Monthly Archives: December 2008

Post-Interview: Following Up with a Phone Call

Post Interview Follow UpAfter you’ve prepared to ace a job interview and the interview is over, you might feel like you knocked it out of the park. Now what? Sending a polite thank you card is a great idea, but what else can you do?

Calling to follow up with a potential employer can help you stay fresh in the hiring manager’s mind. But be careful – with phone calls, there is a fine line between sounding like an enthusiastic go-getter and becoming just plain annoying. To help you make a post-interview follow-up call that will leave a positive impression, practice using these tips.

Stay Patient.
You may feel that you should be a shoe-in for the job, but it may take the interviewer a while to get back to you. Time seems to move incredibly slow when you are waiting for “the call.” But, keep in mind that hiring managers can have substantial workloads and may be physically unable to get back to you. If you call too soon, they might not have much news for you. It’s best to wait two to three days before following up.

Speak with a Person.
When calling, try to speak with a person instead of leaving a message on a machine. Preferably, speak to someone who was present at your interview. If you reach a receptionist and the interviewer is unavailable, ask when they would be available to take a brief call. If you must leave a message, limit the number of voicemails you leave to one or two spread over a couple days – flooding the interviewer’s inbox will likely annoy them. After a significant amount of time has passed and if they still haven’t returned your calls, focus your time on other opportunities. Would you really want to work for someone who doesn’t respond to you anyway?

Keep it Brief.
When you’re able to speak to someone, keep your conversation short. There is no need to recite your credentials or detail why you’re perfect for the position. Hopefully, you already covered that in your interview. Instead, just express your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position. Use this opportunity to politely ask if the position has been filled or if you’re still under consideration. If you’re still in the running, ask for a timeline for their decision. Finish the call by saying “thank you” for the opportunity to speak with the interviewer.

When trying to reach the interviewer by phone, being assertive can sometimes come off as over-anxious, so restrain yourself from being too pushy. Taking a proactive and confident, yet relaxed, approach to the post-interview follow up can be a simple act that helps you land the job.

In This Tough Economy, Just How Valuable is Your Job?

The verdict’s in – the U.S. economy entered a recession in December 2007. In light of the current economic landscape and uncertainty about the future, many businesses report they are planning to freeze salaries in 2009, according to new research by the Corporate Executive Board. Who knows how long this uncertainty will continue.

As we enter the holiday season, our recent poll found that a majority of our readers are most thankful to have a job with a steady income. Now, we want to know just how valuable your job is to you. How much would you be willing to endure to keep your job in 2009?

Are you currently unemployed and wish you could have had the option to take a pay cut if it meant keeping your job? Share your stories and thoughts in our comments section.

Three Tips to Survive a Job Loss

Losing a job can be tough, but you’re not alone. In today’s economy, more and more people are finding themselves without work. And, with the holiday season upon us, being without a job is even more stressful.

According to expert psychologists, losing a job can be as traumatic as losing a loved one. People often associate themselves with their job. If your job defines you and you’re without a job, you’re without an identity. So, it’s no wonder people become depressed after a job loss. But, there’s hope. Check out these three tips to cope with the loss of a job.

Move Forward. Instead of dwelling on your old job, look ahead to the chance of finding a new job. This can be exciting with the right outlook. Think about it as a chance to move your career in a new direction. Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, pick yourself up and dust off your résumé. Take this opportunity to reinvent yourself

Create a Budget. One of the biggest stressors of not having a job is not having a steady income to pay the bills. But, this doesn’t have to get you down. There are things you can do to prepare yourself. Cut back on unnecessary spending, create a budget, and make a list of ways you can generate income until you’re employed full-time again.   

Be Calm. This is easier said than done, but experts say that being impatient leads to unnecessary stress which can lead to an even longer unemployment period. So, relax, and don’t get worked up if you don’t find a job right away. Try working a temporary or part-time position as you search for a new job. On average, it takes people months to find a job that closely resembles the one they had, according to experts. Commit to sending off your résumé to a prospective employer once a day – no matter how long it takes to find a job.

Losing a job can be rough, not only on you but your family as well. But, by keeping a positive attitude and being diligent to find a new position, you can move on.