The Art of Following Up
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One of the most important components in a job search is the interview follow up; yet it is one of the most overlooked and uncertain parts of the process. While many job seekers recognize this to be a critical step, many fear it because they don’t know what to say or, worse, don’t want to be a nuisance. To conquer your fear of making that call, consider shifting the way you think about it.



If you view your follow-up call as part of your first project for this new position, then it becomes clear why the step has to be taken. As a job seeker, your intent should be to showcase your reliability as a potential employee and that, given the opportunity, you will perform all the necessary components of your project to successful completion. The employer will see you as a person who takes the initiative to follow through and complete the project: a true asset. If your intent is to present yourself as a strong candidate who will get things done, making the follow-up call is essential.



To ensure that your calls are productive, be sure to identify to whom you should make the follow-up call before leaving your interview.



Often, the employer hasn’t made a decision by the time you make your first follow-up call. To avoid being a nuisance, ask about the time-frame he or she is working with, and then ask permission to call again. Be sure to state when they can expect to hear from you. If the decision process takes longer than expected, rather than considering these calls as pestering the employer, consider that many of the candidates will fall out, and you will be one of the few strong contenders left standing.



When you think of the follow-up call as a necessary step in your job search, your uncertainty will dissipate and your confidence will shine through.