Chapter 8

What to Say in Follow-Up Communications

THANK YOU NOTES, STATUS CHECKS, AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE inspire continued consideration and enhance job search success. E-mails, written notes, faxes, and voicemail follow-up efforts reinforce your candidacy, resurrect consideration after rejection or lack of response, and can transform network members into job search advocates.

This section provides a series of checklists that will help you follow up with your contacts at every stage in the job search process. You'll find step-by-step instructions for writing thoughtful notes that show your appreciation for interviews, referrals, references, and continued consideration, in addition to acceptance letters, resignation letters, and decline letters.

After Telephone Conversation Before an Interview

illustration Thank your contact for the time he has taken to meet, speak, or otherwise communicate with you about the position.

illustration Restate relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that will contribute to your success in the position.

illustration Express interest in meeting with your contact for an interview.

illustration Express gratitude for your contact's consideration of your candidacy.

After a Job Interview

illustration Thank the interviewer for her time.

illustration Reiterate your interest in the position. It is acceptable to state outright that you would be thrilled to receive an offer.

illustration Briefly restate that your experience will be valuable in accomplishing the duties associated with the position.

illustration Notify your interviewer that you will check on the status of the decision-making process (if appropriate).

illustration Express your enthusiasm and end the letter by thanking your interviewer again for her time and consideration.

For a Good Reference

illustration Thank your reference for his willingness to offer support for your candidacy.

illustration Inform your reference of the outcome (hopefully positive!) of the interview.

illustration Extend an offer to return the favor if your reference ever needs your help.

illustration Thank your reference again for advocating on your behalf.

For a Letter of Recommendation

illustration Thank your contact for providing her recommendation.

illustration Notify your contact that her letter resulted in an offer being made, and that you've happily accepted it.

illustration Restate your gratitude and offer to help your contact in a similar manner should the situation arise.

For a Referral

illustration Announce your acceptance of the position for which you applied.

illustration Thank your contact for referring you for the position and putting you in touch with the appropriate person.

illustration Express your willingness to return the favor if the opportunity arises in the future.

illustration State your enthusiasm to begin your new job and thank your contact once again for his help.

After an Informational Interview

illustration Thank your interview for her time.

illustration Briefly state how the meeting influenced your pursuit of a particular position or career path. (For example, perhaps you will apply for acceptance into a specific educational program or contact a company about future employment.)

illustration Offer to keep your contact up to date on your progress.

illustration Inquire about any additional suggestions, referrals, or contact names that may assist you in the process.

illustration Thank your contact again for her time.

Resurrection Letter

illustration Mention your resume is currently under review, and provide the name of your contact at the company who indicated so.

illustration Direct recipient's attention to attached (if e-mailed) or enclosed (if mailed) resume and restate your continued interest.

illustration Briefly describe relevant experience related to the position and state your interest in arranging an interview.

illustration Thank recipient for her continued consideration.

Response to a Rejection

illustration Thank your contact for the giving you the opportunity to interview.

illustration Express gratitude for having been given the chance to meet him and learn more about the company.

illustration State your interest in future openings and, if applicable, freelance or contract-based assignments as well as special projects.

illustration Thank your contact again for his consideration.

Withdrawal from Consideration

illustration Remind your contact that you have submitted your resume and/or application for consideration.

illustration Notify contact of your reason for withdrawing your interest.

illustration Thank your contact for her time spent reviewing your application.

illustration Express a continued interest in the company and keep lines of communication open.

Rejection of an Offer

illustration Thank your contact for the offer of employment.

illustration Briefly explain reason for rejecting offer.

illustration Offer apologies for any inconvenience or issues that arise as a result of your rejection.

illustration Express sincere thanks for your contact's confidence in your abilities, and state that your interest in the position was sincere.

illustration Ask your contact to extend your gratitude to his colleagues for their time and consideration.

Acceptance Letter

illustration Acknowledge receipt of offer letter and state your acceptance.

illustration Express enthusiasm for the position.

illustration Confirm start date and resignation with current employer.

illustration Provide an e-mail address or phone number should contact be necessary prior to your start date.

illustration Reiterate your enthusiasm to join the company.

Address or Phone Number Change

illustration Notify your contact of the change in information.

illustration Direct attention to updated resume (whether attached or enclosed).

illustration State your interest in the position and your hopes to arrange an interview.

illustration Express gratitude for consideration of your candidacy.

Resignation Letter

illustration State, with regret, your resignation and effective date.

illustration Briefly describe your reason for resigning.

illustration Inquire about formal steps to take in order to complete any projects in progress.

illustration Inquire about necessary documentation from Human Resources.

illustration Thank current employer for the experience.

illustration Offer to be as involved in the transition process as possible.

illustration State your desire to continue a professional relationship with your employer.

illustration Express gratitude again for the opportunity to have worked there.