How To Follow Up On Job Application
A hiring process could drag on for a while, you can only know if you are being considered for the job if you follow up on your job application. After submitting an employment application, it is difficult to sit down and wait; you will be refreshing your inbox often hoping for a response. At this point, checking on your job application status may not be a bad idea. Although following up is kind of bothersome, knowing how to go about it could be the difference between getting invited for interviews and not being called at all. It is an opportunity to determine how much progress you are making in the recruitment process and if a little persuasion can give you an edge.
Following up is part of the application process, so don’t be scared; recruitment managers will understand. Just know where to look, taking into consideration your desired outcome. Don’t be pushy, because recruitment managers will be much occupied during this period; you will not want to upset them. Timing and approach are vital to any kind of job application follow-up. So before you send that email or make that call, check and make sure that is the right thing to do within the prevailing circumstance.
What is a follow-up?
Follow-up is simply a check on an existing situation or on an activity that is underway to determine what the current status is, and whether all has been done or is being done. A job application follow-up entails keeping tabs on your job application with the hope of influencing the eventual outcome in your favor. It will require you to reach out to employers or their agents, to show how genuine your interest is and how excited you are about the job. Here are some tips on how to follow up with a hiring manager.
Study the job listing: Before checking on your job application status, take time to read through the job description and terms of recruitment. Look at the dates or timeline of the posting; In some organizations, job postings may capture when the application window closes. Once you apply, it will be inappropriate to follow up before the application closes. Sometimes, job postings frown at follow-ups, and don’t even think about reaching out in such a situation, it might cost you the job. You may consider using either window to explore other opportunities within or elsewhere.
Get the recruiter’s contact details: In any follow-up, you need to find the right contact person. In most cases, the recruitment manager is who you should reach out to and not the Human Resource department. Go through the job listing for a name or an email address that has a name. You can check the organization’s website as well or search your LinkedIn profile for any contact information. In rear cases, the firm’s front desk can give the name and contact of the recruiting manager, so try reaching out to them and requesting a name and contact information.
Send a follow-up mail: Once you are sure of the timing, what to do and who to reach out to, you can send that email. Most hiring managers prefer emails as a medium of follow-up, reaching out by email allows recruiting managers to track your conversations and enable them to respond to you when is convenient or if there is any information for them to share. Below is a sample of a follow-up email.
“Hello, Mr. Kelvin,
On August 12th, 2021, I applied for the role of project manager with your firm. I am writing this as a follow-up to reiterate my interest in the job and to inquire if you have any updates on the recruitment process.
As mentioned in your posting, you need a proficient project manager. I am certain that my planning, organizing, and directing skills will be an excellent fit for this position. I also bring five years of experience as a project officer and assistant project manager from Courier Plus Service Limited.
I am disposed to provide any additional information that can help in your decision-making if need be. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mustapha Kalil
+234703698377
Sending a follow-up letter in hard copy, may not be a good idea in this digital age. A paper follow-up later might take a long time to reach the recruitment manager that is aside it being treated as unsolicited junk mail.
A phone call: If you don’t get a response to your email, you can back it up with a phone call. You should start by asking if it is a convenient time for the recruitment manager to speak, if not, ask when you can call back. Is also preferable to make your follow-up call toward the end of working hours to increase the chances of a favorable response. Base your call on the sample below.
“Hello Mr. Kelvin, my name is Mustapha Kalil. I applied for the post of a project manager a couple of weeks ago. I just wanted to make sure you received it and to reiterate my interest in the position. If you need any additional information, I will be happy to avail you.”
The flow of the conversation will then depend on the recruitment manager’s response.
Studies have shown that most recruitment managers prefer to be contacted first through email, however, a reasonable number are open to follow-ups by phone calls.
Other components to consider when following-up
Be professional: Except if the recruitment manager sets a response deadline and fails to keep it, don’t follow up more than twice. Emailing and calling often or, at worse showing up in person to ask about your application will be counterproductive. Accept the likelihood that the organization may not be interested in you and move on. Besides, it is rude not to respond to any follow-up; a firm that disrespects its applicants will extend the same to its workers.
Be brief: Make your communication short or concise when following up. You have already submitted an application, so your follow-up emails and phone calls serve as an opportunity to remind the recruitment manager how good of a candidate you are. Let your mail be three short paragraphs and your phone calls two to three minutes.
Show your worth: If a firm has expressed interest in you for a job, but you haven’t heard from them since the initial contact, you could reach out to them to let them know that other firms are interested in you; only if is true. Stating in your follow-up mail or phone call that you are still interested in the role, but exploring other opportunities, can speed up a job invite. Don’t be threatening or egoistic about it; just let them know you are in demand.
Be appreciative: At the end of your follow-up, thank the recruitment manager for their time and attention. Your courtesy can prompt them to take the next step in the hiring process, which could be checked through your application or even by calling you for an interview. Make sure you can be reached at any time so as not to miss an invitation.
Conclusion
It is not unprofessional to follow up on your job application, it is doing it the wrong way that can make it unprofessional.
