People Don’t Fully Follow Up When Job Searching
<p><strong>Boston — April 12</strong><br />Although 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, a Boston-based outplacement and coaching firm.<br /><br />“Although most people send thank-you letters, e-mails, or note cards after a personal interview, many job-seekers fail to follow up on at least one of the other processes integral to successful employment searches,” said Annie Stevens, ClearRock managing partner.<br /> <br />With college and high school graduations coming up, this is prime time for job-hunting. Job-seekers should be following up after:<br /></p><ul><li>A personal interview</li><li>A telephone interview</li><li>An informational interview</li><li>A networking meeting</li><li>Receiving a call from an executive recruiter</li><li>Receiving a reference for a position</li><li>Sending a cover letter and a resume directly to a potential employer</li></ul><p>Handwritten thank-you notes often will create the best and most lasting impression. </p><p>“It's rare that someone sends you a handwritten communication in a business environment, so handwritten notes and letters will be remembered better,” Stevens said.<br /><br />But thank-yous do not necessarily have to be handwritten — or even written on paper. </p><p>Some people are uncomfortable with sending handwritten notes, especially after a job interview. </p><p>“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." </p><p>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. </p><p>Job-seekers most often fail to follow up after submitting resumes to potential employers. </p><p>“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,” Stevens said.</p>
