| Following Up on Your Applications, Part 1 |
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Congrats! You're putting in the extra time and effort to truly help your application materials stand out from among the competition. At my house, we have a saying: "Be sure to FT J!" This motto evolved over the years as we've attempted to teach our kids (and okay, I'll admit that the adults need to hear it sometimes, too) to Finish the Job. You and I both know how tempting it is to want to wrap things up as soon as possible, even though there are a few loose ends still waiting to be tied. Following are some suggestions for improving your application results with some proven FTJ techniques. Send a Second Submission This tip is one of my all-time favorites: After you've applied to a potential employer, print a second, identical hardcopy version of your materials (cover letter, resume, and application form if the company requires it). Then, somewhere on your cover letter (the top-right corner is a good place) handwrite this message: Second submission-I'm very interested Send the materials with your handwritten note via snail mail to the employer. This simple step can significantly improve your chances of receiving a call for an interview. Why? Many human resources representatives have told me, although they request online submissions, they miss the tangible feel of a thoughtfully produced resume and cover letter printed on quality paper. When you send a hardcopy application, you set yourself apart from the crowd of electronic applicants. Also, by submitting your materials more than one time (electronic and hardcopy, or two hardcopy versions), you increase your chances of being noticed. Your handwritten, "Second submissionI'm very interested" message shows that you're truly interested. |
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