The document discusses the importance of following up with employers after an interview or applying for a job. It defines following up as making additional contact with an employer. There are several types of follow up covered, including handwritten notes, emails, phone calls, and connecting on LinkedIn. Tips are provided for each type of follow up, such as personalizing notes or emails and obtaining contact details. The key benefits of following up are that it shows interest, keeps applicants top of mind, stands out from other candidates as most do not follow up, and improves chances of getting a job offer. Questions about career services are provided at the end.
2. Following Up-What is it?
Making additional contact with an employer after
meeting them, applying for a position, or interviewing
with them.
3. Different Types of Follow Up
• Hand written note
• Email
• Phone Call
• Social Networking-LinkedIn
4. Hand Written Note
• Appropriate when you have more than 3 days
before a hiring decision is made.
• If sending to multiple people within the same
organization, try to personalize each one to each
specific recipient.
• Bring a blank, pre stamped note with you to the
interview, while the information is fresh so you
can send it out right away.
5. Sample of a Hand Written Note
• Use a “Thank You” note
with simple and
professional font on
the cover.
• Use black or blue
ink pen.
• Make sure to thank the
employer for their time
and also mention the
position you applied for and briefly discuss your qualifications.
6. Email
• Appropriate to send if a hiring decision is going
to be made quickly.
• If sending to multiple people, send each email
individually. Don’t “cc”.
• Be sure to send from an appropriate email
address.
7. Sample Follow Up Email
• Thank the employer for their time, and make sure to mention the position
you applied for. Briefly mention your qualifications, and express your
interest in the position.
8. Phone Call
• Make sure you are in a quiet place with limited
background noise.
• Write down what you want to say ahead of time.
• Don’t call multiple times. If there isn’t an
answer, leave a voicemail.
9. What to Say in a Follow Up Phone Call
• After an interview:
▫ State the basics (name, date of interview, position of interest)
▫ Say thank you for the interview opportunity
▫ Inquire “What is the next step in the hiring process?”
• After an application:
▫ Again, state the basics (your name and position of interest)
▫ Inquire if your application has been received and if it is complete (“Is
there any other information you require?”)
▫ Express interest in the position and ask, “Is there a convenient time that
we could schedule an interview?”
▫ Make sure to get the name and contact information of the employer, as
well as the specific location of the interview.
10. Social Media
• Primarily focus on LinkedIn
• Make sure that your picture is professional, and
content is appropriate
• Don’t just add them as a connection, include a
personalized note reminding them of how they
know you
11. LinkedIn Connection Example
• Select how you know the
person you are connecting
with.
• Create a brief and personalized
message. State where you met the
person, and why you would like
to connect with them.
• On-going follow up is key! After
connecting via LinkedIn, continue
to follow up and network with them.
12. When Following Up, Do:
• Ask the interviewer when a hiring decision will
be made
• Obtain the correct names, job titles and contact
information for the people that interviewed you
• Use follow up to show your enthusiasm for the
position
• Send out ASAP after you meet
13. When Following Up, Don’t:
• Ever have any errors (error free is key!)
• Stop job hunting-even if you are confident
• Burn any bridges if you don’t get a job offer
• Be overly arrogant
14. Why Follow Up?
• Shows your interest in the position
• Keeps you fresh in the employers mind
• Less than 10% of all applicants do
• Makes you STAND OUT!
15. All services are provided to
Career Services students free of charge
Career Services will…
• Critique your career
documents
• Recommend ways to
network
• Interview preparation
and practice
• Assist you in finding job
leads
• Get your resume on the
job board
• Host career fairs
16. Questions?
• Lesley Farnham- Director of Career Services
(612)455-4753 lfarnham@msbcollege.edu
• Christine Kleckner- Associate Director of Career Services
(612) 455-4758 ckleckner@msbcollege.edu
• Sarah Loe- Career Services Coordinator
(612) 455-4780 sloe@msbcollege.edu
• Aimee Fitzgerald- Career Services Coordinator
(612) 455-4749 afitzgerald@msbcollege.edu