Design follow-up around information and choice
Course overview · 4 min reading + 12 min practice, estimated
Principles and method
Follow-up should add useful context or clarify a question, not simply repeat pressure. Set a limited sequence and a clear stopping rule. Track replies and contact preferences across channels so a person is not contacted by several colleagues after declining. A non-response does not prove disinterest, and it does not justify indefinite contact. Outreach rules vary by jurisdiction, channel and recipient; use the organisation’s approved policy and appropriate guidance. Keep suppression handling reliable even when records are merged or campaigns are restarted.
Worked example
A candidate asks not to receive further role messages. The recruiter records the preference in the shared system and checks that queued follow-ups are cancelled, rather than merely removing the person from one spreadsheet.
Put it into practice
Design a three-contact sequence with a stop rule and a withdrawal scenario.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Compare your approach: self-review guidance
Each follow-up should add something material. Show how a decline, reply or preference change stops queued actions. Do not treat a platform change as permission to restart an unwanted sequence.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- CIPD: Recruitment
Professional context for the recruitment lifecycle.
- ICO: Recruitment and selection
UK guidance. Check its current status and updates before implementation.