One of the most frustrating experiences job seekers tell me they run into is trying to follow up with potential employers after going through an in-person job interview.
The problem, even if they do manage to capture someone’s attention for a few moments, is that too often they get only vague answers that tell them nothing about whether they will get the job. They can’t find out if someone else was hired – or even if no decision will be made for a while.
What’s a job seeker to do? Is it possible to get through this barbed wire barrier?
Here’s where you begin: “You should ask about how to follow up at the end of the job interview – but most people don’t even ask,” said Ford R. Myers, president of Career Potential, a career consulting firm in Haverford, Pa. “What I have found is that more than 50 percent of the time, if you ask, you get an answer,” Myers said.
Among the reasons you may never hear back, according to Myers, is that there often are thousands of applicants for one job, especially through the Internet. What’s more, there are fewer job openings and “companies no longer have the manpower or time to maintain this etiquette anymore. So don’t take it personally.”
Instead, there are some things you can do to position yourself to get a response, according to the career expert.
“Have a follow-up strategy before the interview – set the stage for an effective follow-up,” said Myers. “Then, confirm the next steps before the interview is over. Next, follow up promptly, within 24 hours. Remember, every follow-up letter is a chance to build your value.”
He says to “be persistent but not a pest. Call about once a week for one month.”
If you still are getting no response, “leverage your outside resources,” advised Myers. “If you know people outside of the company who know the executives of the company, ask them to put in a good word for you.”
And if none of this works, don’t be upset.
“Accept rejection gracefully,” said the career consultant. “You can’t force the employer to hire you. But turn defeat into a potential victory and be the best back-up candidate they have.
“There’s always a chance you might still get an offer,” he said.
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