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Articles
How to Ask for a Raise
Follow these three simple steps to negotiate a higher level of pay in your
current job. 1. Get Ready - Before marching into your boss’s office,
arm yourself with some critical information. Start by doing ... Read
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Networking: Key to a Successful Job Search
No matter how popular and how easy it is to apply for jobs online, the vast
majority of people still find jobs the old-fashioned way: by talking to people
they know and making personal connections to people who can ... Read
more
Rev Up Your Resume: Expert Secrets to Add Power,
Punch, and Personality
There’s no doubt about it, your resume is an important tool in your job
search. It is a door-opener that can lead to interviews and job offers. Often
it’s your first chance to make a positive impression on people who can give
you advice, assistance, and ... Read more
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How and When to Follow Up During Your Job Search
Every job seeker on the planet has experienced the agony of waiting to hear – about
a job, an interview, a key contact, a next step in the selection process. These
guidelines will help you minimize the waiting without antagonizing your contacts.
- Set the expectation. At the end of every meeting, clarify
the next step and the expectation for follow-up. “Great, I’ll
look forward to your call on Friday. If I don’t hear from you, may
I check in on Monday?” With this approach, you’ll feel confident
on Monday that your call won’t be viewed as intrusive.
- Keep the ball in your court. Whenever possible, rather
than waiting for someone else to take action, take the initiative
to pursue a contact or expedite a process. Busy executives will appreciate
it, and you’ll be assured that progress is being made toward your important
goal of finding a new job. For example, if a network contact promises to
pass your résumé on to a colleague, you might say, “I know you’re
busy, so I’ll be glad to save you a step and get in touch
directly. May I use your name?”
- Don’t be demanding. No matter how impatient, frustrated,
or angry at a lack of response, never let negative emotions show
in a voice mail, email, or person-to-person message. If your contacts feel
uncomfortable when hearing from you, they’ll be less and less inclined
to take your calls.
- Follow up with a purpose. You can simply call
to follow up on a prior message or letter, but why not find a better
reason to get in touch with your contact. Can you supply a bit of information
on a topic you discussed? Share a news story or an idea? Refer
him or her to someone who can help with a specific problem? With this approach,
you’ll
call with confidence.
- Never ask for something your contacts can’t give. Remember,
you want your call to be cordial, friendly, helpful, and professional
at all times. If you ask for something your contacts can’t give, such
as a job, they’ll feel guilty and uncomfortable when hearing
from you.
And what about the protocol for following up when you haven’t had a
meeting or even a conversation? You’ve sent your résumé in response to
an ad, and now you want to know if you’re in the running. Here is a strategy
for this kind of follow-up call.
- Try calling early or late in the day (before 8 am and
after 5 pm) to improve the odds that your quarry will pick up the phone.
- Leave a polished, positive message. Practice in advance
so you can perform beautifully whether you reach a live voice or get routed
to voice mail. Preparation will boost your confidence in making these difficult
but critical follow-up calls.
- Don’t leave your number or ask your target to call you
back. Sounds
contradictory, doesn’t it? But remember, you want to keep the burden
off your contact and the ball in your court. Instead, leave a brief message
and indicate you’ll call back “tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.” Then
be sure you call precisely as promised, and repeat the process until (a)
you give up; (b) you reach your target; or (c) your target calls you. (This
happens much more often than you think, even if you didn’t leave
your number.)
- Decide how many times you’ll follow up before giving up. For
many job seekers, once is more than enough. But chances are, your target
is simply busy, and returning your call never reaches the top of the “to
do” list. Consider persisting for four or five times, leaving a brief
message each time, before you give up.
Most importantly, when calling any contact during your job search have a
clear message about who you are, the value you offer, why you’re calling,
and how (specifically) they can help you. This clarity will help your contacts
to help you as best they can and will give you confidence when you pick up
the phone. And that’s half the battle, ensuring that you approach your
calls with an upbeat tone and a positive attitude.
Marty Weitzman, NCRW, CPBS, IJCTC, CPRW
Gilbert Résumés
800-967-3846
For further information please contact
Gilbert Resumes
A Career Network Company
resumepro@gmail.com
800-967-3846
Fax: 732-536-4429
With an Expert Résumé Writer as your "career growth partner,"
success is just an e-mail or phone call away.
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