So, you’ve taken the step to apply for a position through a recruiting company. Now, what’s the best way to follow up and ensure your application gets the attention it deserves?
Unsure how? Read below and learn the way to follow up on a job application.
Tips for Following Up On a Job Application with a Recruiting Manager
Whether reaching out via phone, leaving a follow-up message, or penning an email, these are versatile tips to follow up on a position you’ve applied for:
Wait 2 Weeks to Follow Up
It can be very tempting to reach out to a hiring manager just a few days after applying, but you must resist. Allowing for two weeks to pass before following up lets the hiring team accept and process applications, including yours, increasing the chance they have useful information to share with you about the upcoming interview process.
Confirm Your Interest in the Job
Whether a message, email, or conversation, you should begin by reiterating your strong interest in the job. There’s no shame in expressing that you want something, just keep it professional.
Be Brief and Clear
When following up on a job application, you want to keep communication concise. Remember, they’ve already gone through your resume and cover letter, reviewed your job history, and maybe even contacted references. This isn’t an opportunity to rehash what they’ve read, it’s a reminder that you’re an excellent candidate for the position.
Reiterate Your Top Job Qualifications to the Hiring Manager
Your cover letter and resume have already detailed all your qualifications, but in a follow up you have the opportunity to remind them of your primary qualifications. Focus on your most noteworthy skills, certifications, and relevant experience to drive home the best of you.
Express Your Gratitude For Being Considered
At the end of the conversation or email, be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and attention while carefully prompting them to take the next step in the hiring process. You can do this by encouraging them to check your references or that you look forward to scheduling an interview. Also, include your contact information so they don’t have to go back to your resume for it. The fewer steps between contacting you and your follow up, the better.
How to Write a Follow-up Email
The primary way people follow up on a job application is through email, which makes sense since it’s the least intrusive, and email contact information is easier than a direct phone line to the hiring manager.
Learn how to write a follow-up email with these tried and true tips:
Get the Hiring Manager’s Details
Personalization goes a long way, and knowing the hiring manager’s name demonstrates you’ve done your research and are diligent in professional advancement. Another perk is that your email is more likely to be seen by a decision-maker.
You can find the hiring manager on the company website or LinkedIn, but if none is listed then you can call the company directly and ask for their name and email.
Use a Clear Subject Line
The subject line shouldn’t be riddled with flowery and clever text. Keep it simple, just include the title of the job you’re applying for and your name.
Be Professional & Brief
Worth repeating, that this is a professional email to a potential employer. You want to write the email to be both polite and professional; remember, this email is essentially your first impression.
Also, keep it brief. If it’s too long, they’re likely to ignore it because they don’t have the time to read it. Include the essential information and remember to write it for skimming.
Focus On Your Job Qualifications
Piggybacking on writing an email for skimming, this is an opportunity to hone in on your best and most relevant qualifications for the position. You can include specific achievements and successful initiatives you took as well.
Ask Questions About the Job You’re Applying For
If you have any questions about the application process or position, this is the time to ask. It shows you’re sincerely interested in working for the company and can help sway the hiring manager into addressing scheduling an interview. Remember, keep it brief and just include one to three questions max.
Proofread Carefully
Just as with a resume and cover letter, always proofread. Nothing can get you booted from the interview pile faster than a poorly written email.
Include a Call to Action in the Follow-Up Email
The top goal of this email is to hear back for an interview, so mention a call to action. A polite and professional way to do this is to simply let them know you’re interested in interviewing and include how and when they can reach you to set one up. This forces the hiring manager to reply with a decision.
Application Follow Through with Expert Job Help
Provisional Recruiting has been placing job seekers in preferred positions for over twenty years. Our expertise has helped both job hunters and employers find the right match that suits everyone throughout the Northwest.
Want help landing the job you’re after, how to follow up, and have expert job search tips and effective techniques on hand? Contact us and explore our job board before setting out on your new career.
Explore our other job tips for interviewing, listing references, and other techniques for job hunting here!