What to do after you have applied for a job
You submitted your resume and cover letter for the perfect job. Now is the time to start preparing for the call or email, and eventual interview.
Network
If you haven’t started networking, including on LinkedIn, now is the time to get started. Identify former colleagues and identify key people that will broaden your network. Comment on people’s posts, share tips, give advice and ask for advice in return. Reach out to friends and ask if they like the company they work for and believe in the company vision, the way they care for employees and customers.
Give more than you take. If you offer value through the information, insights and connections, your contacts will be open to helping you in return.
Determine the connections you have within the company you have applied to. It helps if you have already reached out to those contacts but if not, there are still ways to do this in a way that is authentic. Avoid being pushy and asking for too much.
If you know someone well at your targeted company, don’t delay. Reach out and let them know that you have applied for a role. They might not know the hiring manager but they might have another connection to help. There could even be a formal referral program.
If you don’t know the person well, think carefully about your request. It’s not appropriate for someone to recommend you if they don’t know you. Consider instead asking for 15 minutes to give insight into the company or the role.
Track applications and research
If the hiring manager called you today, would you be ready? Could you answer key screening questions or explain why you want the job? Here are a few ideas to be ready:
Create a spreadsheet of the jobs you have applied for, why you are interested, and the most relevant skills you possess for each role. Be specific for that company.
Start researching the company before they call, don’t wait for the interview. What successes or challenges have they faced? What company is their greatest competition?
When they call, don’t be caught off guard. Prepare a statement that will give you time to brush up on your stats and information. For example: “Thank you for calling, I am very interested in speaking with you. May I call you back in 10 minutes? I have a work commitment that needs to be addressed first.”
Prepare other important materials
Think about the information companies might ask for to prove you have the skills for the job. Pull together examples of your best work. Depending on your role, an online portfolio might be a good option. Or, outline key numbers and your impact on a company.
