On a recent trip into New York City, I struck up a conversation with a cab driver on the trip downtown. As it turns out his true vocation was as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry. Unfortunately, like so many others, he was the victim of corporate downsizing and was laid off 6 months earlier.
He explained he had tried unsuccessfully for months to find another position at other pharmaceutical companies, but without any success. In my natural curiosity as a Career Coach, I inquired about the steps he had taken to acquire a new position. He explained that he had been on a few interviews over the last 6 months. In fact, just two weeks ago, he had been on an interview but had not heard back from them. Of course, my next question was – “so, what did you do to follow-up with the company?” He confidently replied that there was no way that he was going to contact an employer after an interview. If they wanted to hire him, then they would let him know.
If you are not interested in an exciting new career as a cab driver – I implore you – do not use this method!!
This man was treating an interview like a blind date. On a blind date you may be hesitant to follow up because of shyness about what the other person thought of you and the impression you made. You may reason, if they like you - they’ll call. This shyness should not translate into the job search.
There is no shame in being persistent.
While interviewing for a job can be a long and trying process that can shake your confidence, don’t take it personally. A truly qualified interviewer will see your persistence as a strength, not a weakness.
Unfortunately, hiring managers just don’t have a lot of time. In the current job market, there are typically hundreds of applicants vying for the same position. Once they narrow down their choices, it can take a lot of time to choose the perfect applicant. You can gain a competitive edge by being one of the applicants that follows up and by expressing your true interest in the position.
Back to our friend the cab driver – the fact that he was called in for an interview, was a good indication that the hiring manager was interested in learning more about him. Just because he didn’t receive a follow up call, doesn’t necessarily mean that he wasn’t still up for consideration. It could simply be that they were still in the process of interviewing other applicants.
One of the best questions I recommend that my clients ask towards the end of the interview is “At what stage of the interview process are you currently in?” This will give you an idea if you are the first candidate, the last candidate, and how long it will take them to fill the job.
Follow up or you will be forgotten
It is said that it takes eight interactions with someone before you can get their attention. Your best strategy is to follow up or you will be forgotten! Of course, it is important not to make a pest of yourself, but it is expected that you will call them within a week of the interview and then check back periodically to see if they have filled the position yet. During each encounter with them, make every effort to appear interested and eager to join their team. Do your research and explain why you think you would be a good fit for the position. Also, be sure to convey the value that you can bring to their firm by explaining how you have done so in your past positions and how it relates to the job you are applying to.
Do not treat a job interview like a blind date!
Do not wait for your interviewers to call you.
If you don’t call, someone else will.
– What is the WEIRDEST question you’ve ever been asked on an interview?
Please post your answer below.
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