviewers ask if you have any questions.  You may say ” yes, what major challenges will I face in this job”?

Now think about the manager’s answer.  As long as the problems aren’t confidential, brain storm some solutions with a friend or online.

Mention your solutions in a short note explaining your ideas.  Your ideas may be good and you may be the only candidate who came up with suggestions.  The manager may see you as a problem solver.  Send your idea note shortly after the thank-you note but before you follow up on the phone.

Call the Manager

Next step and no one likes this one but a week or so after your interview, call the manager to see if they have made a decision.  It signals that you are the kind of person who gets things done—even unpleasant tasks.

Stay in Touch 

Even if you didn’t land the job, stay in touch.  Once a month or so send the hiring manager you met with a short note and a copy of your resume.  Remember jobs open up all the time, let them know that you are still interested and available to work for them.  Hiring managers are your inside connection and appropriate persistence may re-open doors.  Stay in the forefront of their thinking when something new opens up.

Cheers all,

Marguerite

  • The information contained here courtesy of Vault.com
By Marguerite Busetti
Marguerite Busetti Associate Director of Career and Professional Development, Dobbs Ferry Campus