The Dos and Don'ts of Following Up on Job Applications
Congratulations! You’ve finally hit the “Submit” button on that job application you’ve been working on for days. You may feel a sense of relief but don’t get too comfortable just yet. While submitting the application is a crucial step, it’s just part of the process. The good news is, following up on your application can increase your chances of landing an interview. But how do you do it without seeming too pushy or desperate? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with our list of the dos and don’ts of following up on job applications.
DO Wait a Few Days Before Following Up
After you’ve submitted your application, resist the urge to call or email the recruiter or hiring manager the next day. They’re probably busy reviewing all the applications and it may take a few days to sift through them all. Wait a few days before following up to give them a chance to review your application and make a note of your name.
DON'T Stalk the Hiring Manager
We repeat: Do not excessively call, email, or message the hiring manager or recruiter immediately after submitting an application. You must not follow up incessantly, as it might put the hiring manager off and give the impression that you are too desperate and needy. A reasonable follow-up, be it an email with a polite inquiry, should suffice.
DO Research the Company’s Hiring Process
Before following up, check the company's website or job posting to see if they mention how long it will take to hear back or when the hiring process will take place. This will give you an idea of when to follow up and what to expect.
DON'T be Discouraged by Silence
If you don't hear back from the company immediately, it doesn't necessarily mean they're not interested in your application. Sometimes things take longer than expected, and the right person hasn't reviewed your application yet. It's okay to send a polite follow-up email asking about the status of your application or if any additional information is needed. Just be sure to give them a reasonable amount of time to respond before following up again.
DO Be Polite and Professional
Lastly, when following up, it's important to be professional and polite. Use proper greetings and make sure to thank them for their time and consideration. Restate your interest in the position and ask if they need any further information. And remember to be patient. Hiring can take time, and you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by following up too frequently or being rude.
In conclusion, following up on job applications is a task that requires patience, professionalism, and a bit of research. Waiting a few days before following up, doing the research on the company's hiring process, and being polite and professional are all crucial steps in giving you a chance to catch the recruiter or hiring manager's attention. Following these dos and don'ts will keep you from being too pushy or desperate, which will help you land the interview and, ultimately, the job.