Tuesday Tip: Following Up
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
About one month ago I submitted an application to a blog network, which for now shall remain unnamed. I like this blog network. I wanted to write for them. The application form on their site was quick and easy and I knew I filled it out completely. A week went by and I heard nothing. This is not unusual. Another week went by. I stopped by the site to see if the blog I was applying for had been filled. Nothing. There it sat, empty. So I sent the following email to the appropriate network person:
Dear Mr. ———-:
I am sad to see that ——— still languishes; sadder still because I did, indeed, submit an application weeks ago and here I am, helpless, useless, impotent while ——— sinks lower and lower without me. I cannot write the saliva-inducing posts that ——– deserves until you approve my application and hire me, Dear Mr. ———-!
You are, most likely, inundated by requests and 100-item to do lists. I hate to add to the burden, but I do so with your (and ——–’s) interests in mind. Sincerely. Should I resubmit an application? Or would it be easier for you to simply view my resume, my writing samples, my blog here, or here, or here? (Or you could simply scroll down to see the sample post I’ve included. With photos.)
Thank you. Please don’t leave ———- lonely without me.
–
Annie Mueller
A bit melodramatic, but the very next day I received this reply:
Hi Annie,
Thanks for your interest, and please do know that persistence pays off! Your application was one of several I set aside and after reviewing your details again we would like to take the next step with you. First off though, have a look at our contract and let me know if everything is agreeable.
Thanks…
The moral of the story? Well, there are two.
First, follow the directions given in the application process.
Second, follow up. Did you hear that?
Follow up.
That little email took me about two minutes to write, and it served me well. It set me apart from the several applications that had been set aside. It made me stand out, and it may well have gotten me the job.
So be polite, but don’t be shy. Wait a reasonable length of time (and be especially sure to check for any caveats on the application site that stipulate “six to eight weeks before responding to applications”). Then ask. Send a friendly email. Be polite and be brief, and let them know that you want the job. You might get it that way.
Make it a good day.
Image Credit: RetroGraphix.
