Follow-Up on Leads

Follow-Up on Leads Why would you turn down the opportunity to talk to someone who might have information about a job? I was speaking with a colleague the other day and she told me a story of how one job seeker blew off her offer of help. This woman had been attending a high school sporting event. As she sat on the bleachers, she couldnt help but over hear two men talking. One man dressed in a suit, was listening to the other manclothed in sweats, describe his search for employment. My colleague overheard enough to know the type of work sweat pants man was looking for so she politely said, I couldnt help but overhear you were looking for something as a nanotechnologist. I have a friend who works at a company that has employed some. I would be happy to provide you with his name. She knew that this company was in fact hiring and was excited to help connect the two. The response she got from sweat pants man was luke warm. He did say he would take the name and she wrote it on a piece of paper. He didnt ask for her name, her email or phone number. Nor, it turns out, did he follow up with the contact name she had given him. How did she know, she called her contact and he never heard from the man. I understand there could be many reasons why sweat pants man didnt follow up. Fear of rejection Lack of interest in the company Not sure what to say Lost the contact name There are so many lessons in this. Always be ready in job search. That means carrying personal business cards anddressing neatly. Be organized. Put together a system for collecting and following up on leads and contacts. Use your manners. This woman deserved a thank you note. However, sweat pants man didnt even get her name or contact information. Lastly, follow up on each and every lead you are offered