Quick tip: Job Search Follow-up Calls

When you’re following up with a prospect, you are working your way through several minefields: Striking the balance between the extreme of being invisible and the opposite extreme of being a stalker. Less obviously, you are also threading between targeting this specific job and setting yourself up for the next one.

Technique: Good salespeople (and as a job candidate, that is what you are, right?) know that it’s always easier to go back to someone when you have something new. The best thing to offer is something that is of interest to them: An article, a whitepaper or solution, etc. That way you’re not calling to nag them, instead you’re calling to provide them with something that they want. And you can rest easy knowing that you have just added another positive association to your name.

Bringing something new that is of interest to them also sustains your long-term goals by showing them that a relationship with you is mutually beneficial. So even if you are not chosen for this job, you have a better chance to go back to them later.

Having a reason to call is also a good way to quell your jitters. You’re not calling to sell yourself, instead you’re calling to help them. That’s always a much more comfortable, and fun, call.