You’re confident your resume was impressive, your cover letter was engaging and you are well-qualified for the job. And, yet, you’ve not heard anything from the company since you applied. Do you know how to follow up on a job application?
It’s definitely worth sending a follow-up email or calling the company directly, according to Jennifer Brookshire, Robert Half assistant vice president and branch manager in Charlotte, N.C.
She acknowledges that applying for a job can be like throwing your resume into a black hole and hoping it comes out on the other side. But there are ways to let the employer know you are truly interested in the job without coming across as desperate.
Read our Q&A with this staffing expert for some useful tips.
Are there rules for how to follow up on a job application?
It can be tricky to know the best way to follow up after applying for a job. It’s partly based on how you applied for the job and who the job is with.
A follow-up email is perfectly fine. But a phone call can sometimes have a bigger impact.
If you know the name of the employer and title of the job you applied for, call the company and speak to the receptionist. Let them know what position you’re targeting and that you would like to follow up on your application. The receptionist should be able to give you the next steps or connect you with the right person to talk to.
Similar rules apply when you’re working with a staffing agency to find a job. It really doesn’t hurt — and, in fact, is actually really helpful — to call the recruitment firm to make sure they have received your information and to verify that the job you’re interested in is still available.
No matter who you’re following up with, or if you’re sending a follow-up email or picking up the phone, ALWAYS be friendly and positive. Whether you realize it or not, you’re making an impression on someone who may have a say in who is hired for the role, and you want it to be a good one.
Consider working with Robert Half — a proven leader in helping candidates like you find rewarding career opportunities.
Can you do it in a way that does not annoy the hiring manager?
Make sure you are clear and concise in your follow-up email or phone call. As much as possible, try to come across as calm and confident. That can be hard to do, of course, but it helps to have this attitude.
It also doesn’t hurt to try to create a sense of urgency with the hiring manager. If you are interviewing for other jobs or are lucky enough to have a job offer in hand already, let the employer know. Your goal isn’t to give the hiring manager an ultimatum but to stress your interest in the position they’re hiring for and to encourage them to call you in for an interview quickly.
How long should you wait before you reach out?
Send your follow-up email within a few days of applying for the position. Give the hiring manager or recruiter at least 24 hours to respond to you.
You can showcase the skills on your resume by avoiding the urge to call back multiple times a day or send a flood of follow-up emails. Too much follow-up paints you as impatient. And, yes, it will annoy the recipient.
How many times should you follow up after applying for a job?
Follow up until the employer gives you a reason to stop. That means, if you have followed up several times and still have not heard back, it’s probably best to move on.
What does it mean if you never hear back from the employer?
Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be.
