Monday, June 16, 2014

Don't get down. Follow up!

Carla Certeza


Looking for a job can be difficult, but there is always something that you can do to help the process along. Many people make the mistake of thinking that their work is done after mass-distributing their resume. They become discouraged after not receiving any replies, thinking that the company wasn't interested in hiring them. But don't give up! While this may be true on some occasions, it is not always the case. With so many people on the job hunt, many companies are bombarded with applications every day. There is a possibility that your resume was lost, forgotten about, or still on the waiting list to be looked at.

Applying for jobs is a process that you need to play an active part in. If the company you applied to has not replied within a week, send a follow up. In your follow up, state who you are and when you first contacted them. If they still don’t respond within the next week, send another follow up. This time, you can include a preview of your work, or elaborate on your skills and why you would be a good fit for the company. While a sending second follow up may seem a bit excessive, in my experience, there has been an instance where my emails were not being received for some reason. After sending a follow up, I was contacted by the company to come in for an interview. At the same time, don't be so persistent to the point where you are contacting the company every other day. Keep in mind that while finding a job may be your top priority, companies are busy with their own agenda.

Follow ups don’t just have to be in the form of emails. You can send a letter in the mail, or even make a visit in person. Letters can add a personalized touch, and going to the company in person can demonstrate your drive and motivation. In my opinion, these options can leave a lasting impression, but would be better utilized later on or in certain circumstances. It also depends on what company you are contacting and how many times you have previously contacted them. We live in a very web-based society, and email is the most efficient and convenient form of contact for both parties. Following up keeps you in the loop on what stage of the hiring process the company you are applying for is in, so don’t forget about this important step of the application process.

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