How to follow up on a job application?
Everything’s gone smoothly in your job search so far: you have perfected your CV, updated your LinkedIn profile, sent in your applications, successfully completed your first interview, and were promised to be notified within a few days, and yet… you’ve heard nothing.
What should you do next? Follow up, at risk of appearing ‘desperate’, or not follow up, at risk of not seeming interested in the position?
In fact, this initiative is an integral part of the process. And if done right, it demonstrates your motivation to get the job, helps you stand out from other candidates, and will increase your chances of success. Read our tips on how to follow up on a job application.
What should you do next? Follow up, at risk of appearing ‘desperate’, or not follow up, at risk of not seeming interested in the position?
In fact, this initiative is an integral part of the process. And if done right, it demonstrates your motivation to get the job, helps you stand out from other candidates, and will increase your chances of success. Read our tips on how to follow up on a job application.
Express your thanks
Even if you are anxious to know if you have been selected for the position, it isn’t wise to follow up with the recruiter immediately after the interview. The latter, for whom the hiring process is also important matter, is entitled to a period of reflection. In addition, the decision may have to be approved by several people in the company, which may take some time.
Moreover, if you’re actively looking for work you may be waiting on other answers too, so you may not be depending on this sole application.
On the other hand, a thank you email can be particularly appreciated and will allow you, if needed, to add further information about yourself that slipped your mind during the interview. So don’t hold back!
A short thank you, whether via email or phone call, will always produce good results.
Moreover, if you’re actively looking for work you may be waiting on other answers too, so you may not be depending on this sole application.
On the other hand, a thank you email can be particularly appreciated and will allow you, if needed, to add further information about yourself that slipped your mind during the interview. So don’t hold back!
A short thank you, whether via email or phone call, will always produce good results.
Follow up formally, if needed
The length of time before you hear back may vary depending on the company’s size and structure. In a large company for example, recruitment decision-making processes are often longer than in a start-up where the hierarchy is shorter.
With a large company, wait at least ten days to two weeks before following up. For a smaller structure or start-up, you can get in contact after a week has passed since your interview.
If, after following up, you have still heard nothing, send a new email the following week, then one per week the next 2 weeks.
We recommend email follow-up, as it is less intrusive for the recruiter and perhaps less intimidating for the candidate.
If you feel comfortable with calling back, please feel free to do so… and remember to prepare your message if you ‘land’ on the voicemail of your interlocutor!
Even if you are very interested in the post, stay alert and active on social networks. The recruiter will be able to see that you are still available in the market and that you have other options. This might push them to make a decision!
If, after following up, you have still heard nothing, send a new email the following week, then one per week the next 2 weeks.
We recommend email follow-up, as it is less intrusive for the recruiter and perhaps less intimidating for the candidate.
If you feel comfortable with calling back, please feel free to do so… and remember to prepare your message if you ‘land’ on the voicemail of your interlocutor!
If you choose email, make sure you write it carefully
Here are some sample phrases for your follow up email:- Always start with a polite phrase "Dear Sir/Madam"
- Clearly express the reasons for following up “I am writing enquire about our exchange on the 8th of June.”
- Always start with a polite phrase: “Good morning, sir” or “Dear madam”
- Politely explain the reasons for your reminder “I would like to contact you today following our meeting on *the date*”
- Insist on your desire to obtain the position in order to positively respond to your interlocutor I reiterate with you my desire to / I would like to remind you of my particular interest in the role …”
If you choose telephone: Be convincing
- Always address the person by their first name if the person authorized you to use it during the first interview
- Start by clearly recalling your first and last name, then the details of the position.
- Adopt a positive attitude: “I am contacting you to find out if you have made a decision regarding my application”
- Stay polite
Even if you are very interested in the post, stay alert and active on social networks. The recruiter will be able to see that you are still available in the market and that you have other options. This might push them to make a decision!