Mastering the art of following up with employers after sending direct employer contact letters is a crucial step in your job search. Here’s a structured approach to help you increase your chances of securing job interviews and opportunities.
1. Remember to be gently persistent when requesting to speak with the individual to whom you’ve addressed the direct employer contact letter. If you reach voice mail, leave your name and phone number only. If you don’t receive a return call, practice being persistent by calling back up to three times and giving the employer a couple of days after leaving messages.
2. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your call. “I appreciate your taking my call. “My name is Jane Morgan, and I sent you a letter with my resume last week.” Is this a convenient time to ask you a couple of quick questions? (Wait for an answer. If it is not a good time, ask for another date and time they would be available. If, on the other hand, they answer that they have time, continue.) Here, you can use parts of your Strength Summary.) “I am looking for a position as a graphic artist in which I can use my Desktop publishing skills. I’ve had two years of experience designing and producing brochures, newsletters, and training materials. This past year, I saved my employer $6000 by doing the work he’d previously hired out to a graphic artist.”
3. Inquire about openings and referrals. Here is a flow chart for asking about job openings.
You will hear a lot of “nos” when asking these questions, but one time out of ten, you will typically hear the word “yes.” You can learn about jobs in the “hidden” job market by asking these questions in this flow chart.
4. Send a brief thank-you note to any employer who has provided you with helpful information. A thank you note can be an email; however, sending a “snail mail” handwritten note can be more effective. People rarely receive written thank-you notes, which helps you stand out and gives your contact another chance to think about how they can help you. Here is an example, “Thank you again for your help. I have left a message for Mr. Smith, who you referred me to. Should you think of any other contacts and organizations for me to contact, please call me at ______________or by email at _____________. Please let me know if I can return the favor to you in the future!”
5. Typically, it is best to make your contacts in the morning and do follow-up job search work in the afternoon (sending out resumes, going to interviews, filling out applications, personal contact work, etc.).
Summary
Using this method, you can set up one interview for each hour of work you do to contact employers directly by phone. If you intentionally make these contacts, you will find job openings. Give it a try!