George Mbaka You’ve submitted your job application, polished your resume, and crafted a compelling cover letter. Now what? For many job seekers, this waiting period can be anxiety-inducing. Following up on your job application can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. But how do you do it effectively without coming across as pushy?
When to Follow Up on a Job Application
Timing Guidelines
Timing is everything when following up on a job application. Generally, you should wait between 5 to 7 days after submitting your application before sending a follow-up. This gives the hiring team enough time to review your application while still keeping your name fresh in their minds.
If you’ve had an interview, the ideal window for a follow-up is 7 to 10 days post-interview. This shows that you’re still interested in the position and are eager to hear back without appearing desperate.
Situational Factors
Different industries and companies have varied timelines for their hiring processes. For example, tech startups might move faster than large corporations. Consider the industry and company size when deciding when to follow up.
If the job posting specifies a hiring timeline, respect it. Some companies outline their process and timelines within the job description or during the interview. If they mention a specific date, wait until that date has passed before contacting them.
How to Follow Up: Channels and Methods
Email Follow-Up
Email remains one of the most effective and professional ways to follow up on a job application. It’s direct, easily trackable, and less intrusive than a phone call.
To structure your follow-up email, start with a clear subject line. Mention your name and the position you applied for. In the body, express gratitude for the opportunity, briefly mention your application or interview date, and reaffirm your interest in the role. End with a polite request for an update on the hiring process.
Phone Call Follow-Up
Though less common, a phone call can be an effective method for following up, especially if you have had previous contact with the hiring manager.
When making a phone call, be concise and respectful. Start by introducing yourself and mentioning the position you applied for. Politely inquire about the status of your application and thank them for their time.
LinkedIn Message Follow-Up
LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for professional outreach. If you connected with the hiring manager during the application process, send a polite message to follow up.
When using LinkedIn, make sure your message is professional. Mention your application or interview and express your continued interest in the role. If you’re not already connected, send a connection request with a brief note explaining why you’re interested in connecting.
In-Person Follow-Up
In rare cases, an in-person follow-up may be appropriate, especially for local businesses where you dropped off a paper application. While this method is less common, it can be effective in certain contexts.
If you choose to follow up in person, dress professionally and be respectful of the hiring manager’s time. A brief, polite inquiry about your application status is usually sufficient.
Best Practices for Following Up
Be Polite and Concise
Maintaining professionalism is crucial in all follow-up communications. Keep your messages polite and to the point. Avoid long-winded explanations or demands for a response.
Use phrases like “I hope this email finds you well” and “Thank you for considering my application” to set a respectful tone. Remember, the goal is to remind the hiring team of your application, not to pressure them.
Mention Key Details
Always reference your application or interview date in your follow-up to make it easier for the hiring team to locate your information. Highlighting your enthusiasm for the role can also make a positive impression.
For example, you might say, “I submitted my application for the Marketing Coordinator position on August 5th and wanted to follow up on its status. I’m very excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.”
Avoiding Multiple Follow-Ups
While it’s important to show interest, over-communication can backfire. Sending too many follow-ups can make you appear desperate or impatient.
A good rule of thumb is to send one follow-up email after submitting your application and another after your interview. If you still haven’t received a response, consider it a sign to move on to other opportunities.
What to Avoid When Following Up
Common Mistakes
Avoid being too pushy or aggressive in your follow-up communications. This can leave a negative impression and harm your chances of getting the job.
Following up too soon or too late can also be detrimental. Stick to the recommended timelines to ensure your follow-up is timely and appropriate.
Cultural Sensitivity
Understand different hiring cultures when applying for international job applications. Some cultures may view follow-up emails as a sign of enthusiasm, while others might see them as intrusive.
Avoid making assumptions and do some research on the hiring practices in the country you’re applying to. This will help you tailor your follow-up approach accordingly.
Follow-Up Email Templates
Template 1: Post-Application Follow-Up
Subject Line: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Application Date]. I am writing to follow up on the status of my application.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to potentially join your team and contribute to [Company Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Post-Interview Follow-Up
Subject Line: Thank You – [Job Title] Interview
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position on [Interview Date]. I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about [Company Name].
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and am eager to hear about the next steps in the hiring process. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information.
Thank you again,
[Your Name]
Template 3: No Response Follow-Up
Subject Line: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application Status
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position on [Application Date] and wanted to follow up as I haven’t received a response yet.
I am very interested in this role and would love to know if there are any updates on the hiring process.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your Name]
Customizing Templates
Tailoring your follow-up messages to the job and company can significantly impact. Incorporate specific details about the role and your enthusiasm for the company. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
For instance, if the company values innovation, you might mention how your skills align with their innovative projects. Personalizing your follow-up can set you apart from other candidates.
Conclusion
Following up on a job application can be a game-changer in your job search. Just understand the right timing, method, and best practices, you can increase your chances of landing that coveted interview. Stay polite, concise, and professional in all your follow-up communications.
