top 10 mistakes - #7 job interview follow up

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Top 10 Mistakes

Job Interview Follow Up

By: Bill Hollandwww.mandrake.ca/bill

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Introduction

• Follow up. Follow up. Follow up. This nugget of advise applies throughout your job search in relation to any number of events, from self-assessment to connecting with others. Follow up with yourself regularly to assess and reassess your objectives and your progress. Follow up with your network to maintain and build relationships. And of course, follow up after job interviews to reinforce your interest in the position and demonstrate your professionalism. Clearly, following up is an all-important activity that serves a number of purposes, and yet, it’s remarkable how many people don’t manage it effectively at all. You want to stand out by CONTINUING to follow up in an appropriate manner.


#10 – Not Requesting Feedback

• Use your follow up communications as a learning opportunity. You might get a cliché response, or you might get some feedback to help you improve your game. Take advantage of this whenever you can.

• ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job.I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources.Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com


#9 – Using The Wrong Format

• When using written communication to follow up, you should do so by email unless otherwise requested. It’s more convenient and timely than sending a letter by post.



#8 – Bypassing The Recruiter

• When working with a recruiter, don’t follow up directly with the employer (with the exception of a thank you note after the interview). Respect your recruiter, and don’t bypass them in the hiring process.



#7 – Not Following Up With Yourself

• Check in with yourself from time to time. Hold yourself accountable for following through with your commitments to others, and to yourself.



#6 – Getting Defensive

• Don’t express discontent when you receive negative feedback. If you get defensive you will be perceived as a bad sport, so always be gracious and professional, even when receiving bad news.



#5 – Pestering

• Following up is essential, but don’t overdo it. Be appropriate in your communications in both content and timing. If you’re not getting a response from the other person, at some point you have to make the decision to move on.



#4 – Drawing Attention To Weaknesses

• Although you might want to clarify something in follow up communications, beware not to focus on anything negative. Reiterate your interest and move forward, rather than dwell on things past.



#3 – Not Following Up Voice To Voice

• Whenever it’s appropriate to do so, follow up with a phone call. Voice to voice communication is much richer and more dynamic than email, so don’t hesitate to pick the phone when following up.



#2 – Not Being Timely

• Following up promptly demonstrates professionalism. It indicates your interest, and communicates to the other person on how they might proceed. Again, later is better than never, so don’t put it off any longer.



#1 – Failing To Do It

• Not following up is a true miss. Late is better than never, so if you’re embarrassed on how much time has passed, simply apologize and try to make amends by staying in more regular contact going forward.


top 10 mistakes - #7 job interview follow up

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