Networking Follow-Up

So you made some great new contacts at last night's networking party. Follow up, already! If you want to receive calls or emails, then you have to send some.

Secure follow-up instructions right away. When you first meet a contact or apply for a position, mention when you will contact them next. Write in your cover letter when you will call. Tell people you have just met when they can expect to hear from you. Ask interviewers when you can reach them.

Take any leads a networking contact gives you. Say your friend gives you a lead for a job you're overqualified for that doesn't pay enough. Call the job lead anyway. Your friend might find out if you didn't and think you don't appreciate her help. She may think you're not taking her leads seriously, or that you are no longer job searching—which could result in her not giving you leads anymore. Just because you aren't impressed with one job lead doesn't mean you won't be impressed with the next. Make sure you get the next one.

Contact anyone who serves as a reference for you. Whether you are offered the position or not, if you want to use them as a reference again you need to keep them informed of your job search status.

Follow Through. Take action and follow through on all suggestions offered by the contacts. Keep in touch and offer updates on how they have helped you.

The sooner the better. If someone emails or calls, respond to the message the same day. When you meet someone new, call the next day. If you went to an interview, send a thank-you letter within 24 hours, and include instructions as to when you will follow up on the phone.