At times, you might be faced with situations when you might have applied for a number of jobs and haven’t heard from them. Don’t worry! The reason for this can be easily found out. Let’s check your approach to the job hunt. Have you ever tried a follow up letter after applying for a job? If no, then that could be a reason for the delay. You might be aware that job markets are highly competitive nowadays. There is always a neck-to-neck competition between candidates of similar qualifications and backgrounds. Hence, it is your responsibility to ensure that you seem different from the others. Winning a position, voting down thousands of applicants, is no mean feat. And it’s not just your competency — your smartness also paves your path to success. You should be smart enough to present yourself as a ‘stand-out’ applicant to snaffle the attention of the recruiter away from the wide pool of other applicants applying for a job. Remember that your application is only one among thousands of such documents. So, you need to act smart (not over-smart!) to win the opportunity and following up your application is one such smart move. This article helps you learn how to follow up with an application. Read on!
Follow Up After Application
Why Should You Follow Up
Naturally the first question regarding follow-up would be “why a follow-up is suggested?” There are several reasons for this:
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Firstly, for consideration: Contacting the hiring manager provides you with a chance to communicate with him personally. Use this opportunity to stress on your skills and experiences genuinely. This may earn you some consideration in future rounds.
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Secondly, for recognition: Following up application gives you a chance for personal introduction. This can help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants. If everything else is similar, then the recruiter may prefer to give the chance to someone who he/she has already interacted with.
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Thirdly, for impression: Following up the application proves your interest in the opportunity. Recruiters often show consideration towards proactive and smart candidates who can cover the extra mile.
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Fourthly, for additional information: You may come across additional information about the firm, position, skills or job profile during the follow-up process. This may help you in the interview.
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Lastly, for interview: Follow-up procedure involves personal introduction and this may help you in the interview because the interviewer would be able to recognize you. This may provide some grace points to you.
How Should You Follow–Up
The next question likely to be asked is “what is the most suitable way to follow up a job application?” Well, it depends upon a couple of factors – your initial way of contacting the recruiter, your confidence and your preference.
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Dropping a follow-up mail gives a professional touch to your approach. While composing a letter, make sure to mention the date and mode (online or postal) of application with an indication of the post you have applied for. Second paragraph is ideal to indicate your work experience and skills and also your enthusiasm in the opening. Also share a bit of extra knowledge gained through your research about the organization. Stress on your eagerness to hear from the person.
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You can follow-up your application over the phone also. This would be more appropriate if you had communicated with the recruiter earlier. Don’t attempt this if you are too nervous. Also, prepare for a screening while attempting a follow-up over the phone.
When Should I Follow Up
Dropping a follow-up mail or giving a call over the phone on the very next day of application doesn’t make any sense. This would bring a total negative impact on your chance. The ideal time to follow up a job application is 1 week to 10 days from the date of application. You can indicate while applying that you will follow up after some days.
However, you shouldn’t expect a positive response always. If at all your follow up reveals that you are not one among the final round candidates, never give up. Instead, ask for the reasons for rejection and try to incorporate desired changes in yourself.
