Career Corner: What to do after the interview
You've sent out your resume and covering letter in response to that ad for your dream job and are now wondering just what is going on with your application. Why haven't they called you to arrange an interview?
Well, all too often, we put all our eggs into one basket and effectively eliminate ourselves from other job competitions waiting to hear from a certain employer. Taking charge by following up on your application will enhance your job search and is a sure way to get on the employer's radar.
Unless an employer has declared telephone contact off limits, a simple, polite follow-up call to check your status is a crucial part of the process. It's not worth sending out resumes unless you're prepared to follow-up.
Here are some steps to follow:
1. Make sure that you always personally address your covering letter to the hiring manager or to a person you know within the organization. Employers are looking for candidates who go the extra mile...so form letters addressed to “Whom it May Concern” are definitely out. Take the time to find out who you should be writing to and explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position you are applying for. It also makes the task of following up on your resume easier if you have the name of the employer.
2. Give the employer a call approximately four-to-six working days after you have sent your resume. A call is usually better than making a personal visit, as that may be more of an imposition than a welcomed interruption. Prepare exactly what you intend to say to the employer. Be polite and courteous. Get over the fear of being rejected and be positive. Don't let voice mail catch you off-guard either, prepare what you want to say and leave those details in your message.
3. Identify yourself and ask the employer if they have a few minutes to talk with you. Use your call as an opportunity to make a good first impression. Get right to the point by asking them if they've received your resume and had a chance to review it. This will provide an opportunity to begin discussion with them.
4. Be patient. It sometimes takes longer than you think for a company to sift through applications and be sensitive to the fact that the employer's timetable is different than your own. If they have not reviewed your resume, suggest you will return the call in a few days, and thank them for their time.
5. If responding to an advertised position, politely ask the employer is they have short-listed for interviews or if they have any questions for you regarding your qualifications to do the job. Be prepared to provide answers and don't be fooled by thinking this is not a preliminary interview. Your ultimate goal at this point is to impress upon the employer your knowledge, skills and readiness for work. At the same time you are creating the opportunity for a future interview.
6. Graciously accept whatever response you receive. If you haven't been selected for an interview, then ask the employer if they anticipate any future openings. If so, when? Will they reconsider you or do you need to reapply? Does your resume stay on file, and if so, for how long? Ask if you can contact them again in the next month or so, if you are stilling looking, to see if any new positions have developed.
7. Close by thanking the employer for their time and by asking for some advice. Everyone loves to give advice, especially if asked! Ask if they could recommend anyone who might be looking for a person with your skills…as this may result in a new networking opportunity for you.
8. Remember to keep a record of who you sent resumes to, when you spoke with them and any other pertinent follow-up information for the future.
By following up on the progress your application is making through a company, you have demonstrated your initiative and made it onto that employer's radar. Knowing the outcome of your application will also allow you to concentrate your efforts on other companies or aspects of your job search.
Need assistance in your Job Search? Why not drop by the Career Services office located in Room F2010 for a copy of one of our job search booklets, which contain helpful hints on creating your resume and conducting a positive job search. The Career Services staff are available to assist you on an individual basis. Visit the office in F2010 to arrange an appointment with the consultant responsible for your program or call 519 452-4294. For Fanshawe student job listings visit www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices.
Well, all too often, we put all our eggs into one basket and effectively eliminate ourselves from other job competitions waiting to hear from a certain employer. Taking charge by following up on your application will enhance your job search and is a sure way to get on the employer's radar.
Unless an employer has declared telephone contact off limits, a simple, polite follow-up call to check your status is a crucial part of the process. It's not worth sending out resumes unless you're prepared to follow-up.
Here are some steps to follow:
1. Make sure that you always personally address your covering letter to the hiring manager or to a person you know within the organization. Employers are looking for candidates who go the extra mile...so form letters addressed to “Whom it May Concern” are definitely out. Take the time to find out who you should be writing to and explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position you are applying for. It also makes the task of following up on your resume easier if you have the name of the employer.
2. Give the employer a call approximately four-to-six working days after you have sent your resume. A call is usually better than making a personal visit, as that may be more of an imposition than a welcomed interruption. Prepare exactly what you intend to say to the employer. Be polite and courteous. Get over the fear of being rejected and be positive. Don't let voice mail catch you off-guard either, prepare what you want to say and leave those details in your message.
3. Identify yourself and ask the employer if they have a few minutes to talk with you. Use your call as an opportunity to make a good first impression. Get right to the point by asking them if they've received your resume and had a chance to review it. This will provide an opportunity to begin discussion with them.
4. Be patient. It sometimes takes longer than you think for a company to sift through applications and be sensitive to the fact that the employer's timetable is different than your own. If they have not reviewed your resume, suggest you will return the call in a few days, and thank them for their time.
5. If responding to an advertised position, politely ask the employer is they have short-listed for interviews or if they have any questions for you regarding your qualifications to do the job. Be prepared to provide answers and don't be fooled by thinking this is not a preliminary interview. Your ultimate goal at this point is to impress upon the employer your knowledge, skills and readiness for work. At the same time you are creating the opportunity for a future interview.
6. Graciously accept whatever response you receive. If you haven't been selected for an interview, then ask the employer if they anticipate any future openings. If so, when? Will they reconsider you or do you need to reapply? Does your resume stay on file, and if so, for how long? Ask if you can contact them again in the next month or so, if you are stilling looking, to see if any new positions have developed.
7. Close by thanking the employer for their time and by asking for some advice. Everyone loves to give advice, especially if asked! Ask if they could recommend anyone who might be looking for a person with your skills…as this may result in a new networking opportunity for you.
8. Remember to keep a record of who you sent resumes to, when you spoke with them and any other pertinent follow-up information for the future.
By following up on the progress your application is making through a company, you have demonstrated your initiative and made it onto that employer's radar. Knowing the outcome of your application will also allow you to concentrate your efforts on other companies or aspects of your job search.
Need assistance in your Job Search? Why not drop by the Career Services office located in Room F2010 for a copy of one of our job search booklets, which contain helpful hints on creating your resume and conducting a positive job search. The Career Services staff are available to assist you on an individual basis. Visit the office in F2010 to arrange an appointment with the consultant responsible for your program or call 519 452-4294. For Fanshawe student job listings visit www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices.
