FastTrack: 55 Ways to Get a Great Job Fast
by Angela Brown © 2007 Continued

After the Interview

“Thank You” are two of the most important words in the job search.

• Write thank you notes to the people who give you referrals.
  


• Write thank you notes to the companies that interview you.
  


• Write thank you notes to the people who reject you either personally or by memo.
  


• This shows your appreciation for their participation in your job search.
  



• When writing a Thank you to someone who has rejected you, be polite and say something like:

  “Thank you for your words of encouragement and support. I understand we may not be a fit for each other right now and with your permission I’ll keep in touch, because you never know.”
  Thanks again,
  Bob

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Follow Up

Approximately one week after you send your resume to a company, assuming you have sent it to a key decision maker, follow up with a phone call.

• Keep the conversation short.
  


• Do not ask if they have received your resume, if they have been advertising, it is likely they will have received hundreds, if not thousands of resumes and they may have yours but not remember.
  


• Simply restate how you can help them
  


• Ask how soon they need your type of help?
  


• If they do not want to interview you, ask if you can keep in touch.
  


• If you are working with a recruiting agency it is also a good idea to keep them posted on your progress, they constantly meet new people with available jobs.

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Update Your Skills

• Computers and Websites are now a rule in the marketplace. Learn how to operate them.
  


• Learn how to do the basics, type, change fonts, spelling checks, save and retrieve files, operate a spreadsheet, navigate through a variety of websites and then navigate your way back
  


• Learn how to use search engines and store a list of best websites.
  


• If you do not know about computers, there are mentors, virtual libraries, community colleges that offer classes, books and other resources available. There is no excuse today for not knowing how to operate a computer.

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Practice Writing

• Make a conscious effort to make every memo count.
  


• Every time you write an email, do a fact check, spell check and edit it.
  


• Is there a better word you could use to get your point across?
  


• If someone asks you a question in an email, try answering it with clarity, precision and accuracy.
  


• The more you write, the proficient you will become and writing is a skill you will use in most jobs.

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Keep Good Records

• Record your every move in the job search and date it so you can track your progress.
  


• Keep a database of people who referred you.
  


• Keep track of people who have received your resume.
  


• Keep track of your interviews and when you sent thank you cards.
  


• Keep everyone posted on your progress, even after you have found a job. Some jobs don’t last long and if you’re soon in the job search again, you may want to follow up with those already familiar with you.

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Continued

Angela Oberer © 2008, Oberer is the author of the "Be Well Series".  You can send your questions and comments to her at: Angela@WordsofWellness.com