You’ve meticulously crafted your resume, polished your cover letter, and finally hit “submit” on that exciting job application. The anticipation sets in, but the nagging feeling of uncertainty comes alongside it. How long should you wait? Is it appropriate to follow up, and if so, how? This is where mastering the art of resume follow-up becomes a game-changer in your job search. A well-timed, professional follow-up demonstrates your unwavering interest and initiative and can be the key to securing that coveted interview. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the strategic hows and whens of the resume follow-up process, helping you land your dream job.
Why Follow Up After Submitting a Resume?
Think of your resume submission as the opening move in a chess match. Following up is your strategic next step to keep the momentum going. Here’s a deeper look into why a resume follow-up can significantly impact your candidacy:
- Stand Out from the Crowd: In competitive job markets, hiring managers are inundated with applications. A timely follow-up email or message helps your name and qualifications stay at the forefront of their minds. It differentiates you from passive candidates by showcasing your genuine interest and proactive approach.
- Gain Clarity on the Process: While some job postings list a timeline for the hiring process, many don’t. A follow-up politely inquires about the expected timeline, helping you manage expectations and plan your next steps accordingly. This knowledge can reduce the anxiety of waiting for a response and allow you to focus your job search efforts effectively.
- Reiterate Your Value Proposition: Your resume and cover letter show your qualifications. A brief follow-up message allows you to reinforce one or two of your most compelling strengths relevant to the role. This reminds the hiring manager why you’re a strong fit for the position and keeps you in consideration.
- Address Potential Concerns: If you have a perceived weakness in your application (like a career gap or a lack of a specific, desired skill), a follow-up can proactively address it. Briefly explain the situation, emphasizing how you’ve proactively developed relevant skills or addressed the gap. This demonstrates your willingness to improve and take ownership of your professional development.
- Showcase Initiative and Enthusiasm: Proactively following up shows that you aren’t just casting a wide net and hoping for the result. It signals to hiring managers that you’re genuinely invested in this opportunity and the company. Enthusiastic and proactive candidates often leave a lasting impression compared to those who remain passive.
- Build a Bridge of Communication A follow-up opens a communication channel with the potential employer. Even if you don’t immediately get an interview, the hiring manager or recruiter might remember you favorably when a similar position opens up or recommend you for other open roles within the organization.
Important Note: It’s vital to balance conveying interest and coming across as overly persistent. That’s why understanding the appropriate timing and tone for your follow-up, as outlined in subsequent sections, is crucial.
When to Follow Up
Timing your resume follow-up is crucial. Being too eager can come across as pushy while waiting too long might make you seem uninterested. Here’s a general guideline for when to reach out:
- After Submitting Your Application: Unless the job listing requests otherwise, wait at least a week before following up. This gives the hiring team ample time to review applications.
- After a Phone Screening: Send a brief thank-you email within 24-48 hours, reiterating your interest in the position. A formal follow-up asking about the next steps can be sent a few days later if you haven’t heard anything.
- After an Interview: Always send a thank-you note within 24 hours after your interview. If the interviewer provided a timeframe for a decision, you can follow up via Email approximately a week after that Date has passed. If no timeline was given, checking in about 10-14 days after the interview is still reasonable.
Important Note: These timelines are general guidelines. Adjusting your follow-up accordingly is wise if the company is known for a faster hiring process. A little research into the company’s typical process can be invaluable.
How to Craft a Professional Follow-Up Message
Your follow-up message is your chance to make a lasting positive impression. Keep these core principles in mind:
- Subject Line: Keep it clear and direct. Examples:
- “Application Follow-Up – [Your Name] – [Position Title]”
- “Following Up on [Position Title] Application – [Your Name]”
- Email Body
- Opening: Briefly state your continued interest in the position and the Date you originally applied.
- Value Reinforcement: Highlight one or two of your most robust qualifications relevant to the role.
- Status Inquiry: Politely ask about the status of your application and express appreciation for their time.
- Closing: Include a professional closing (e.g., “Sincerely,”) followed by your full name and contact information.
Sample Follow-Up Email Template
Dear [Hiring Manager Name (if known)],
I hope this Email finds you well.
I’m following up on my application for the [Position Title] position I submitted on [Date]. I remain very interested in this opportunity and believe my [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] would make me a valuable asset to your team.
Can you provide an update on the hiring process? Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Email]
[Phone Number]
The Power of a Thank You Note
While a follow-up email primarily focuses on gaining a status update, a thank-you note after an interview serves a slightly different purpose. It’s your chance to show appreciation and further solidify your suitability for the role.
- Separate from Your Follow-up: A thank-you note should be sent within 24 hours after your interview, independent of a more formal status follow-up.
- Personalize: Reference a specific aspect of your conversation with the interviewer. This could be a point of connection you made or a particularly insightful part of the discussion.
- Reiterate Your Fit: Subtly remind them how your qualifications and experience align with the position’s requirements.
Follow-Up Channels
- Email: The most common and generally preferred follow-up method. It allows for professionalism and a clear record of your communication.
- Phone Call: Use this judiciously. If the job posting explicitly encourages phone contact or you have an established relationship with someone at the company, a brief, polite phone follow-up could be appropriate.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of resume follow-up isn’t just about persistence; it’s about strategic communication. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and sincere enthusiasm for the role. Remember, sometimes it’s not just about whether you’re qualified; it’s about ensuring the hiring manager knows it. A strategically timed and well-crafted follow-up can make all the difference in transforming that application into a job offer.