How to Follow Up on a Job Application

You have just applied for the job that could get your dream career jump started faster than you expected. If you are able to get a job interview, and become an employee with this business, it would dramatically change your life. As soon as you heard they were hiring for a position you are qualified for, you got your hands on an application and submitted it.

Now, you have to wait for the call to come in for an interview.  If you thought that the interview process was the most stressful part about being hired, think again. Wondering if your experience is good enough for the company, if your resume can compete well with others that were submitted and getting anxious every time your phone rings are just a few of the things you have to look forward to after you submit your job application.

Unless someone is hired right on the spot, it is normal to be concerned when you don’t hear back from an employer after you hand in an application. Some employers may get back to you with in two or three days, while others may take a week or longer to narrow down the list for candidates they want to interview..

Following up on a job application can be risky for some job positions. You don’t want to be annoying by calling and asking if the company has reviewed your application before they have had a chance to do so. But at the same time, you want the employer to know that you are still interested in the job and that you are anxious to start working with their team.

There’s nothing wrong with inquiring about your job application, as long as you do it in the right manner. That is why we have put together this helpful guide on how to follow up on a job application professionally and without being a nuisance.

If you have access to the hiring manager’s email address, you can send them a quick follow-up message just letting them know that you are still available for the position and inquiring if they will start scheduling interviews soon. You should thank them for their time and perhaps even ask if you can add them to your email list. 

Building up a network of business professionals is a great way to connect with other people who have the same or similar career goals as yourself. Many people connect with other professionals online these days to enhance their network for the sake of their career. So, it wouldn’t be strange or awkward for you to add the hiring manager to your network. If you don’t get the job you want now, another position may become available in the future, and they can contact you if they feel you would be a good fit.  

While its fine to ask about the status of your job application, you don’t need to become obsessive about it. No one considers it out of the ordinary to ask about a job application at least once after you have submitted it. But you shouldn’t call frequently to ask about the position because that will only hurt your chances of getting hired. 

If you would like to send a follow-up email to the hiring manager, you don’t want to sound too pushy or demanding no matter how stressed you may be while waiting on the final word on the job you applied for. In your email, you should write something like…

“Last week I submitted my application for the ____ job position. I wanted to touch base with you to find out if you received my application and attached resume. I also wanted to take the time to reiterate my interest in this position. I feel like I would be a great match based on my prior experience and current skills. I would love to have the opportunity to discuss the position further once you begin scheduling interviews. Thank you for your time.”

Once you have sent your follow-up email. It is time to back away and wait to hear back from the hiring manager. There is no need to continue following up regarding the position.  Doing so would cause you to appear pushy and may be considered annoying even if you are polite in your messages. It can be frustrating because you feel as if you are doing nothing while you wait. But you have already accomplished submitting your application and let the hiring manager know that you are still interested in the job, so you have taken the appropriate steps to reach your career goal. Now it is the employer’s turn to meet you halfway.

Enter your text here...There is nothing wrong with expressing interest in the company that you applied for a job with. It is great to be excited about your career and being interested in the things that you may be doing on a daily basis. But if you are calling the hiring manager regularly and sounding too eager to take on any job that the company has to offer, it will appear to the employer that their open positions are the only options you have. And that may not reflect well on their impression of you. So, you can show interest in the company and the job in question, but don’t make the hiring manager think that you are completely out of options. 

We have already touched on what networking is and how it can be beneficial to your career. Networking allows you to connect with potential employers, fellow employees and job seekers who are interested in joining the same industry that you are. Together, you can inform each other of new job openings in the area, share resume writing tips, and make a few friends along the way. LinkedIn is a great place to start building your network. You can connect with interesting people from all over the world who have the same occupational interests and goals as you. LinkedIn is also a great place to write up a personal bio, share your resume, and let others find out more about your skills, work background and qualifications. 

If you are looking for more opportunities similar to the job you applied for, you can start by doing research on Google. There are all types of blogs written online that cover all types of topics, including career choices. If you are interested in a particular field, check out some blogs that are related to the industry. You can contact the blogger by emailing them or leaving genuine feedback on their blog. Once you become acquainted, you can find out if the blogger knows of anyone in the industry who may a have a job position available. This is another simple and easy way to add more useful individuals to your network. 

If this job application doesn’t result in an interview and hire, you shouldn’t give up. As long as you are qualified to do a specific task, you should be able to find a job in the field of your choosing. Don’t get too invested in only applying for jobs offered by a company that you admire. There are plenty of other job options out there just waiting for someone like you to apply. 

We have gone over a few tips for how to follow up on a job application and what to do when you don’t get called in for a job interview. But what should you do when you actually do get a call to be interviewed for the job of your dreams?

Obviously, you accept the interview, however, it is likely that you will deal with plenty of stress and anxiety before that day arrives. To prepare for the interview, you should take the time to research the position that you applied for. Even if you already know plenty about the job and the tasks you will be responsible for, it is still recommended that you read up on the latest news about the industry so that you can share your interest and knowledge with the hiring manager. 

On the day of the interview, take your time getting ready and wear attire that is appropriate for an office setting. Be sure to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early so that you don’t’ have to rush inside the building. Whatever you do, don’t arrive late. You can prevent this by checking out the local traffic report.

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