The Follow-Up Mistake Almost Everyone Makes (And Why It’s Costing You Opportunities)

Last week, I asked you what you'd like me to write about. I chose this topic because I get questions about it all the time. And I’m seeing more and more people on LinkedIn who don’t know how to follow up the right way.

Shoutout to Jamie Richard for the inspiration. Check her out on LinkedIn. She’s a global marketing leader who knows how to scale high-performing B2B & B2C teams that drive real impact. She’s also knows how to wear blazers.

Let's dive in.

Most people think the best way to follow up after applying for a job is to send a polite email.

Something like:

• “Just following up to see if you’ve had a chance to review my application.”

• “I know you’re busy, but I wanted to check in.”

• “Please let me know if there’s anything else you need.”

Sounds professional, right?

Wrong.

These follow-ups are polite but forgettable. They blend into the inbox noise. No energy. No personality. No reason to respond.

But people keep doing it because they’ve been told: “Don’t be too pushy. Just send a quick check-in. Keep it short and sweet.”

The result? Silence.

Hiring managers skim emails. They watch videos.

Why This Approach Is Flawed

Sending another email is solving the obvious problem in the most obvious way.

You think the problem is that they forgot about you. So you remind them.

But the real problem is that they don’t remember you.

And a follow-up email won’t change that.

How do I know?

Earlier this week, Steven Bartlett posted about hiring a Head of Happiness at Flight Story. Thousands of people likely applied.

Shortly after my repost, I got this DM on LinkedIn:

My response?

A VIDEO. FOLLOW UP WITH A VIDEO.

Why Video Works

• People buy energy, not words. Video shows confidence. Text doesn’t.

• It’s unexpected. Most people won’t do it. That’s why it works.

• Faces are memorable. Emails blend in. Faces stand out.

This is especially true when you know what to say.

And if you applied for the Head of Happiness role, you’ve got an unfair advantage.

Because Steven’s post isn’t just a job description. It’s a cheat sheet.

Most people skimmed it. You shouldn’t.

Hidden in that post is exactly what you need to say in your follow-up video.

But here’s the thing: Don’t just repeat what’s in the post.

There’s a way to flip it, to use what’s there without sounding like everyone else.

Most people will miss it.

You don’t have to.

How to Shift from "Forgettable" to "Unforgettable"

The first step? Stop hiding behind emails.

Send a 60-90 second video. No script. No overthinking. Just:

• Who you are

• Why you’re excited about the role

• What you're going to help them achieve

Why The Old Way Is Gone For Good

The inbox is overcrowded. Attention spans are shrinking. And hiring managers don’t have time to decode polite emails.

Video is faster, clearer, and more human.

Most people won’t do it.

That’s why you should.

Want the exact words to say in your video? DM me on LinkedIn or "reply" to my email.