There is nothing as interesting as reading a job listing and being confident that you are the best fit for the job. This confidence spurs you to apply for the job and approach the interview with confidence in the high hopes that the job will be given to you in no distant time. However, the world of reality is often different from the imaginary world. For while it is possible for an individual to apply for a job, be interviewed for the job, and get the job almost at the same instant; it is also very much possible for an individual to apply for a job he believes he is best fit for, ace the interview, and still not be called upon to start the job in months! This is why it is necessary to follow up after applying for a job in order to be certain about the reason for the delay. It is for this reason that this article is written!
It is written to intimate you with the fact that being qualified for a job does not automatically translates into being hired for the job. It is also written to inform you about the different situations that could warrant that you follow up on your job application. Lastly, it is written to suggest proven ways to follow up on your job application and get your dream job. Enjoy!
Although following up on a job application is a very important step in the job search process as it allows you to reiterate your interest in the position and demonstrate your enthusiasm and professionalism and gives you an opportunity to address any concerns or questions the employer may have about your application, it is a delicate balancing act. It’s important to approach the follow-up process with care, as overdoing it can come across as desperate or pushy. Here are some detailed steps you can take to effectively follow up on your job application:
When to Follow Up on a Job Application
Before you send an email or take time to call your potential employers to follow up on your application, double-check and ensure that following up is the right thing to do. Here are a few hints to help you decide on the right time to follow up on job application.
- Go Through the Listing Again
First off, give the job description a thorough reread. It is important to pay attention to dates or timelines that may be included in the posting. In the job posting, a company may mention when the application window closes. Once you apply, you wouldn’t want to follow up prior to that date since the company expects more application and may not have started acting on the already submitted applications.
- Be Sure of What Your Prospective Company Wants
In some situations, the job listing might state that applicants not call or email for their status. If that’s the case, you should abide by the employer’s wishes and refrain from reaching out. Although it can be frustrating to wait it out, you shouldn’t follow up—even though you really want to. If you ignore the request, the recruiter will think you either did not read the job listing carefully or that you don’t follow directions well.
- Time It Right
How long should you wait to call after submitting a job application? This depends on a few factors such as the application window and how strict the organization is. While you might want to follow up on a job application just a few days after submitting it, you should probably wait a little longer.
Tips to Follow up After Applying for a Job
Here are some tips for how to effectively follow up after applying for a job:
- Wait a reasonable amount of time before following up.
It’s important to give the employer time to review your application and make a decision. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least a week before following up. If you applied for a job that has a tight deadline, you may want to follow up sooner.
2. Use the right channel for communication.
If the job posting indicated a preferred method of communication (e.g., email or phone), use that method to follow up. If no preference was indicated, email is usually a safe bet.
3. Keep your follow-up message brief and to the point.
In your follow-up message, reiterate your interest in the position and thank the employer for considering your application. You might also mention any new skills or experiences you have gained since you applied, or any other relevant information that you think might make you a stronger candidate.
4. Use a professional tone.
Your follow-up message is a reflection of your professionalism, so make sure to use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid using slang or overly casual language.
5. Be patient.
It’s not uncommon for it to take several weeks or even months for an employer to make a hiring decision, so try not to get too discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. If you don’t hear back after a few weeks, it’s okay to follow up again, but don’t do it too frequently.
6. Consider other options.
While it’s important to follow up on the job you applied for, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Continue to apply for other jobs and network with potential employers. If you do get a job offer from another company, you can always decline the offer if you later hear back from the company you originally applied for.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.
If you don’t hear back from the employer after several follow-up attempts, it might be helpful to ask for feedback on your application. This can help you identify any weaknesses in your application and improve your chances of getting hired in the future.
8. Keep your options open.
Even if you’re eager to land a specific job, it’s important to keep an open mind and consider other opportunities that may come your way. You never know what might lead to your dream job, so be open to new opportunities and keep networking.
In conclusion, following up after applying for a job can be an important way to show your enthusiasm and interest in the position. Just be sure to follow these tips and strike the right balance between persistence and professionalism. By following up in a respectful and timely manner, you can increase your chances of getting hired and move closer to achieving your career goals.
