You sent the application, you waited, you stared at your inbox and waited by the phone (cue the tumbleweed). Still nothing? Instead of waiting a millennium or assuming the worst, it’s time to get proactive.
If you really want to find out what’s happening, don’t shy away from following up on your job application with an email or even making a phone call to the company.
Why you should do it
- A second look: By contacting the recruiter, you’re bringing your application to their attention. Whether that’s for the first or second time, you have increased your odds of being considered.
- A good impression: Employers will see that you are genuinely interested in working for them and are enthusiastic about the role.
- Peace of mind: You will be able to eradicate any uncertainty surrounding your application, sometimes it helps to simply know where you’re at and ensure they have the correct contact information.
- Feedback: If you didn’t secure the job this time, you may be able to find out why and get some constructive criticism that will help you improve your future job applications.
When you should do it
You don’t want to come across as too keen, impatient or desperate job seeker. Give the recruiter/hiring manager some time to review all of the applications they have received before sending a follow up email. You should wait at least a week or two after submitting your application before getting in touch for an update.
How you should do it
You can either send a short email enquiring about the status of your application or make a phone call.
Here’s a useful sample follow up email template you can use:
Subject Line: Update on my application for [position title]
Dear [interviewer/company name],
I hope you are well.
I recently applied for the [position title]position in [location], and wanted to check in on your decision timeline. I am excited about the opportunity and believe that my [communication/sales/organisation/teamwork/leadership] skills would be a great fit for the company.
Please let me know if you require me to provide any additional information as you move on to the next stage in the recruitment process.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
If it is bad news, don’t be disheartened! Every application is good practice and rejections are simply an opportunity to seek constructive feedback that will help you next time.
