Following up with leads could get you hired
Q: I work in a service industry where I interact with people daily, but I am looking for a full-time position in a different career field. Over the last few months, conversations come up about my career goals and people have given me their business card indicating they are looking to hire. When I follow up with them, they never return my email or get back to me. What am I doing wrong?
A: It can be easy to throw in the towel when people seem willing to pass on their information yet aren't responsive; it can discourage the most ambitious job seeker — it's only human nature — but determination will always be an important factor in your career growth. The problem with most failed respons-es has nothing to do with you personally. It's more about people's comfort level in truly helping you. It's not uncommon for contacts to secretly feel embarrassed to tell you they can't really help you or their hiring needs have changed. Rather than admitting this, you are left to guess why they aren't as eager to help.
Contacts you meet socially can mean well at the time and have good intentions, but following up is an effective way to continue the conversation and build rapport.
A recruiter once told me that candidates who followed up with him stood out in his mind and he was more prone to place them. Taking the time to follow up with people you meet sounds like a common task that would be on your to do list as a job candidate, yet you would be surprised that only a few send follow-up e-mails.
It is staggering to think your follow-up email could be the key that made the hiring decision maker pull your resume out of the pile and take a second look. But it's true. A follow-up email will create a different connection point for you and send a message that you are truly interested in talking more about the opportunity.
You can respond to people who offer to help through emails or calls, but make sure you know what you want to say and the purpose of continuing your conversation. Most candidates write out a script to help them stay on course. Always convey your gratitude.
A simple reply does not have to be a long-winded email, but one that expresses your interest, emphasizing skills that match the opportunity and the next steps.
Follow up with every lead your contacts share with you. Doing so sends a message that you appreciate their time and willingness to help, and it helps build future relationships.