Following up with employers

Does this situation sound familiar? You're in the market for a new job and after conducting all your research, you send out 20 cover letters and resumes to potential hiring managers. Weeks go by and you wonder why not even one of those hiring managers has called you for an interview. What is the problem? If you want to succeed in finding a new job: follow up, follow up, follow up.
Why Follow Up?
Following up job leads shows employers your interest in the company and position and gives you another chance to sell your abilities and skills. Some job seekers fear sounding desperate or annoying when making follow-up inquiries, but as long as you do it right, you will come across as interested, not desperate.
Tips for Following Up
Here are some useful guidelines to consider before you follow up with prospective employers.
General Tips Always make time to follow up all job leads, no
matter how busy you are. Follow up in a timely fashion -- usually a week to
10 days for regular job-searching, sooner for on line applications. Create a job leads list, so you have a record of your job search and follow-up. If you apply online for a position, consider following up the online application by mailing a cover letter and resume to the hiring manager. You will stand out over the other online applicants because few will also mail their information . Keep your follow-up brief, to the point, and professional .

If you recently completed training, received an award, or earned some other recognition that would make you an even better candidate for the position, be sure to mention it in your follow-up.
Continue following up regularly, but don't overdo it.
When to Follow up In Writing and/or By Phone After you've sent your resume to friends and
acquaintances asking for their support during your job search After you've sent cover letters and resumes to an employer, regardless of whether they have a specific job opening After you've had a networking meeting with someone After every interview When interviewers fail to call as promised After receiving a "rejection letter" for a specific job to let them know you might be interested in other opportunities within the organization
Have
Questions?
There are 53 Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers. Each office is equipped with high-speed Internet.
Go to www.dol.state.ga.us to locate an office near you.
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MARK BUTLER, COMMISSIONER

When to Follow up In Writing and/or By Phone When you've told someone you will send him/her
information When you failed to answer some question
adequately during the interview and want to send a short response in writing When you want to show appreciation to someone for assisting you in your job search by : referring you to someone, providing you with information, or giving you career management advice - even after you've landed a job
Phone Tips
If you are nervous, consider writing a short script about what you want to say.
Keep a copy of your resume nearby in case you need to refer to something on it.
Make the phone call from a place where you can talk without distractions.
Do not follow up from your current place of employment.
Be prepared for a short screening phone interview by practicing answers to common interview questions .
End the conversation by thanking the hiring manager for his/her time and asking about the hiring timetable/next steps. If you are extremely confident, you could ask when you might expect an interview.
E-mail Tips Always address your email to the hiring manager. Keep your email short and to the point. State your
interest in the job and your key qualifications for it. Be sure to spell-check and proofread your email
before sending it. Remember to check your email regularly. Because email is such a one-way communication,
and you don't really know if your email is even being read, consider asking for a phone number so you can then follow up by phone.

Sample Follow-Up Letter to a Job Application
July 15, 2008 Mike Grant (Title) CFX Corporation 21 Independence Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30311 Dear Mr. Grant, I appreciate the time you took yesterday to discuss the Administrative Assistant position you have available. I enjoyed learning more about CFX's products, practices, and internal structure. As you requested, I have enclosed a copy of my resume . I believe my experiences as a receptionist provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out the responsibilities and duties of an administrative assistant. Additionally, you mentioned needing someone to assist you with training preparation and demonstration materials. I have completed and mastered tutorials provided by Lee's Programming that demonstrate my computer
software skills. These skills are transferable and will enable me to assist
where needed. I would enjoy an opportunity to meet with you face-to-face to discuss my qualifications and background further. I look forward to hearing from you the first week of August as you indicated . Sincerely, Jane Doe JD enclosure
Following Up with Employers Websites
www.quintcareers.com www.jobstar.com www.employmentspot.com
DOL-4444 (R-4/11)

Visit our website at www.dol.state.ga.us
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary Aids & Services are Available Upon Request to Individuals with Disabilities