Timing your follow-up can significantly affect how your inquiry is received. Ideally, wait about one to two weeks after submitting your application before reaching out. This gives the employer a reasonable amount of time to review applications. If the job posting specifies a deadline for applications, make sure to give them a few days beyond that date before following up. It shows patience and understanding. For example, if you applied on the 1st and the deadline was the 5th, consider checking in around the 12th. This strategy demonstrates that you're keen but also respectful of their timeline.
Finding the correct person to contact can make your follow-up more effective. If your initial correspondence was with a particular recruiter or HR representative, they should be your first choice. LinkedIn and the company’s website are rich resources for identifying the right contact if you’re unsure. Personalizing your message to someone involved in the hiring process demonstrates initiative and thoroughness. For example, if Jane Doe is listed as the recruiter, a message addressed to her is far more impactful than one sent to a generic company email.
Your follow-up email should be concise yet polite, striking a balance between eager and respectful. Start by thanking them for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the role. Mention something specific about the company or position that excites you. End with a gentle inquiry about the status of your application. For instance, 'I’m writing to express my continued interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am particularly drawn to [specific company project or value], and I'm eager to contribute. Could you please provide an update on my application’s status?'
While following up, it's important to avoid certain pitfalls that could jeopardize your chances. Avoid using a pushy tone or implying that the employer is dragging their feet. Overly frequent messages or calls can also be off-putting. Limit follow-ups to one or two well-spaced attempts to appear persistent yet respectful. Furthermore, never reference your follow-up attempts with a tone of impatience or frustration. For example, stating 'Why haven’t I heard back?' helps nobody and only reflects poorly on you.
LinkedIn can be an excellent platform for a subtle follow-up. Consider engaging with content posted by the company or the recruiter. Commenting on posts or sharing relevant articles can keep you on their radar without directly emailing about your application. If you decide to send a LinkedIn message, ensure it’s brief and professional. For instance, 'I recently applied for the [Job Title] position and wanted to connect to stay updated on [Company Name] and its industry' works well.
While emails are standard, sometimes a phone call can add a personal touch, especially if you’re keenly interested in the position. However, the timing and delivery need to be spot on. Call during mid-morning or early afternoon, avoiding overly busy times like Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. Prepare a succinct and polite script beforehand, introducing yourself, stating your interest in the role, and inquiring about the application process. For example, 'Hi, this is [Your Name]. I recently submitted my application for the [Job Title] position and am keen to understand the next steps.'
Sometimes, you may not receive a response, even after a follow-up. Assess when it might be time to move on and refocus your efforts elsewhere. If more than three weeks have passed without any acknowledgment post-follow-up, consider broadening your job search. Expanding the scope of roles or industries can increase your chances of success. Recognize that the application silence isn't necessarily a reflection of your qualifications but may be due to internal hiring changes or market shifts.
Before sending that final follow-up, ensure your resume is as strong and relevant as it can be. If you’re not getting responses despite meeting job requirements, it’s possible your resume lacks impact. A resume diagnostic can help you identify gaps or areas for improvement. Pinpointing these elements can significantly enhance how your application is perceived. Consider running a free diagnostic to identify areas that need improvement and increase your chances of landing interviews in future applications.
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