Kamis, 09 Desember 2010

How to Make a Follow up Call after a Job Interview

By Ian Phillips


You just finished a job application interview. You are pleased with the way you handled yourself and that voice inside you assures you that you have made it. The people who handled your interview told you that they would call you soon. Unfortunately, you did not hear from them. You were very disappointed. And what's worse, things like this are constantly happening. Just remember: Companies can display improper etiquette just like people. It's not good, but it is common.

Cheryl was happy with her interview on Tuesday. She knew that she did very well with the interview. She even thought that it was just appropriate to send a thank you letter. The company representative told her that the results of her interview will come out by the end of the week, but it's already Friday-- and she still did not receive any calls. By this time, she is already having doubts if she would even receive any. She started asking herself, Is it okay for me to call and ask about my interview? Or should I just wait over the weekend?

Cheryl wanted peace of mind, so she asked her cousin Gloria for advice. Cheryl's cousin was a HR manager who worked for a different company. Gloria encouraged Cheryl to inquire about her job application. She also told Cheryl to inquire on Tuesday because it is always inappropriate to inquire on Mondays -- companies are busy gearing up for the week.

That Tuesday, Cheryl made ample preparations for her follow up call. She wrote a script of what she was about to say so that she would sound confident on the line. After dialing, she heard a voice mail and left this message:

"Hello! My name is Cheryl Jones. I was able to meet with you last Tuesday when you scheduled my job interview. I would like to inquire about my job application and if you still think I'm qualified for the position. It will be great if you contact me today at 333-999-8888. Thank you!"

If a company does not call you back as promised, it is okay to get back to them and leave them a message. Do not call unless you are ready. Make sure that you sound professional and polite. Explain to the company representative that you need to know the status of your application before you consider other opportunities because their company is your best option. Try to follow-up once until the third time. If they still do not respond, consider your application to be denied. Otherwise you will just seem annoying to them.

When you call, it is possible that someone might take your call. When you get this opportunity, make the most of it, and ask about your interview. There are times when the person on the end of the line will show their concern and offer advice. Make sure that you show your gratitude because things like that do not happen often.

Applicants are always curious to know the status of their application and employers realize this fact. Some bosses just wait for the proper time to let the candidates know about the results. However, other employers keep applicants hanging even if they already set a certain date to announce the results. Consider this fact when deciding to pursue a career with this employer. The best thing to do is to continue searching for other jobs while you wait for the application results.




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