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job search is going fantastic! I just accepted a position as
President with a large public marketing firm in Connecticut.
I got a GREAT package (seven figures!!) and a sizable signing
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It was exceptional! Please use me for a reference
anytime.
—Ken W., New York
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actual job search lasted all of 4 weeks. I accepted the position
of Director of HR Administration for a 4,000 employee hospitality
organization. The manner in which my experience was displayed
literally blew them away—they were looking for someone with
proven results who wanted to learn the HR and compensation
aspects of the job. I achieved my salary requirement, which
was 25% over my current level with stock options
to boot!
—Dave D., Georgia
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Rev Up Your Résumé: Expert Secrets to Add Power,
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How and When to Follow Up During Your Job Search
Every job seeker on the planet has experienced the agony of waiting to hear—about
a job, an interview, a key contact, a next step in the selection process. These
guidelines will help you minimize the waiting without antagonizing your contacts.
- Set the expectation. At the
end of every meeting, clarify the next step and the expectation
for follow-up. "Great, I'll look forward to your call on
Friday. If I don't hear from you, may I check in on Monday?"
With this approach, you'll feel confident on Monday that your
call won't be viewed as intrusive.
- Keep the ball in your court. Whenever possible,
rather than waiting for someone else to take action, take the
initiative to pursue a contact or expedite a process. Busy executives
will appreciate it, and you'll be assured that progress is being
made toward your important goal of finding a new job. For example,
if a network contact promises to pass your résumé
on to a colleague, you might say, "I know you're busy, so
I'll be glad to save you a step and get in touch directly. May
I use your name?"
- Don't be demanding.
No matter how impatient, frustrated, or angry at a lack of response,
never let negative emotions show in a voice mail, email, or person-to-person
message. If your contacts feel uncomfortable when hearing from
you, they'll be less and less inclined to take your calls.
- Follow up with a purpose.
You can simply call to follow up on a prior message or letter,
but why not find a better reason to get in touch with your contact?
Can you supply a bit of information on a topic you discussed?
Share a news story or an idea? Refer him or her to someone who
can help with a specific problem? With this approach, you'll call
with confidence.
- Never ask for something your
contacts can't give. Remember, you want your call to
be cordial, friendly, helpful, and professional at all times.
If you ask for something your contacts can't give, such as a job,
they'll feel guilty and uncomfortable when hearing from you.
And what about the protocol for following up when
you haven't had a meeting or even a conversation? You've sent your
résumé in response to an ad, and now you want to know
if you're in the running. Here is a strategy for this kind of follow-up
call.
- Try calling early or late in the day (before 8 am and
after 5 pm) to improve the odds that your quarry will pick up the phone.
- Leave a polished, positive message. Practice in advance
so you can perform beautifully whether you reach a live voice or get routed
to voice mail. Preparation will boost your confidence in making these difficult
but critical follow-up calls.
- Don't leave your number or ask
your target to call you back. Sounds contradictory, doesn't
it? But remember, you want to keep the burden off your contact
and the ball in your court. Instead, leave a brief message and
indicate you'll call back "tomorrow at 8:30 a.m." Then
be sure you call precisely as promised, and repeat the process
until (a) you give up; (b) you reach your target; or (c) your
target calls you. (This happens much more often than you think,
even if you didn't leave your number.)
- Decide how many times you'll
follow up before giving up. For many job seekers, once
is more than enough. But chances are, your target is simply busy,
and returning your call never reaches the top of the "to
do" list. Consider persisting for four or five times, leaving
a brief message each time, before you give up.
Most importantly, when calling any contact during
your job search, have a clear message about who you are, the value
you offer, why you're calling, and how (specifically) they can help
you. This clarity will help your contacts to help you as best they
can and will give you confidence when you pick up the phone. And
that's half the battle, ensuring that you approach your calls with
an upbeat tone and a positive attitude.
Martin
Weitzman, NCRW, CPBS, IJCTC, CPRW
President of Gilbert Résumés
Gilbert Résumés
A Career Network Company
resumepro@gmail.com
Toll Free: (800) 967-3846
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