Career Assistance Tips

The Art of Following Up: Why It's Crucial in Your Job Search

Searching for a job can be a challenging and sometimes daunting task. You've carefully crafted your resume, written a compelling cover letter, and submitted your applications. But what happens next? How do you ensure that your application doesn't get lost in the sea of candidates? This is where the art of following up comes into play. In this article, we'll dive into the importance of following up with potential employers, discuss the best ways to do it, and provide guidance on when to follow up.

The Importance of Following Up

Demonstrates Genuine Interest:

Following up with a potential employer shows that you are genuinely interested in the position. It conveys your enthusiasm for the role and your eagerness to move forward in the hiring process. Employers appreciate candidates who take the initiative to follow up because it reflects their commitment and motivation.

Keeps You on Their Radar:

Recruiters and hiring managers often have a high volume of applications to sift through. By following up, you remind them of your application and make it more likely that they will remember you. This can be especially beneficial if you're applying to a competitive job, that way you stand out from the crowd.

Provides an Opportunity to Clarify:

Following up also gives you a chance to clarify any doubts or questions that may have arisen during the initial application review. You can address any gaps in your resume or elaborate on specific qualifications that might not have been immediately apparent from your application materials.

Demonstrates Good Communication Skills:

Effective communication is a valuable skill in any job. Following up in a professional and courteous manner showcases your communication skills and your ability to initiate and maintain professional relationships.

The Best Ways to Follow Up

Now that we've established why following up is important, let's explore the best ways to go about it:

Email:

Email is a common and widely accepted method for following up with potential employers. It allows you to compose a well-thought-out message, ensuring that your communication is clear and professional. In your email, express your continued interest in the position, briefly reiterate your qualifications, and politely inquire about the status of your application. If you are unsure of what to write feel free to use one of our templates on the Follow Up page. When you are sending your email be sure that you know who you should be emailing. This can be difficult at times but searching through LinkedIn or the job application will help you determine who the hiring manager is.

Phone Call:

A phone call can be a more personal way to follow up, but it should be used judiciously. If a phone number is provided in the job posting or on the company's website, you can call to inquire about the status of your application. Be sure to prepare a script or talking points before making the call to ensure that your message is concise and professional. Practicing your “Me in 30 Seconds” video can be extremely helpful when trying to do this.

LinkedIn Message:

LinkedIn is a valuable tool for professional networking, and it can be used to follow up with potential employers. If you've connected with the hiring manager or a recruiter on LinkedIn, you can send them a polite message expressing your continued interest and requesting an update on your application. Be sure to send this much like you would your email, make it short, concise, and professional. You can use one of our templates on our Follow Up page.  

In-Person

Following up in person is another great way to truly show that you are interested. Following up in person can be difficult and at times feel intrusive. Before following up in person be sure that you know who you are trying to visit, attempt to setup a meet and great with them. Then you should research the company, print your resume, and dress professionally. For more information on how to take some time to meet with potential employers go to our Visit Potential Employers page.  

When to Follow Up

Timing is crucial when it comes to following up with potential employers. Here's a general guideline on when to follow up:

Application Confirmation:

After submitting your application, it's a good practice to send a follow-up email within one to two weeks. This demonstrates your promptness and eagerness. If you send it too early many times employers haven’t had a chance to review any of the application. Waiting at least two weeks ensures that the job posting has closed. Many employers wont review any application until the job posting has closed.  

After an Interview:

If you've had an interview, always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. This not only expresses your gratitude for the opportunity but also keeps you on their radar. If you haven't heard back within the timeframe they specified, it's acceptable to follow up one week after the interview. We have a basic template that you can use on our Follow Up page that you can use.  

Post-Interview Feedback:

If you received feedback or were told about a specific timeline for their decision, follow up accordingly. If no timeline was provided, it's generally acceptable to follow up after two weeks.

Conclusion

Following up with potential employers is a crucial aspect of the job search process. It demonstrates your genuine interest, keeps you on their radar, and showcases your communication skills. By following the best practices mentioned in this article and timing your follow-ups appropriately, you increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market and landing that dream job. Remember, persistence and professionalism go a long way in your job search journey.

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