Now what?

You have filled out all the applications and returned in your own special way after making the application your own. Now what do you do until you get an answer?

In most cases you simply wait but not you and here is the reason why. In most cases when you filled out the application you were given a “decision” date.

This is a crucial date for you as this is another opportunity for “Marketing Yourself”

If there is a large time lapse between your application and the “decision” date then you just might wish to send some updates. These are very special updates. These updates will include anything new that has to do with them or your application with them. Let’s say you’re a horse person and you have recently competed in some event. You can give them an update on how you did and how their product assisted you in your outcome. You would put that information on a personal postcard and send it to the contact person. REMEMBER THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE!! And in this case you’re the squeaky wheel and their money for your schooling is the grease.

This is especially important if you have missed the deadline for this year and will be put on a list for next time. You want to give updates at least every six weeks.

If you have missed a deadline don’t fret because by the time the next dead line comes they will know who you are. They will have many one-page applications from many others but from you they will have come to know who you are.

Example: Bob goes into the boardroom for the annual scholarship meeting and in with him comes a cart with all the applications. When they open yours what do they see? They see an application of a different color with something beside blue or black ink. The chairman chuckles “Look what we have here! An application of a different color, does anybody have any comments?” Bob raises his hand and says,” Boss, that application originally came in just after the dead line last year. Since then we have received quite a few updates from them and I would like to recommend them for the scholarship.” Then Bob passes your updates around the room. Everybody looks at them and the Boss thinks to himself. I like this one. Let’s keep on eye on them and see how they progress. So from this example one can see why it is important to stay in touch.

Remember that each time someone saysyes! You will add the company’s information and the contact person to your resume for use at a later time.

WHAT IF I GET TURNED DOWN?

Find out why. Stay in contact. Maybe what ever caused you to get turned down for something you qualified for has a time limit or if you stay in touch you may be able to ask your contact person if there is anything that can be done to change the outcome during the next go around.