Every week, NETSHARE hosts Ask the Coach, a phone-in coaching session with leading career management experts. Here is an excerpt from this week’s session with career transition coach and consultant Randy Block.
This week’s coach call included a lengthy discussion on how to follow up with recruiters and hiring managers. When calling or e-mailing, how often is too often? Should you use the “read receipt” function on your e-mail?
Randy emphasized that networking into a company with a reference is the best way to get connected, but recruiters are still looking for a perfect fit – the square peg for the square hole. Therefore, don’t expect a follow-up call if you are not in the top 10 percent of their match pile.
One caller added that a recruiter recently told him that the electronic noise level has become so high that it’s easy to get lost, even if you are a perfect fit for an opening. It’s important to try something different to get noticed. There has to be something different in a personalized letter, or use a different colored envelope.
Randy pointed out that in the 1970s all recruiters were feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of resumes they received in the mail. Now they are drowning in e-mail. How do you stand out with an e-mail message? Start with the subject line. If you have been referred to the contact, let them know right away. Use a courier service to send a hard copy of your resume, or if you are close and in the mood for a drive, hand-deliver a resume. One caller added that she has tried this approach three or four times with a very positive reaction. You can hand-deliver “thank you” notes as well. Make the receptionist your ally.
How often do you call to follow up? Often! If you send information electronically, call to follow up within 48 hours. Then keep following up every few days. Be sure to always ask about the next steps; when to touch base again. Set up a follow-up call and then follow through.
When do you become a pest? Well that depends. One participant said he couldn’t get a call back from a recruiter after a successful meeting. Randy suggested leaving voice mail every two to three weeks, along with an e-mail follow-up. Try calling at odd times, like 7:30 a.m., 12:30, or between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., when you are likely to catch someone at their desk. You can use the *66 or *67 phone option to hid your caller ID so you won’t be perceived as a pest.
