| Most People Fail To Fully Follow Up When Searching For A Job |
| Thursday, 12 April 2007 | |
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BOSTON - April 12, 2007 - While many job-seekers send thank-you letters and e-mails after a personal interview, far fewer people follow up on other critical job-search processes, such as after networking and informational meetings, calls from executive recruiters, and submitting resumes, according to ClearRock.
"Although most people send thank-you letters, e-mails, or note cards after a personal interview, many "Job-seekers need to take advantage of every opportunity to raise their searches to a more personal level," added Greg Gostanian, managing partner with ClearRock. With college and high school graduations coming up, this is prime time for job-hunting. Job-seekers should be following up after:
Handwritten thank-you notes will often create the best and most lasting impression. "It's rare that someone sends you a handwritten communication in a business environment, so handwritten notes and letters will be remembered better," said Stevens. But thank-yous do not necessarily have to be handwritten - or even written on paper. "Letters do create a better impression than e-mails, but a thoughtful e-mail is also effective," Gostanian said. Some people are uncomfortable with sending handwritten notes, especially after a job interview. "Most people take a conservative approach and send e-mails or typewritten letters," Stevens said. "When in doubt about hand-writing a card, err on the conservative side and type or e-mail it. Also, try to adapt the communication to the organization or person you've spoken or met with. If it's an e-mail type of culture, then e-mail your thank-you note," says Stevens. One benefit of sending e-mails or letters after job interviews, rather than brief handwritten notes, is that they will better enable you to succinctly recap your qualifications for the position. "Use the opportunity to describe how your skills, abilities, and accomplishments will help potential employers achieve their stated objectives," said Gostanian. People often fail to send thank-yous after networking meetings, informational meetings, and calls from executive recruiters. "Following up after a personal interview gets the highest priority, but networking meetings, informational interviews, and executive recruiters are all important to a job search. One contact invariably leads to another, and a good impression made is a lasting impression," said Gostanian. Job-seekers most often fail to follow up after submitting resumes to potential employers. "An e-mail checking up on whether your resume was received, and its status, is another connection - and another possible chance to get selected for a telephone or personal interview," said Stevens. |