It’s no secret
that the waiting game is the most frustrating part of a job search. But what many job seekers fail to
understand is that the power of the follow-up call, email or letter can reap
huge advantages in the job market.
Let’s take a look at a few tips:
1.
After
sending out your cover letter and résumé don’t just sit back and wait. Make sure that your cover letter and
résumé is received by sending a note, along with a hard copy of your résumé to
your contact or H.R. person. Just
let them know that you did send the cover letter and résumé via email or their
online submission system; but wanted to send a hard copy to make sure they
received it. This should be done
within 7 days of submitting your résumé via email or through an online
submission system. .
2.
Do
you have a contact inside of the company for which you are applying? If so,
make sure you ask that contact to mention your strengths and values to the
hiring manager. Having someone on the inside vouching for you while you wait
for your résumé to go through their process can give you a clear advantage.
Employers are more likely to hire someone who is known by people already on
their team.
3.
After
landing an interview with an employer, the magic of follow-up doesn’t end. Job candidates should contact the
person with whom they interviewed and thank them for their time. You can send
an email, letter or simply call to let them know you appreciated the interview and
are very much interested in the job.