How To Follow Up On All Contacts
If you are still in the job search process, it is extremely
important to follow up on all contacts. It is not good to just
sit and wait for results to come pouring in when you think that
you've already done your part because your contact information
has been distributed.
Consider two men applying for a prime position at a company.
After the interview, the first applicant just sits around
waiting to hear from his prospective employer.
On the other hand, the second applicant distributes his contact
information to some people that he met in the company.
Furthermore, applicant number two does a follow-up on the
results of the job interview a few days later. The first
applicant has not been heard from, because he just relies on the
basic "We'll call you" routine. Who do you think will have a
greater chance of getting the job?
Even though the first applicant is more qualified, since he did
not follow up or even send a thank you note to the interviewer,
in the end, he does not get the job.
If you are still waiting for that job offer and you do not
follow up on your contacts, your chances of getting hired become
slimmer. In business, following up on all of your contacts is a
sure-fire way to spread the word about you, your business sense
and expanding your horizons.
If you are still looking for a job, here are some tips on how to
follow up on your contacts:
* Send a thank you note right after the interview, ideally after
a couple of days. This is a way of getting the prospective
employer to hear from you again. Should you not get hired for
the current position that they offer, someone from that company
will likely keep your information on file for future
consideration.
* Make sure that you leave your mobile and landline number,
e-mail address and home address so that prospective employers
will have no excuse of not getting in touch with you.
* Be accurate in getting the contact information of perspective
employers. In return, when you place their information on any
letter that you send out (i.e. resumes, thank you notes) avoid
typographical errors and make sure that you have their names
correct, to see to it that everything is in order.
* Some companies do take a look at your character references so
alert the people on your list that they might receive a call
from your prospective employers.
* Always be on the positive side. Should you not get hired for a
particular position, you may ask the people from that company
for referrals to other companies or at least keep you in mind
for future hiring.
If you are currently in business, whether you are just starting
out or in the midst of expanding, you also need to make sure to
follow up on all important contacts. For example, you go to a
corporate event and you have distributed a lot of business
cards. Do not stop there. These people might eventually bring
big business to your company so it is important to build up a
strong business relationship with them.
Here are some tips on following up on your contacts if you are
already in business:
* Send thank you notes to current and future customers. This
rule does not just apply to people applying for a job. This is
much more helpful for those who are already in business, as a
simple thank you note would remind customers of which company
they are dealing with and your brand name will be imprinted on
their minds. This practice should send more business your way.
* Send follow up messages. If you are in sales, it is good to
follow up on existing buyers who are most likely to purchase
your products again.
You might also want to personalize any correspondence that you
send out as this leaves the customers feeling as if they know
you personally. This should lead you to earning their trust,
which in turn leaves the customer feeling secure that you are
handling efficiently whatever business it is that they throw
your way.
* Make sure that you follow up swiftly and promptly. The rule of
thumb is to reply fast, fast, fast. Whether it is a solution to
a problem or sending out an order or replying to a letter,
responding quickly to a customer is the easiest way for them to
think of you and your company in a positive way.