To effectively follow up on a job application, follow these key steps:
1. Identify the Right Contact Person
- Find out who is responsible for hiring, usually the recruiter or hiring manager.
- Use your network, the company website, LinkedIn, or the job posting to find the right contact
2. Choose the Appropriate Communication Channel
- Email is generally the best method as it is professional and non-intrusive.
- Avoid cold phone calls or unannounced in-person visits early in the process
3. Time Your Follow-Up Correctly
- Wait about one to two weeks after submitting your application before following up.
- If you applied through a personal contact, follow up within a week; if through a recruiter you don’t know, wait about two weeks
4. Write a Polite and Concise Follow-Up Email
- Use a clear subject line indicating the purpose, e.g., "Follow-Up on Application: [Your Name] for [Job Title]"
- Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name if possible; otherwise, use "Dear Hiring Manager"
- Briefly reintroduce yourself, mention the position you applied for, and express your continued interest.
- Politely inquire about the status of your application.
- Thank them for their time and consideration.
- Keep the email concise and free of errors
5. Follow-Up Etiquette
- It is generally acceptable to follow up twice if you do not receive a response after the first follow-up
- If you receive an interview invitation after your follow-up, respond promptly and professionally
Sample Follow-Up Email Template
Subject: Follow-Up on Application: [Your Name] for [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am writing to kindly inquire about the status of my application and to reiterate my strong interest in this opportunity.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Following these guidelines will help you demonstrate professionalism, maintain a positive impression, and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process