Do people actually want to be kept updated of your application?
Hello, Senior who was applying for FT positions this spring. I was a member of some business clubs, and noticed that I knew a couple alumni working at orgs that had positions I was interested in. Worth noting I was never particularly close with any of these people, maybe just worked on the same engagement as them for a semester a year or two back. I reached out to several for a coffee chat, and invariably most of them ended up referring me and saying “Good luck, keep me updated on your application!”.
Now, I obviously always thanked them after the initial coffee chats, and if I progressed to an interview round I would thank them again and let them know, but I’ve been working under the assumption that the “keep me updated about your application” was just a nicety, and haven’t reached out to anyone to let them know you if I DIDN’T progress. Worth highlighting again I am not close with any of these people and haven’t really spoken with them for a year or longer aside from these coffee chats. However, I just wanted to make sure I was not committing any sort of faux pas by not actually keeping them updated.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's actually quite beneficial to keep your contacts updated on your application process, even if you don't progress. Here's why:
Professional Courtesy: When someone asks to be kept updated, it's polite to do so. It shows that you value their support and are professional in your communications.
Maintaining Relationships: Keeping in touch helps maintain the relationship. Even if you weren't close before, regular updates can help build a stronger connection for future opportunities.
Feedback and Advice: If you didn't progress, sharing this information could lead to valuable feedback or advice on how to improve for next time.
Long-term Networking: Networking is a long-term game. By keeping your contacts informed, you're more likely to be remembered positively, which could be beneficial down the line.
Remember, the key is to be respectful and concise in your updates. A short note thanking them again for their referral and briefly informing them of your status is sufficient. It's not a faux pas to only update on positive progress, but informing them regardless of the outcome can be seen as a sign of good character and professionalism.
Sources: How One Student Did Coffee Chats Right - Received Offer From A BB, Ideas for improving your coffee chat conversion rate, Black Jack's Recruiting Advice, Q&A: From Corporate Finance to Corporate Strategy (Supply), How One Student Did Coffee Chats Right - Received Offer From A BB
If I say it, I do. Sometimes because I actually like you and would like to mentor you, other times because I'm not sure how competent you are yet and want a date point on where to place you
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