June 6, 2011
This guest blog comes courtesy of our friend Kathy Ullrich who shares the importance of following-up after an interview. Please check out Kathy’s excellent website, GettingtotheTop.com.
Follow-up is critical in job search!
In a recent panel discussion in front of alumni career services professionals, Diana Longarzo, VP Global Strategy and Business Development with Walt Disney Interactive Group, said, “Send a thank you—promptly—to all the people you met during interviews.” She further added, “I will stop the interview process and wait until I get a thank you.” In absence of a thank you, the prospect is out.
That shows follow-up’s importance in the form of a thank you email or letter. Follow-up is also required after networking events.
Onus falls on the job seeker or information seeker. Alumni, friends, and colleagues give generously in the form of, “Give me a call when you need my help…” because most often the person requiring assistance does not follow up. Take the person up on their offer and share a specific way they can help you.
In general, follow-up demonstrates your organization, initiative and interest. A thank-you email or letter also conveys courtesy.
Here are a few quick tips on following up with a thank you email or letter:
- Summarize your discussion or a highlight from your meeting so they remember you
- Reinforce your value and answer any open issues
- Show your passion and interest in the job
- Keep it short
- Send a letter rather than email if someone went above the call of duty (e.g. paying for lunch when you invited them to an informational interview)
- Send thank you emails or letters promptly (within 24 hours is best)
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[...] Resolve to have excellent follow-up. Whether it’s a thank you email, a phone call, or a thank you note. Make sure you’re thanking people for their time. It’s sometimes more important than you think. [...]