Following up & trusting your gut

We have all done it but usually it goes a little something like this.

"Dear (insert manager), I wanted to follow up on (insert event, date, position etc). I was wondering if you had any news to share about the position. I enjoyed our discussion and getting to know more about (insert company)"

Remembering to implement this step is key to keeping the ball rolling on important issues regarding employment. Corporate procrastination is a real factor here and unless you are persistent in your follow up your time may be inadvertently taken advantage of.

We all get busy from time to time but when that little voice in the back of your head starts saying, " I wonder what's taking so long" it's probably a good idea to send that request for update email or pick up the phone and leave a voicemail.

Put yourself first. HONESTLY evaluate your schedule and be choosy when scheduling appointments, meetings, events, and accepting invites to avoid delayed communication.

When you start to streamline your time spent with others and choose to not over commit or over promise, decision makers will start to resonate with you. I guarantee that one of the reasons they are in the position they are in is because they learned early on how to respect their time.

As a recruiter the candidate who follows up and stays engaged is the candidate I want to work with.

It helps out a lot and shows you value your time.

If you have followed up several times and get no response, do not spend anymore of your energy and time for someone/organization who cannot or will not reciprocate. Chances are they are too busy to respect your timeline or they blatantly are blowing you off.

On the flip side of all of this you can follow up TOO MUCH and overwhelm a potential employer with multiple messages and calls.

Depending on how far along you are in the process should reflect your follow up frequency.

Early on = more quickly you should check in

2nd/3rd interview = 7-10 days follow up

At the end of every interview ask for contact info and ask when you can expect to hear back or ask when it is appropriate to reach out if you have not heard back.

The most common mistake I see with candidates/interviewees is the no follow up pitfall.

A follow up is an opportunity to sell yourself again by restating your interest and showing good manners.

I promise you it is just as stressful being on the other side of the process. Hiring managers have added pressure to find these candidate who can perform and that can also show good etiquette.

At the end of your day if communication is flowing then trust your gut on how you feel about the opportunity. Communication will help clear up the uncertainty and the unknown of interviewing processes.

* END RANT *