Waiting to hear back after applying for a job can be frustrating, but it’s important to give employers time to review applications. However, a well-timed follow-up can demonstrate your continued interest and initiative. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for following up on your job applications, including when to reach out, what to say, and how to craft an effective message.
How To Follow-Up On A Job Application
Following up on your job application is a crucial step in the job search process. A well-crafted follow-up can help you stay top of mind with potential employers and increase your chances of securing an interview. In this section, we’ll provide you with practical tips and strategies for effectively following up on your job applications.
1. Reread The Listing:
Thoroughly review the job description, paying close attention to specific requirements, instructions, and the application deadline. Avoid following up before the deadline to ensure your application is processed in the correct order.
2. Be Respectful:
Some job listings might state that the applicant to not call or email concerning their status. In that case, be careful not to send emails. If you do, the recruiter would either assume you didn’t read the job listing properly or you chose not to obey the directives, as such, the best thing to do is to wait it out and use the opportunity to keep applying for other positions.
3. Be Brief:
When following up with a hiring manager, whether through calls, emails, or LinkedIn messages, keep your communication concise and to the point. Avoid texting unless explicitly instructed to do so. In your correspondence, reaffirm your interest in the position and express your anticipation for hearing back regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
4. Utilize Your Connection:
Before you go about writing to the hiring manager, go through your contacts (personal and business) to see if you know anyone from the company. You could also search on LinkedIn to see if you have anyone in your network with an inside connection to the company you are applying to.
If you do, you could inquire from the person(s) about the job, tell the person(s) to put up a good word for you, or even help move up your file.
5. Consider Your Timing:
As much as the wait could be devastating, always resist the urge to offload with follow-up mail too soon. Timing is important; you don’t want to creep out the recruiter.
It is best to refer back to the job listing to know when the application window is closing before following up on your application, in some cases where the deadline for the application is not stated, it is ok to follow up a week or two after you applied.
6. Choose The Right Day:
You have to be smart in sending a follow-up mail or call for your application, choosing the right day can be just what is needed to land you an express interview. Generally, Mondays are busy days, being the first working day of the week, and Fridays are before the weekend. As such, your mail might be left to be dealt with in the later week(s). So I’d advise you to stick with Tuesdays through Thursdays for your job application follow-up.
See this article on the worst interview mistakes made by job applicants
7. Give A Call:
It’s acceptable to phone the hiring manager if, except for an instruction, you haven’t heard back regarding your job application within a week or two. You may begin by
“Hello [Name of hiring manager], my name is [Your name]. I applied for the position you applied for. I wanted to make sure that you have received my application and when I may anticipate a response from you because I am interested in this position and your business.
When you do this, pay attention to what the hiring manager has to say. If, after the deadline for input passes without receiving a response, you don’t hear back, you might want to move on. As they say, “Don’t be discouraged, there are lots of fish in the ocean.”
8. Let Them Know You Are In Demand:
You might message your ideal company and inform them that you have received another offer and are willing to turn it down. Include an expected response date. This is a critical but tricky phase, so don’t come out as aggressive or nasty, but instead gently let them know you’re in demand. Also, only take this step if you have actually gotten another offer.
Wrong Sample Of A Follow-up Email
Crafting a follow-up email after an interview is a delicate art. There’s a clear distinction between a well-structured, informative message and one that falls short. Let’s analyze a less-than-ideal example and then delve into the key elements of a successful follow-up email.
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Just wanted to say thanks again for meeting with me the other day. I really enjoyed our conversation.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Best, [Your Name]
Sample Of A Follow-up Email On A Job Application
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I wanted to express my gratitude once more for allowing me to interview on [Date] for the [Position] position at [Company Name]. The staff and workplace atmosphere really pleased me, and I’m thrilled about the chance to help [Company Name] succeed.
I think my skills and abilities in [related experience and skills] are a good fit for the position’s needs. I’m especially intrigued by [component of the role that you find exciting].
If you need more information or have any other queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I’m excited to speak with you shortly.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample 2
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Position] at [Company Name]. I was really impressed with your attention on [specific skill or expertise].
I believe my experience in [relevant skill or experience] would be beneficial to the team. In my prior position at [prior Company], I successfully [accomplished the skill or experience].
I’m confident in my ability to contribute significantly to [Company Name]’s goals. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Example Of How To Follow Up On A Job Application Through A Phone Call
Hello, [interviewer’s name]. Hello, this is [Your Name] from [Your City]. I’m calling to follow up on my application to the [post] post. I was highly pleased with [Company Name] and the possibility to contribute to [a specific project or effort]. I wanted to underline my significant interest in the position and my [related skill] experience. I also have a few queries regarding [particular question]. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Conclusion
To follow up on your application for a job, make sure you read the job advertisement thoroughly, show consideration for the company’s time, and write brief messages. Use your network if you can, pick a time that makes sense, and think about making a phone call to show how excited you are. Lastly, highlight your special abilities and how the business might profit from them.
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Written by Jeynuel Nnamdi
Writer||Content creator||Philanthropist.
He is the founder and Lead digital, marketer JixedPen Enterprise.
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