Getting Hired: Job Search Communication and the Art of Follow Up

Before you land an interview, there are a few communication-related things you should keep in mind:

• – Voicemail
  Make sure that your voicemail is set up and that your mailbox isn’t full. Your outgoing message should be short and professional. Here’s an example:
  
  “Hi, you’ve reached the voicemail of Tony Stark. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message. I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.”
  
  
• – Answering the Phone
  Do not answer your phone if you know you will not be able to give the person on the other end your undivided attention. It’s okay to let a call go to voicemail.
  
  
• – Email
  Your email communication with a potential employer should always be professional. Use grammar and spell check before you send an email. Only provide information that is requested and always acknowledge that you received the original email.
  
  Important note: make sure that you have a professional email address. You may consider having an email address solely dedicated to your job search. 

You just finished up an interview – now what? The phrase “out of sight, out of mind” definitely applies to job searching, especially after you owned that interview! Part of leaving a lasting impression on your potential employer is appropriately following up after the interview.

During an interview, ask about the next steps and the timeline for filling the position. This will help you develop a timeframe for your follow up. 

• – Thank You Note
  A handwritten note should be your first form of follow up. Hire Heroes USA recommends writing a note to every person you interview with. Thank you notes should be mailed within 24 hours after your interview. Here’s an example from Nicole Cavazos at ZipRecruiter:
  
  Hi [Interviewer Name],
  Thank you so much for meeting with me today. After learning more about the position, I’m very excited for the opportunity to join your team and help [create world-class marketing campaigns, inspire prospective clients, increase revenue, etc.] for [Company Name].
  
  I know my years of experience of working on [web development, copywriting, sales, etc.] would greatly benefit your company. Please keep me posted on the status of the hiring process. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
  
  Warm regards,
  [Your Name]
•  
• – Staying in Touch
  As more time passes, additional follow up can feel uncomfortable. However, it is important to convey your continued interest in the position. Send a short email to your contact person, close to the deadline that was established during the interview. Don’t assume that you didn’t get the job once that deadline has passed – timelines can change! Here’s an example of a follow-up note:
  
  Hi (Interviewer),
  I hope all’s well! During my interview, you mentioned that you were hoping to finalize your decision for the Project Manager position by the end of this week. I am excited to hear when you have an update. Please let me know if there’s anything I can provide to assist you in your decision-making process.
  
  Sincerely,
  [Your Name]

The key is to remain professional, diligent, and show a genuine interest in the position you’re trying to land. There are tons of resources out there to assist you in this process. Hire Heroes USA is equipped to address all the various steps in the job search process. Click here to get a Transition Specialist to help guide you to your dream job.

Written by Tyler Hoskins, Hire Heroes USA Transition Specialist