You may choose to get in touch with the hiring manager to inquire about your job application after submitting it. Once you’ve submitted your resume and cover letter, you should follow up with an email or phone call to see how things are going.
Following up can demonstrate your interest in the job and set you apart from other applicants, even though it is not necessary to do so. In this article, we discuss how, when and why to follow up on a job application.
See Also:How to Land Your First Job: A Step-by-Step Guide
Please Note:
Take another look at the job posting before you follow up. Employers may expressly state that they do not want you to contact them to inquire about the status of your application at this time. In other cases, the job ad specifies the exact response date. Follow the rules.
Following up before the deadline is impolite at best and detrimental to your chances of landing the job at worst.
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Okay, so you’ve waited. It’s been a week or so since you applied, and there has still been no response. It’s game time!
Here’s how to follow up on a job application or resume:
1. Use your connections
- Go through your business and professional contacts to see if you know anyone from the company.
- If you do, ask them to inform the proper hiring manager about your application, or to put you in touch with someone in charge of the recruitment.
Don’t have any contacts in the company?
2. Get the hiring manager’s contact details
- First, check if contact information is provided in the job offer.
- If you’ve applied via a job board and there’s no direct email address in the job posting, check the company’s website for your hiring manager’s email address.
- Not there? Call the company’s main desk and simply ask. That’ll do the trick.
Then…
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3. Write a follow-up email directly to the hiring manager
- Use a clear subject line, for example: Following up on a job application for [position title].
- Be polite and humble in the body of your message.
- Say you’re still interested and reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
- Keep the resume follow-up email short and clear.
Let’s see how it works in practice.
Sample Resume Follow-Up Email
Dear Roberta Smith,
On July 1, I submitted a cover letter and resume for the web designer position advertised on Bright Company’s website. As of July 15, I have not received further communication from your office. I want to confirm that you received my application and restate my interest in this position.
I remain enthusiastic about working for Bright Company, and I think my graphic design and computer programming skills would be an excellent match for this web designer role. My three years of experience working as a junior designer for renowned A-Z Solutions have equipped me for this position and make me a strong candidate for this job with Bright Company.
Please contact me if you need additional references or other materials from me. I look forward to discussing this role with you further.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Hannah Lee
hannah.lee@email.com
212-555-0876
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4. Make a phone call
- Begin with asking if it’s a convenient time for the hiring manager to speak with you.
- If not, ask when you can call them back.
- Then—base your phone follow up on the sample script below:
5. Express your gratitude
Thank the hiring manager for their time and attention at the end of your follow-up.
You can gently nudge them to the next step in the hiring process, which could be checking your references or setting up an interview.
Please include your contact information so that the hiring manager can easily contact you if necessary.
6. Don’t get creepy
- Unless the hiring manager set a response deadline and failed to keep it, don’t follow up more than twice.
- Accept the fact that a given company might not be interested in you and just move on.
- Calling or emailing every day or, worse than that, showing up in person to ask about your application will surely discourage the company from hiring you.
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Job application follow-up tips
Keep these four tips in mind to create a positive impression when you follow up on your job application:
- Contact the hiring manager
- Opt for email when possible
- Time your call right
- Know when not to follow up
Recommended:
How to Answer The Toughest Interview Questions
How to Make the Best CV | Tips/Guidelines and Sample
Why many don’t get hired after job application – 6 Reasons
How to Get a Job With Little or no Experience
Conclusion
Even if you believe you’ve found the ideal job for you, don’t stop applying to other companies while you wait for a response.
Don’t become obsessed with a single job posting. Even if you are an excellent candidate, you may not be selected for reasons beyond your control.
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