Job Application Follow-Up a Must

A former Google and DoorDash recruiter says a majority of applicants fail to follow up after submitting their job applications. Nolan Church, now the CEO of a talent marketplace, says it is crucial that an applicant send personal messages after submitting job application materials: A LinkedIn message and a personalized e-mail to both the hiring manager and the CEO of the company.

Nolan points out that when he worked at DoorDash and an applicant e-mailed the CEO, the executive would forward the message to Nolan, who would then speak with the applicant 90 percent of the time. Nolan advises job applicants to include the following in these messages:

• Explain you are, what you do, and why you’ve applied for the specific position.
• Describe why you are well suited for the position and why the firm appeals to you.
• Attach your application materials to the e-mail for easy access.

Follow-up is so important because few do it, Nolan says, which makes those who do stand out. It also helps busy recruiters because the messages describe why an applicant is a good fit for the position

Malinsky, G. (2023, August 2). Ex-Google recruiter shares the No. 1 thing to do after applying for a job: “Everyone fails” at it. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com

How NOT to Start an E-Mail

Beginning an e-mail with the phrase I hope you are well has become a turnoff to recipients. Here’s why.

• It’s cliché The term has become overused and lacks originality.
• It’s impersonal. The phrase says nothing about the context of the message or about the sender. It could be sent to anyone, stranger or ally, and is therefore impersonal.
• It’s insincere. If you really wanted to know how the recipient was, you’d write How are you? A simple Good morning or Hello will suffice.
• It’s unprofessional. In certain professional contexts—say, when writing to a client or potential employer—the phrase crosses the line into being inappropriate.

Instead, begin a message with the individual’s name followed by a sincere statement. It only takes a moment, and it will go a long way to demonstrating authenticity.

Sterling, K. (2023, June 15). Why to stop writing “hope you are well” in your emails. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com

Small Talk Nets Large Rewards

Whether it’s referred to as small talk or breaking the ice, casual conversation is one of the best ways to connect with a person to whom job seekers are speaking, especially in a job interview. Small talk offers a chance to show the applicant is not only extremely interested in the position, but chitchat makes others feel relaxed.

To feel more confident voicing pleasantries, consider these pointers.

• Research beforehand. Use social media to do background research on the person or persons with whom you’ll be speaking. Look for hints about their interests, career path, or even where they attended college to help come up with appropriate conversation topics. Also know as much about the firm as you can so you can intelligently speak about the organization and its mission.
• Begin with a smile. Start the conversation in a cheerful, polite way. Neutral topics you may want to bring up are sports, the weather, your commute to the office, or people you may have in common. Practice active listening to show empathy.
• Rehearse. You’re not alone if you find chatting up a stranger to be awkward. However, the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. Try to practice with a friend or family member.
• Don’t go overboard. Know when to quit. The interviewer could grow irritated if the small talk goes on and on. Sense that point and gently transition into your purpose for being there: obtaining the position.

Kelly, J. (2023, July 27). How small talk helps you succeed in a job interview and your career. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com