What to say when following up on a job application

How to follow up on the status of a job application? If they give you a date, be sure to wait until after that date to follow up. Even before submitting the job application, you can plan a time to follow up on your cover letter. For example, you might include at the end of the cover letter that you will call the company’s office in a week to follow up.

When that happens, you have two options as an applicant: continue waiting or send a follow-up letter.

If you choose to send a follow-up , you’ll need to walk a fine line. While you want to remind the hiring manager of your interest and qualifications , you do not want that person to feel hounded. In fact, the majority of hiring managers we asked indicated in a recent survey that this is the best way for candidates to follow up after an application.

Put a few short sentences together thanking them for their time in reading your application, and ask directly if there are any questions they have regarding your CV or credentials for the job. Chasing up an application is the best way NOT to get hired. It makes you look like a pushy bully. I think your friend has given you some fair advice.

Going in and talking to them shows initiative and dedication.

Be polite and humble in the body of your message. Say you’re still interested and reiterate why you’re the perfect fit. So, if the job posting or the application indicated a timeline for the company’s reply, you should try to respect it and wait to follow up until that time has passed.

Another reason to wait? Following up on job applications is a great way to show your interest in a company and keep your name at the top of the hiring manager’s mind. It could make a great impression, even if it doesn’t lead to an immediate hire.

The worst case scenario is that you don’t get considered for the job. Stay positive and try again. If done strategically, following up can be a great way to reinforce why you are qualified for the job , and can even get your application a closer look.

By following through, you demonstrate a strong will and confidence to your hiring manager that the job means a lot to you. Give yourself a deadline and write it down on a piece of paper. About working days should be ample time for your hiring manager to consider your cover letter and give you a response. Bonus tip: Wait one week after applying before making your application follow up call and do not call more than twice in one week. Sometimes, the best approach to following up with an application is to simply wait it out.

While this can be confounding and frustrating at a time when you’re desperate for an employment opportunity, it is the only way ensure you are considered for a position. The first thing you need to do before you decide to follow up in person is to understand if this is the type of environment where you can do that.

Ideally, this should be a retail setting. Any office setting should not be followed up in person. Use the job description, the company website, and LinkedIn to determine the right point of contact.

Follow up about a week after your original application. If you don’t hear back, follow up a week later.