Searching for a job is an obstacle in life that most don’t enjoy. And like most tasks that we don’t enjoy, it can be one that we don’t put enough effort into. It’s like a parent telling their child to eat one more bite of broccoli so that they can get up from the table. There might be five bites left of broccoli but the kid takes one bit so they can be done. Taking five bites of broccoli might be hard work for the child if they do not like the taste, however, there are many healthy benefits that come with it.
I see the job search as similar. Looking for a job, you can do the minimum and possibly get a job from it. But this is not the norm. You might search the web for a few job postings; apply for a few jobs by sending in your resume and maybe even a cover letter. However, I believe this is like taking one bite of broccoli when you should have taken five. You did some job searching, which is a great start, but you didn’t do everything you could for your success.
So what are you missing from the job search if you searched, sent in resumes and sent in cover letters? Well, there are a whole host of things you can do to increase your chances, and I will write more about some of them in another posting; however, there is one tool in the job search that is often overlooked and is very important: Following-up.
After you have applied for a job, you need to follow up. This is done by going to the place of business and simply introducing yourself. You are putting a face to a name. In a day in age where so much is done over the Internet, nothing has yet been invented which can fill the shoes of a good old handshake and introduction. Following-up allows an employer to see that you are interested in the job, you are dedicated enough to plan time in your day to come by and introduce yourself, and it gives you an opportunity to present yourself professionally.
So you might be asking yourself, what do I say when I follow up? Try using the following statement:
“Hello, my name is Andrew and I applied for the human resources position that you had posted on your website. I wanted to come down and introduce myself and let you know that I am very interested in working here.”
Most business’ will thank you for coming in and will keep it short and sweet. This is ok. The point is that you took time to follow up. It can be the difference between being considered for the job or not. Is this a surefire way to get a job? No. Nothing is. But it most likely will help. Follow up on the job– its good for you.
– Andrew Goria
Associate