Resume Followup Tips
Thank you Notes
According to a recent survey, less than 20% of applicants write a thank you note after an interview. Of the recruiters surveyed, 94% said that a thank you letter would increase the applicant's chances of getting the job, or at least help him/her stay in the running, provided the applicant is otherwise qualified. Fifteen minutes of your time and a first class postage stamp are very inexpensive investments in your career!
Thank you letters simply thank the interviewer for his or her time and reiterate some of the important things you learned about the company in the interview. Add some key qualifications that you forgot to mention in the interview, or emphasize some of the more important things you discussed. If the interviewer shared some information that gave you an insight into the company and its culture, mention how much you appreciated it.
A thank you letter should be short -- three paragraphs at the most. Don't try for the hard sell. You had your chance in the interview. The thank you letter just reinforces what you have already said.
Follow up Tips
Many executives and hiring managers are busy. They may have failed to select and notify candidates within one or even two months of posting an employment ad. Don't let this deter you. If you applied for a job, follow up. Make them tell you they rejected you. Never assume they did.
A short follow up letter mailed 3 weeks after submitting a resume will differentiate you from other candidates and suggest to hiring managers that you are unusually interested in the position. A good follow up letter will:
- Remind the employer of your resume.
- Express your continued interest in the position.
- Help you stand out from other applicants.