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Home > Blog > Full Archives > September 2009 > THE FOLLOW-UP: Is it the Missing Link in Your Job Search?
THE FOLLOW-UP: Is it the Missing Link in Your Job Search?

You’ve been on the internet for weeks applying for jobs. But you never hear back from employers. Or maybe you had a great interview last week. You’re anxious to hear about the job, but there hasn’t been a response from the hiring manager.

 What should you do? Follow up with each employer. Find out if the job is still open or if it has been filled. Once you know the situation, you can take one of the following actions: cut your loss and move on; reconnect with the employer about the specific position or others you are qualified for; or request a second interview to reinforce your interest in the position. 

 What should you say in a follow-up? When following up regarding an online application, your message might be something like:

My name is John Jones. I applied for a medical billing clerk position posted on your website on August 15. It is now August 30, and I have not received a response from you. Please let me know if the position is still open, or if the position has been filled. If the position has been filled, I assure you that I’m still interested in working at name of company or organization).

Thank you for time. I would greatly appreciate a response.

When following up regarding an interview, your message might be something like:

Thank you again for interviewing me for the medical billing position at (name of company or organization) on August 15. You thought a hiring decision would be made within two-three weeks. Since that time has passed, I would like to know if the position has been filled. If so, I assure you that I’m still interested in working at (name of company or organization). Please keep my resume on file and contact me for any position for which I’m qualified. If the position is available, I would be happy to come in for a second interview to review my qualifications with you.

Thank you for time. I would greatly appreciate a response.

Why should you follow up? It demonstrates that you are a serious and persistent job seeker. It puts your name in front of people who are responsible for hiring again. It eliminates false hope about jobs that you think are still “possibilities.” You will know that you have done all that you can to reach out to employers. This will give you confidence to be assertive and determined in your job search.

Good luck !

This week's WORKPLACE Wednesday is Résumé Critique. The workshop on October 7 is Job Hunting Tips & Techniques.  Both workshops are in the Skyline Room at the Parkway Central Library at 6:00 p.m.

 

Tags: WORKPLACE

Posted by Paul S. @ 1:37 PM
Comments

Fri, October 02, 2009
You are very true... I was looking for a job for 6 mths and I have to say that my main problem was to cope with that fact that I would not recieve answers, for my Applications... Writing them a follow up would have probably shorted the time to get an employ...
antonia - genoa

Fri, October 02, 2009
You are very true... I was looking for a job for 6 mths and I have to say that my main problem was to cope with that fact that I would not recieve answers, for my Applications... Writing them a follow up would have probably shorted the time to get an employ...
antonia - genoa

Mon, October 05, 2009
That's right. Nice article.
Steve - New York

Mon, October 05, 2009
I've been in charge of hiring a good 15 or so employees over the last two years at the firm that I work at and I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that you should follow-up with anyone you speak with (well, not necessarily the receptionist..I mean anyone you've either exchanged emails with or talked with for more than 2 minutes). You don't need to send a card via mail anymore, but a simple email to the person thanking them for their time/help, recapping in one line what ya'll talked about & setting up when you're going to contact them again (unless it was already discussed, in which case just confirm whatever your 'next steps' are as per your discussion). It helps you by looking professional but more importantly it helps the person hiring you by reminding them about you, your interview and your application. When you're dealing with 200+ resumes for one job position, it gets hard to keep track of applicants you've already seen. Good luck! Cheers, Jeff
Jeff - Denver