In the current job environment, chances are that when you find your ideal job, you will be competing neck and neck with one or two other candidates for that coveted position.  Imagine, you and your competition have equally impressive qualifications and experience, you all do well in the interview, and you all are a good fit for the company.  So, how do you get the advantage and take the lead in the job race?  One way is to draw positive attention to yourself by attending to the little things that others often ignore.  Here are a few suggestions:

1.    Wear a suit to the interview. Now that business casual has become commonplace, some career experts will tell you to sit in the parking lot of the company, observe how the employees dress, and dress slightly better than they do for your interview.  I disagree.  Wearing a suit to the interview shows that you respect the interviewer and that you are a professional who takes the job search seriously.  (Note:  Before you put on that suit that has been hanging in the back of your closet for years, make sure the suit is currently in style, that it fits you well, and that it is in excellent condition.)

2.    Send a handwritten thank you note*. If you want to send a thank you note by email immediately following the interview, that is perfectly acceptable.  Make sure you touch on one or two things that came up during the interview and try to provide an additional brief story that you didn’t have a chance to bring up during the interview that reinforces your value proposition.  But don’t stop there.  Sending a handwritten thank you note within 24 hours is another opportunity for you to get your name in front of the interviewer.  Additionally, making the effort to write a second note and getting it mailed shows that you are willing to go the extra mile.  Be sure to send separate notes to each interviewer.

3.    Follow up. At the end of the interview, ask when you should expect to hear something.  If you haven’t heard anything by that time, follow up with the interviewer.  Don’t be a pest, but follow up often enough to let the employer know that you are still interested in the job.

These tips alone are not enough to secure a job offer, but when the decision between candidates is close, sweating the small stuff may be just enough to put you over the top.

*If the company is “green,” send only electronic thank you notes.

A reader writes:

I have a few companies I am targeting where I have a real interest and passion about their activities.  In mainly informational interviews, I think I have demonstrated my interest, passion, and qualifications for working with the company.  I continue to send relevant information to my connections within the company as a way to be a warm contact should they be hiring.  I have even written my own job description to demonstrate my potential value, even at their suggestion.

I know there is potential at the company as they have growth plans, even these days.

My question is, what is / isn’t appropriate to continue to stay in front of them?  How much is too much?  What could be relevant to continue to be a warm and interested candidate?  Is there a fine line between being interested and passionate about a company and “stalking” them?

My reply:

It sounds like you are doing everything right.  You continue to stay in touch by sending relevant information and you have written your own job description.  To answer your question, yes, there is a fine line between interested and annoying or, as you say, “stalking.”  One option may be to ask the person how often you should remind them that you are still interested.  You might say something like this, “I am very interested in contributing my talents to (state company name) and I would like for you to keep me in mind if a (state job title) position becomes available but I don’t want to be a pest.  How often would be appropriate for me to send you a brief email as a reminder?  Is every two weeks too often?  Is once a month better?”  If you don’t feel comfortable asking, I would suggest about every four weeks, but everyone is different as to how they perceive the passage of time and a show of interest, so that is just a guideline.

Here are some other options to keep your name in front of them:  (1)  Connect to them on LinkedIn and update your profile weekly so you show up in the LinkedIn updates they receive.  (2)  Follow them on Twitter if they tweet.  This may give you other insights as to how to connect with them.  (3)  Find out if there is an industry group that you can join or attend that they might participate in.  If they see you at meetings, they will realize how serious your interest is and you will have an opportunity to interact with them.  (4)  Do they write a blog or follow a blog that you can comment on?

The most valuable thing you can do whenever you are looking for a job is to immerse yourself in the industry that you want to work in.  When you become a participating member of an industry community, you will find all kinds of opportunities to connect with people.  You will stay current on the latest happenings in the industry, which gives you something to talk about with your contacts; and you will build a network that will provide multiple connections back to the people you want to stay in touch with.  Best of luck with your job search!

What methods do you use to stay in touch?