<p>From a veteran hiring manager’s perspective, I’ve found that the weakest part of most job search processes is the deplorable state of follow-up. You can go from the perfect candidate to the bottom of the list before you even know it!</p>
<p>It’s so much more than thank you notes! (By the way, why aren’t you sending yours?) Thank you notes and follow-up communications are NOT optional; they are required.</p>
<p>Great follow-up can put you ahead of other candidates:</p>
<ol>
<li>It shows persistence; you’re demonstrating a skill that may be needed in the job itself.</li>
<li>You can expand, reinforce, or clarify something discussed in the interview. It prevents the hiring manager or recruiter from forgetting about you.</li>
<li>Your follow-up reinforces that you want the job.</li>
<li>Good manners are always valued.</li>
</ol>
<p>And the downsides of NOT following up are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Some hiring managers will dismiss out of hand an applicant who does not send a post-interview thank you note, saying it indicates poor follow-through and a lack of interest in the position.</li>
<li>Other candidates will follow up, so you lose an opportunity to compete for that job.</li>
</ul>
<p>Here’s what world-class follow-up looks like:</p>
<ul>
<li>Send a note within 24 hours while it's still fresh in your mind—and the company's.</li>
<li>Address a note to each individual person you met with.</li>
<li>Spell everyone's name correctly, including the company's.</li>
</ul>
<p>When you are ready to send your thank your note, follow this simple outline:</p>
<ul>
<li>First – always – thank them for the opportunity to meet and for taking time out of their day to do so.</li>
<li>Next, note why you think you are the right candidate for the role. No more than 3 reasons. Bullet points are optimal here. This is an opportunity to elaborate on why you are a great fit, in writing, beyond your initial cover letter and interview.</li>
<li>Close with these 3 points:<br />1. Express your interest;<br />2. Commit to following up with them again within a specified time frame; and<br />3. Thank them, again, for their time and consideration.</li>
</ul>
<p>Send a second follow-up note no more than 5 working days after the first one, following this structure:</p>
<ul>
<li>Begin with a pleasantry, followed by a sentence explaining where you left off during your last communication. “You had indicated to me that you'd be making your final decision during the week of , and I just wanted to follow up to see where you are in that decision.”</li>
<li>Include something of value in your follow-up instead of being perceived as nagging. Perhaps you just completed some training, closed a big deal, or finished a major project. If you are volunteering or taking outside courses while unemployed, talk about that.</li>
<li>Close with the next follow-up you will initiate. Don't ask them to call you back. Instead, let them know that “I’ll follow up again within a few days, but in case you need to reach me, here is the best contact number: XXX-XXX-XXXX.”</li>
</ul>
<p>Watch for <em>Post-Job Interview Follow-Up: From Deplorable to Dynamite</em> (Part 2 of 2), where I share some additional tricks and ways to deal with common mistakes and excuses as they relate to Job Interview follow-up. I want to help you stand out and win that job! Feel free to comment below with any additional challenges you face!</p>
<p>Let me give you a hand; I’m ready to help!<br /> Dana</p>