How and Why to do Network Follow-Up   

The Advantages of Network Follow Up

Why take the trouble to follow up?
It will help your job-search, that's why.

E.g. Let's assume that you impressed Ashok after you went for an interview with him. The day Ashok meets you, and perhaps the day afterwards, he's truly impressed with you, but Ashok is a very busy man. He travels about 10 days in a month. He has to take part in a number of meetings everyday, has to handle the coordination between all the internal departments and the clients. So the chances that he will remember that dinner with you after a week are pretty low.

But by writing a thank you note, you have achieved two purposes with a single gesture. The thank-you note that you sent was appreciative, sincere, and full of reminders of what you and Ashok discussed during your meeting, which has made him realize of your existence. And by following on his advise by contacting some people he referred, making some changes in your resume or reading certain books, you have presented yourself as a proactive, initiative taking person. Now he remembers you and thinks of you as very capable and charming.

Three weeks later he learns from you that you've been to see a couple of his referrals, which - as you tell him - regard him as something of a hero. One of them may already have told Ashok that he was very impressed with you. Now, do you think Ashok might remember you when he hears of an appealing position that could be a great fit for you?

You bet he does. And you're the one he's going to recommend - because of all the people he met with, you're the only one that followed up.

After Landing Your Job, Thank Those Who Helped
Okay, so you've got the job you were after. Now is the time to thank the people who helped you. This new job became possible with all the help and support you received from them. They are your network - and they are every bit as important as your job is. These are the people who spent time and wisdom advising you, and these are the people you may need to turn to again one day. So don't end your network overnight after accepting the offer. Never end the relationships that were so crucial to your new success. Now it's the thanksgiving time. Take some time to pen down thank-you letters. In case you have the phone numbers, do call and thank personally your network.

Once you take a job, and if you have offer from some other organization, you should immediately let the old organization know that you have decided to accept another position. Similarly, while accepting the new position, you should explain the situation to the new organization too. If they invest additional time or money in your candidacy, only to find out that you began working elsewhere just two weeks ago, your thoughtlessness will definitely end your chances of any future relationships with those companies.

When informing employers of your decision, tell them that it was difficult because their group is excellent in so many ways, but you needed to choose the best overall fit (or future prospects) for you. Timeliness is the priority once you've made a firm commitment.

Now is the time to thank your references. Tell them how happy you are to inform them of your new job, and describe in brief what you will be doing. Thank them for their part in making it possible. A written note would be nice, if not, at least a phone conversation is due.

Finally, you need to phone or write, as appropriately as possible, to every person who was kind enough to provide time, advice, and referrals during the course of your campaign. They're now part of your network, and you are part of theirs - keep it alive.

Best wishes to you in your new job!

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