How do you politely follow up on a job?
Looking for a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You find a job that matches your skills and experience, put together a fantastic resume and cover letter, and hit the "submit" button.
And then you wait. And wait. And wait some more. It can be frustrating not hearing back from an employer, especially if you're really interested in the position. But how can you follow up on a job application without coming across as pushy or desperate?
Do you call? Send an email? And how often should you follow up?
Lucky for you, in this guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and strategies on how to follow up on a job application.
We'll help you understand why following up is important and show you how to do it effectively, so you can stand out from the crowd and land your dream job.
So, whether you're a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional, read on to learn how to follow up on a job application and increase your chances of getting hired.
- How long should you wait to follow up on a job application?
- How to follow up on a job application?
- How to follow up on a job application via email?
- How to follow up on a job application by phone?
When To Follow Up on a Job Application?
After submitting a job application, it's common to feel anxious about when to follow up with the employer.
However, it's important to keep in mind that some employers may have a longer hiring process, especially for highly competitive positions.
The general rule of thumb is to wait about one to two weeks after submitting your application before following up.
This gives the employer enough time to review all of the applications and narrow down their list of candidates. If you haven't heard back by then, it's appropriate to reach out and inquire about the status of your application.
So, make sure to carefully read the job listing and any communication from the employer to get a sense of their timeline and expectations.
If you were told a specific date or time frame for a response, it's best to wait until after that deadline has passed before following up. But if no specific time frame was given, you can follow up after a week or two.
Post that, we recommend following up every two weeks if you haven't heard back. Keep in mind that some companies have a high volume of applicants and might take longer to review them all.
Also Read: How to follow up after an interview?
How To Professionally Follow Up on a Job Application?
Following up on a job application is a great way to demonstrate your interest in a position and potentially increase your chances of getting hired.
There are many ways you can professionally follow up on a job application. Here’s a breakdown of the different approaches you can take:
How to Follow Up with a Job Application by Email?
Email is a quick and convenient way to follow up on your job application. In fact, it just might be the best way to follow up on a job application.
Given below are some tips for crafting an effective follow-up email:
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Use a professional email address and subject line: Use an email address that you’ve provided in your resume and make sure your subject line clearly indicates that you're following up on your application.
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Be polite and professional: Start your email with a greeting and thank the employer for considering your application. Use a professional tone and avoid using slang or casual language.
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Reiterate your interest: Let the employer know that you're still interested in the position and explain why you think you would be a good fit for the job.
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Ask for an update: Politely ask for an update on the status of your application, and mention the date you applied. Be specific and avoid asking vague questions like "Did you get my application?"
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Close with a CTA: The whole idea of sending a follow-up email for a job application is to get a response from the recruiter. Therefore, you need to end the email with a call to action. For example, you can write, “I’d be happy to schedule a brief call or meeting to discuss my application and answer any questions you may have."
Here's an example of a follow-up email:
Subject: Following up on [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and wanted to follow up on my application. I'm still very interested in the opportunity to join your team, and I believe my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role.
I wanted to inquire if there has been any update on the hiring process since I submitted my application on [Date]. I would be grateful for any information you could provide about the status of my application.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I’d be happy to schedule a brief call or meeting to discuss my application and answer any questions you may have.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Also Read: How to write a follow-up email after an interview?
How to Follow Up with a Job Application Through LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is another great way to get in touch with the recruiter or hiring manager if you can't find their email address online. Follow their company page and then send a direct message with a polite inquiry about your application status.
In the message, introduce yourself briefly, remind them of the job role, and attach your resume. Ask if they have any new updates on the application status, and thank them for their time and consideration.
Your follow-up message should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or providing unnecessary information. Instead, focus on reiterating your interest in the role and requesting an update on the hiring process.
Here’s a sample message template you can use:
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I wanted to follow up on my recent application for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I remain excited about the opportunity to join your team, and I'm eager to learn more about the hiring process.
Please let me know if there are any updates or additional information I can provide to support my application. I would be happy to connect with you over a brief call or video chat to discuss my qualifications and learn more about the company and the role.
Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to Follow Up with a Job Application Via Phone Call?
If you prefer to speak directly with the employer, a phone call can be an effective way to follow up on your job application. Here are some tips for making a successful phone call:
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Prepare beforehand: Write down some notes or talking points beforehand to help you stay on track and remember important details.
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Be polite and professional: Start by introducing yourself and asking to speak with the hiring manager or HR representative. Be courteous and professional throughout the conversation.
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Reiterate your interest: Let the employer know that you're still interested in the position and explain why you think you would be a good fit for the job.
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Ask for an update: Politely ask for an update on the status of your application, and mention the date you applied.
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Close with a thank-you: Thank the employer for their time and consideration, and offer to provide any additional information or materials if needed.
Here's an example of a phone script for following up on a job application:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I was hoping to speak with the hiring manager or HR representative to inquire about the status of my application. I'm still very interested in the opportunity to join your team, and I believe my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role. Could you please provide me with an update on the hiring process or let me know when I can expect to hear back? Thank you for your time and consideration."
Also Read: How to get a job in 7 easy steps in 2023?
Key Takeaways
- How long should you wait to follow up on a job application?
If no specific timeframe is given in the job listing, it's appropriate to reach out and inquire about the status of your application one to two weeks post submitting your application. After that, it's best to follow up every two weeks if you haven't heard back while keeping in mind that some companies might take longer to review all applications.
- How To Professionally Follow Up on a Job Application?
You can follow up on a job application via email, phone call, or a LinkedIn message. But, it's important to ensure that whichever way you decide to follow up, your message is crisp, concise, and professional.
- How to follow up on a job application through email?
To craft an effective follow-up email, use a professional email address and subject line, be polite and professional, reiterate your interest, ask for an update on the status of your application, and close with a call to action.
- How to follow up on a job application through LinkedIn messages?
If you can't find the recruiter's email address online, LinkedIn is a great alternative. Follow their company page and send a direct message with a polite inquiry about your application status. Keep your message concise, reiterate your interest in the role, and request an update on the hiring process.
- How to follow up on a job application through a phone call?
To make a successful phone call follow-up on your job application, prepare beforehand by writing down notes, Be sure to introduce yourself, be polite and professional, reiterate your interest, ask for an update, and close with a thank-you. Remember to mention the date you applied and other important details.
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