Take a look around a restaurant, and you’ll likely see more than half of the patrons with their eyes glued to their smartphones. Yep, we’re all obsessed. So, is it any wonder that mobile has become the primary method for job searching—and soon even applying?
While you really can’t beat the convenience of mobile, you can easily start to feel like you’re simply submitting your resume into a black hole. With an application process that only takes a few taps of your smartphone screen, is anyone actually even looking at this information? And, how can you stand out from the sea of other applicants?
Well, you don’t need me to tell you that the magic is all in your follow up. And, yes, you should absolutely follow up on every job you apply for — especially the ones that you’re particularly interested in.
But, there’s no doubt that circling back on your job application can be a little intimidating and challenging. Have no fear, you mobile job seekers! Here’s your guide to following up on your application—without being an obnoxious pest.
The Benefits of Following Up
Since you’re reading this article, I’m going to assume that you don’t need too much education on the benefits of a personal follow up. But, we’ll hammer that point home by briefly discussing them anyway.
First things first, we all know that digital job applications are somewhat cut and dried. You get a chance to enter your basic information (name, contact information, etc.), and—if you’re lucky—a cover letter. So, sending a personalized follow up email is your chance to break free from those restrictions, connect with the hiring manager, and stand out from the crowd. You’re no longer just “Job Applicant ID 5389”. Instead, you’re the person that was so interested in learning more about the position, that you sent a personal note to follow up. Hey, it’s something!
Secondly, sending a personalized follow up also opens the door to starting a conversation with the hiring manager. Since your follow up message likely contains a question (i.e. “Do you have a timeline in place for deciding on successful applicants?” or “Do you need any further information from me?”), you might even get a response. And, we all know that having a personal conversation with the hiring manager is never a bad thing. In fact, it might just up your chances of getting that treasured interview!
When to Follow Up
Alright, so you already know why you should follow up, but now comes the challenge of figuring out exactly when you should touch base. You don’t want to seem like an overeager pest. But, on the same token, you don’t want your job application to completely fall off the company’s radar. So, what’s the happy medium here?
While it may be tempting to send a follow up email mere hours after you pressed “Submit” on your application (I mean, what’s taking them so long?), you should make a strong effort to harness your excitement. As a general rule of thumb, don’t send a follow up email until at least a week has passed. Sure, this might seem like an eternity for you. But, it’s really not that much time for a business to sort through all of their qualified applicants. So, waiting a week (or even two) before following up is your best bet for not seeming pushy and impatient.
We all know that recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so you shouldn’t be surprised if you don’t hear anything after your initial email. However, don’t hesitate to attempt to follow up on a regular basis — particularly if it’s a job you’re really excited about. Typically, a “check in” email every couple of weeks is enough to keep you front and center, without being that obnoxious person cluttering up their inbox every day.
How to Follow Up
Now, you might be wondering what on earth you should say in that oh-so-important follow up email. You want to make it clear that you want the job, but you don’t want to chime right in with a, “Do you want to hire me? Check yes or no!” sort of request. Because — let’s face it — such a demanding and elementary message will likely result in a “no”.
Instead, try sending a polite and thoughtful email like this template below:
Hello [Hiring Manager/Recruiter/Head of Department Name],
I hope you’re having a great week!
I’m sure you’re incredibly busy, but I did want to circle back on my application for the [Position Title] position. I’m really excited about this opportunity, and I’d love to bring my [passion/Excel knowledge/stellar Rodney Dangerfield impression/whatever it is you do really well] to the [Company Name] team.
Do you have a timeline in place for deciding on applicants that will be moving forward in the hiring process? Please let me know if there’s any additional information you need me to pass along as you move through your decisions.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Where to Follow Up
Perhaps one of the most challenging pieces of successful follow up is figuring out exactly where you should send your perfectly crafted email. After all, many companies keep personal email addresses hidden as if they’re the Holy Grail of business communication.
If you can manage it, a personal email address is always better than a generic “careers@CompanyXYZ.com” or “info@CompanyXYZ.com” address. Those addresses are sort of like getting stuck in those annoying, endless phone menus, and knowing you’re making contact with a real person goes a long way. So, do some research to see if you can find the email address of the hiring manager, or even the head of the department you’re applying to.
If not, you’re stuck with the general address. But, make sure to use an appropriately descriptive subject line such as “Marketing Assistant Position Follow Up” to ensure that your message has at least a chance of getting to the right spot.
There are also a few other things you can do outside of email to improve your competitive standing. Look through a few of the company’s employees’ LinkedIn profiles. And, if you’re feeling brave, send a connection request with a personalized introductory message to a few relevant people. Also, make sure to interact with the organization’s social media outlets. Retweeting any interesting posts or “liking” things they do on Facebook shows you’re actively engaged and interested in what the business is doing.
Wrapping Up
There’s no doubt about it, waiting to hear back on a job application is a rare form of torture — especially when you feel like you’ve sent your information into the mobile black hole. Yes, the convenience of mobile job search and applications is awesome, but you still want to follow up personally. So, put these tips to work to craft a personalized follow up email that will up your chances of getting a response — and maybe even the job!
