<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:<br />
1.	It shows persistence; you’re demonstrating a skill that may be needed in the job itself.<br />
2.	You can expand, reinforce, or clarify something discussed in the interview. It prevents the hiring manager or recruiter from forgetting about you.<br />
3.	Your follow-up reinforces that you want the job.<br />
4.	Good manners are always valued.</p>
<p>And the downsides of NOT following up are:<br />
•	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.<br />
•	Other candidates will follow up, so you lose an opportunity to compete for that job. </p>
<p>Here’s what world-class follow-up looks like:<br />
•	Send a note within 24 hours while it's still fresh in your mind—and the company's.<br />
•	Address a note to each individual person you met with.<br />
•	Spell everyone's name correctly, including the company's.</p>
<p>When you are ready to send your thank your note, follow this simple outline:<br />
•	First – always – thank them for the opportunity to meet and for taking time out of their day to do so.<br />
•	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.<br />
•	Close with these 3 points:<br />
1.) Express your interest;<br />
2.) Commit to following up with them again within a specified timeframe; and<br />
3.) Thank them, again, for their time and consideration. </p>
<p>Send a second follow-up note no more than 5 working days after the first one, following this structure:<br />
•	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 <date >, and I just wanted to follow up to see where you are in that decision.”<br />
•	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.<br />
•	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.”</p>
<p>Watch for Post-Job Interview Follow-Up: From Deplorable to Dynamite (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!<br />
Let me give you a hand; I’m ready to help!<br />
Dana</p>
