Crank Up Your Career

Job Search Follow Up: There’s a Right Way

Wendy Terwelp 1 Comment

When I was a recruiter, candidates sometimes called our company a few times a day asking if we found anything yet. Sometimes it was once a day, every day during the week. Interestingly enough, these were for all levels of positions, including high level professional positions (I specialized in placing IT and sales executives).

This extreme follow up is annoying and definitely the wrong way.

In a conversation with an executive recruiter the topic of “annoying versus professional and persistent” follow-up techniques came up in the conversation.

What’s the right way? A value-focused phone call that leaves the employer wanting more.

Old way: “Hi, I’m calling to see if you received my resume.” BORING.

Better Way: “Willamena Herzog it’s Fred Smith. I’m calling to see if you had a chance to take a look at my resume and to mention I am very interested in the sales position. When I researched your company, I saw that you sell the XWY Widget 1000. This is a core area of my expertise. In the past year, I sold more than $1 million worth of this product. I’d like to do the same or better for you. Please give me a call between 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday and I’d be happy to answer any of your questions.”

Using this strategy, you indicated your value, interest in the position, AND the best time to reach you. This technique also helps avoid playing phone tag.

When following up with recruiters, Laurie Purcell of Key Search recommends contacting recruiters no more than three days after emailing a resume. She recommends waiting no more than one week before following up with employers.

Challenge: Check your list of targeted employers. Have you followed up? If not, make a call or send an email. Be sure to communicate your value, interest, and best time to be reached. Stand out from the crowd.

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© 2006 – 2010 • Wendy J. Terwelp • Opportunity Knocks™ • All rights reserved.

Wendy Terwelp, Knocks.com, has helped thousands of clients get hired faster and be rock stars at work since 1989. A recognized expert on networking, both online and off, Wendy has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Fast Company, The Business Journal, Careerbuilders.com, Monster.com, and more as well as numerous radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles on the web and in print and most recently wrote the ultimate networking book, “Rock Your Network®.”

Interview Wardrobing on a Budget

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Normally I’m all about recommending my favorite personal shopper at Macy’s to clients for interview attire. (Picture Stacy London & Clinton Kelly of TLC’s “What Not to Wear.”)

Not everyone has that kind of budget.

Here’s what to look for at resale shops, second-hand stores, and places like The Bottomless Closet, Goodwill, and St. Vincent DePaul:

1. Name brands. Yes, people donate real name brand clothing like Brooks’ Brothers, Chaus, Eileen Fisher, Ralph Lauren, etc. Look for good quality brands. They tend to be more classic in style as well.

2. Current style. Some resale and consignment shops require donors and consignment clients to provide CURRENT styles — one or two years’ old tops. (Note: Anything that looks like the REAL ’80’s forget it!)

3. Good fabric. Say goodbye to polyester and hello to cashmere, wool, and cotton. Real fabrics like these demonstrate quality.

4. NO shoulder pads. Shoulder pads are always a risk. They’re usually way too big! And that screams DATED.

5. Lapels – watch out. Check out current magazines, fashion websites, etc. BEFORE you shop. This way you are on track and in style when you choose your blazer.

6. Skirt length – check it. It must be current. Not too short, not too long. Preferably one inch above the knee at the highest, at the knee at the lowest.

7. Wear and tear are NO-NOs. Many people donate good quality items – and sometimes new items. Check for original tags. Check sleeves, cuffs, and necklines for wear. Don’t forget to check the pits. Yes, I said it.

8. Shoes. Sometimes you can get quality shoes for cheap. Be sure the style is CURRENT. The fit is solid on your foot. The wear and tear are minimal to ZERO. And that they are good quality leather, so you can polish them up.

9. FIT. Try it on at the store. Yes, you must. Fit is mission critical in selecting potential interview and work clothing. If it’s close and you have to have it, get it tailored.

Good luck hunting!

Here’s a cool event happening that benefits YOU and the community:

Spring Cleaning Sale at The Bottomless Closet!

Items priced from $2 to $10

  • Suits
  • Jackets/Blazers
  • Dresses
  • Slacks
  • Tops
  • Shoes and Accessories

Dates:

5/6; 10AM – 3PM

5/7; 10AM – 3PM

5/8; 10AM – 3PM (bag sale; $5.00 per bag)

All sales are final, credit card accepted for purchases.

LOCATION:

6040 West Lisbon Avenue, Suite 101 • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53210

P: 414.875.9290 • E:  bclosetmilwaukee@aol.com

Bottomless Closet also accepts donations. Their clothing benefits low-income women looking for work. Please bring work attire, should you wish to donate.

Oscar®-Winning Networking

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Academy Awards Oscar®

Jeff Bridges did it. Sandra Bullock did it. Mo’Nique did it. And you can too.

In fact, all the Oscar®-winners did it so much, there’s a special link on Oscar.com about it. Here it is: http://bit.ly/b6t8Dj

What am I talking about? Why the easiest way to start a conversation. The easiest way to network. The easiest way to get enough courage to pick up the phone.

And the winner is…. THANK YOU.

You are not alone. No matter how crappy you’re feeling about the downsizing, the firing, the economy. You have people in your life you’ve helped in some way and they want to help you now.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Outliers,” he says no one is a self-made man. You’ve got a community, a neighbor, a family, a time period when you were born…

And, when you listen to the Oscar®-winners’ speeches, they get it. They thank everyone. And I mean everyone. From fellow actors, to camera crews, to directors, to family members, to teachers, to past Oscar-winners who inspired them, and more.

You can too, because you do have people in your life who’ve inspired you in some way at some point in time.

One client recently said to me, “I hate small talk.” Well, thanking a person isn’t ever small. Another, “I don’t even know where to start.” How about “Thanks!”?

Coaching Challenge: Go ahead. Be an Oscar®-winner. Pretend you are one of the nominees. Make a list of all the people you would like to thank who have helped you along the way. Start with at least 10. Yes, your family members count! (Heck, Jeff Bridges thanked his mom, dad, three kids, wife…)

Next to each person’s name, jot down something you’d like to thank them for. Here’s one of mine:

Dad – Thanks for telling me to not complain to my boss unless I have a solution. Now, I’m the boss and this is advice I’ve passed on to my clients. This has helped my clients feel more confident, think about solutions (rather than problems), and even get promoted.

Now pick up the phone, and make the call. You can do it!

Thanking a person is the easiest way to start a conversation. And definitely an Oscar®-winning tip you can use in your job search – and beyond – to make your network thrive.

Want even more tips to make your network thrive? Check out, “Rock Your Network® for Job Seekers.”

Job hunting? Look at a company’s needs

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Courtesy of St. Petersburg Times

By Diane Stafford, McClatchy-Tribune Newspapers
In Print: Saturday, February 27, 2010

Each month when I report on the national employment numbers, economists warn that many lost jobs aren’t coming back not soon and perhaps never. ” So job counselors advise displaced workers to go back to school. Retrain for new careers. Adapt existing skills for other industries or occupations. Create a wider network of business contacts. Become an entrepreneur. All good advice. And all easier …

Read on!

Wendy Terwelp’s quick advice to dig deeper within a company – and reach top decision makers?

Check out the Business Journal and its annual Book of Lists. Here you can know the latest company information, what’s current, what problems they have (and how you can solve them), business growth, etc. From the Book of Lists, you can get the company CEOs names and contact info.

Send your resume to THE TOP – the person who has the power to create the job for you. Let him or her send your materials to the ranks – with a recommendation.

Better yet? Identify the top dog, and see who may know him or her in your current network. Yes, this can include social networks like LinkedIn. A warm referral is always better than a cold lead.

Want more tips? Read: “Rock Your Network for Job Seekers.”

Conan vs. Leno – which team are you on?

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OK, I was trying to avoid even getting into this topic, however I had to see what all the fuss was about.

I saw Conan with Ricky Gervais (love Ricky) and they were both talking negatively about NBC. This was before Gervais hosted the upcoming awards show. Then I saw another episode, and there was Conan opening the stage drapes and showing off his “car mouse” made using the “most expensive car in the world.” He said he could do it because it was “in his contract.”

Conan O’Brien Goes on A Wild Spending Spree on NBC’s Dime

Leno instead, talked about how he had Late Night first and his boss, NBC made a change. He then calmly explained how he went with the decision, despite earning top ratings during his run. Now he gets his old job back. Very classy. No bad-mouthing his employer. No bad-mouthing Conan.

Here’s the CNN version.

What are your thoughts?

Mine are:
1. Don’t bad-mouth your employer, no matter what. I know it’s tough. Refrain yourself!
2. Television is a business. Crappy ratings can get you fired.
3. Don’t run up the bill before you leave — even if it is in your contract. Leaves a bad taste in your employer’s mouth and can hurt your chances of getting hired in the future. Think about it, who wants to hire an adult who has multimillion dollar temper tantrums? (Besides reality TV.)
4. Be professional. You are the brand. Own it.
5. Exit with class. You’ll still have a bridge, if you need it later. Look, they gave Leno his old job back. Oftentimes a person is downsized and later rehired. Classy exits give you a better shot.

Who would you rehire and why? Share your thoughts!