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Job Search Follow-Up… Is It Really Necessary?

Navigating the job search process can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to remember all the steps to take when applying for a role. However, there are some steps that you definitely don’t want to miss when searching for a job. In fact, remembering manners that you were taught as a child can help differentiate you from the competition. Following up on your job application and after an interview can distinguish you and help you stand out as a candidate. After all, a thank you goes a long way both personally and professionally.    

Think about the last time that you invested time doing something for someone else. This could be cooking dinner for your family, mentoring another person, opening the door for someone, or volunteering your time to help someone else. When these activities are met with gratitude from the recipient, you feel happy to have helped. The same goes for the job process. A recruiter, hiring manager, or HR professional has invested time in your application, and while you might think this is part of their role (and it is!), they still appreciate when you express gratitude for their efforts - and it makes you stand out.

A thank you note goes a long way, but this is just one form of follow-up during the job search process. Keep reading to find out how appropriate follow-up during your job search helps you stand out as a candidate. If you struggle with how and why to use follow-up, the experts at The Wilbanks Consulting Group are happy to partner with you.  

When & How to Follow-Up

There are different strategies to follow-up during your job search.  Here are a few proven tips that the career consultants at The Wilbanks Consulting Group give to all of their job-seeking clients:

• Always Be Networking - Networking should occur continuously during your job search (and even after you land your dream job!). HubSpot says that 85% of roles are found through networking, so you can’t afford not to network. Following-up with your network can be as easy as setting a goal to check-in with 2-3 people each week. If you need help developing a networking strategy, reach out to The Wilbanks Consulting Group.

• Do A Status Check - Once you have applied for a role, it is vital to follow-up on the status. If you have not received an immediate confirmation of your application, check-in with the hiring manager or recruiter within 48 hours to ensure they received the application. However, if you received an automatic confirmation, the best practice is to wait two weeks before following up.  

  If you are actively looking for a role and are applying to several jobs, make sure you develop a tracking spreadsheet to record all information about the job posting and your activity. And don’t forget to download a copy of the job description - oftentimes, the job posting is removed before interviews start, and you will want to make sure you can review the job responsibilities before your interview.

• Send An Interview Thank You - According to CareerBuilder, hiring managers are much more likely to hire someone who sends a thank you note after an interview. However, 57% of job seekers do not send a thank-you note as follow-up to an interview. This means that taking the time to send a quick thank-you will definitely help you stand out in a positive light amongst the competition. 

  When writing your thank you note, be concise, but also express your interest in the role. Highlight what you will bring to the role and how you will add value to the organization. You want to paint yourself in a positive light, as this is another interaction with the key decision maker. Additionally, if you participated in a group interview, or interviewed with several stakeholders, make sure that you take the time to write individual notes to each person. This shows respect and is a more personal approach that can reap job-securing benefits.   

Techniques for Follow-Up During the Job Search

Depending on where you are in the job search process, you will want to pick the most appropriate technique to follow-up. All forms of communication have pros and cons, so choose the best method based on your personal situation. 

• Email - Email is quick, easy, and efficient and some consider it to be the most professional way to follow-up. While it can be seen as less personal than other communication techniques, it ensures that your message makes it to the right person. It can also easily be used during all stages of the job search process - whether you are checking in on the status of your application, sending a thank you note, or following up with a networking contact.    

• Handwritten letter - While a handwritten letter takes longer to write and send, it leaves a positive impression of you. It seems more personal than an email, since it took more effort to write and send. It also leaves the hiring manager with a physical object. If you do choose to send a handwritten note, especially as a thank you note, make sure to send it quickly, as it will take longer to receive than an email.

• Phone Call - A phone call is perhaps the most personal communication technique, and some see it as too invasive. However, some candidates still prefer the personal benefits of a phone call. You are able to hear voice inflection and pick-up on cues that might not come across in an email response. If you do choose to follow-up with a phone call, Indeed recommends that you call during the afternoon, as opposed to the morning, as workloads are typically a bit lighter in the afternoon. 

Need Help Navigating the Job Search Process?

Navigating the job search process can be overwhelming, but The Wilbanks Consulting Group is happy to come alongside and partner with you to make it more manageable. From mapping out a Job Search Strategy to crafting the perfect resume, LinkedIn profile, or preparing you for an interview, we would be delighted to coach you through the process. And we can even coach you through the nuances of following-up! Reach out for a free 30-minute consultation today.