By Kevin Donlin
The Web is a great place to find and apply for jobs. You can send your
résumé to a dozen companies in just minutes. But what comes next? Is it
just a waiting game, or are there follow-up methods you can use to increase
your response rate?
Steve Kobs, a human resources manager at Hanley-Wood Custom Publishing, a
Minneapolis-based marketing communications firm, offers this advice: "If
you'd like to follow up with a company after submitting your résumé, one
week later is a reasonable time to do it," he says.
And the best way to follow up?
"I prefer e-mail," says Kobs. "If you call me on the phone and ask if we've
made a hiring decision, you put me in an awkward position if I have to tell
you bad news … or if I've forgotten who you are. Candidates who follow up
by e-mail show respect for my time, which I appreciate," he says.
Andrea Hoover, CEO of
JobLynx Online, offers additional
ways to set yourself apart when applying for jobs online.
"First, when submitting résumés online, be sure to use a
professional-looking e-mail address, not the one at work or a cutesy one
like ilikebowling@gutterballs.com."
Her follow-up methods, which are more aggressive than what an HR
professional might suggest, include the following:
- The day after you submit your resume to a company, e-mail them a quick
note asking if they received and were able to read your resume, or if they
require a different format for their database.
- The day after that, print and send a stationery version of your resume by U.S. Mail to the hiring authority, along with a copy to any other company contacts, for review and filing for future opportunities.
- One week after your initial contact, send an e-mail to the hiring
authority inquiring if you can supply any further information not included
in your original resume.
- Finally, around 10 days after your online application, send another
e-mail asking for the phone number of the hiring authority, since you are
considering several other offers. Attach your resume to this e-mail so they
won't need to hunt for it. And ask for a convenient time to contact them
for a brief phone interview.
Whatever method you use, your goal in following up aggressively is to sell
your abilities and experience. Push for the face-to-face interview as soon
as possible. And get that job!
Best of luck to you!
-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days ... or your money back. For more information, please visit
http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/guaranteed-resumes.php
