Effective Follow-Up Tactics for Job Applicants + How to be a LinkedIn Ninja!
In a recent blog post called Biggest Mistake Job Hunters Make, Second Act’s Robert Pagliarini goes over excerpts from an interview with Tony Beshara, a top job recruiter and author of the new book Unbeatable Resumes. The biggest mistake job hunters make according to Tony? Lack of follow-up.
This career consultant couldn’t agree more!
Tony’s advice is to call your contact, because let’s face it, no one is sitting around waiting to receive your resume. But once you get past Tony’s suggested script of “Robert, this is Tony. I'm a good employee. I'd like to come by and talk to you about it,” are you prepared to keep the discourse going?
What if Robert told you he hadn’t had the chance to read your resume yet? Perhaps you'll say something mind-numbingly enthusiastic like: “Well, I’d love the opportunity to discuss it more when you have the chance!” Please, no.
You have your contact on the phone. Hello, Opportunity! This is the ideal time to summarize your qualifications on the spot. Keep it succinct. “Not a problem Robert! Obviously you know I’m calling because I am very interested in your data center specialist position. What you don’t know is that I have over 15 years of IT experience with specialties in data recovery and visual infrastructure. Having researched your company, I am interested in advancement into your growing enterprise projects and feel I can bring value to your team. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have right now or perhaps we can schedule an interview for later in the week?”
Another tactic for my millennial and recent college grads who might not be as phone interview savvy: Utilize Email or LinkedIn to contact your Hiring Manager or HR. Feel free to steal this Stand Out script!
Hi Kyle,
I recently sent my resume to your company regarding the open position on your community management team. I realize you are quite busy with the recent changes to your forums structure, but I would love the opportunity to schedule a sit down with you and discuss my passion for Company X. Feel free to access my LinkedIn profile here for my online resume as well as testimonials of my work.
I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Jordan Smith
555-555-555
Notice in the above you were not silly enough to suppose that Kyle has time for your resume. Sympathize with the manager’s work load. Secondly, mentioning the product update was also a clever way to demonstrate you have researched the company and understand they are going through some growing pains. Lastly, you put the information Kyle needs to decide if he would like to reply and ask you for an interview right in the body of your message. You should link to a robust LinkedIn profile. If you do not have one (tsk tsk!), attach your resume again. Don’t waste Kyle’s time.
But wait, can’t contact your hiring manager via LinkedIn because you're not connected? Don’t Stress! Simply hit CONNECT with Kyle Jenkins.
Fill out the fields as follows:
1. How Do You Know Kyle?
Select “We’ve Done Business Together” and then select your current position. After all, you’re looking to move from your current position into a position with Kyle right?
2. Create Your Message
Ditch the bland. “I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” (Which you should never be sending to those you don’t know personally anyways!) Try this...
The below script is within LinkedIn’s character limit for connection solicitations.
Hello!
I recently applied for the position on your community management team. I realize you are quite busy, but I would love to sit down & discuss my passion for Company X. Feel free to access my profile for resume & testimonials.
I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Jordan Smith
555-555-555
Obviously this message isn’t as customized as we would like but connecting with the hiring manger via LinkedIn is more effective than an overly verbose follow up e-mail. Particularly if the e-mail you intend to use is the one you sent your resume to. You don’t think that account is being inundated with hundreds of resumes daily since the job posting went up on multiple sites? That’s right, I knew you were smarter than that! You will demonstrate yourself a savvy job applicant by utilizing LinkedIn and chances are your manager is receiving less mail on LinkedIn. (For now!)
I utilized the above LinkedIn tactic and immediately had my resume pulled as well as scheduled my first of five interviews that would garner me a position.
Remember, Audentes Fortuna Iuvat. Fortune Favors the Bold.