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When to Follow Up on Your Job Application
If you're wondering how long should I wait to follow up on a job application, the answer depends on the company's timeline, but a well-timed follow-up shows your eagerness and commitment without coming across as overeager.
Ideal Timing for a Follow-Up
Check on an application and if you don’t hear back, Ideally, 1 to 2 weeks is how long after applying for a job should you send follow-up message. This provides time for hiring managers to study the applications while making sure you keep yourself fresh. Also, if the job posting gave any kind of timeline for hiring, use this as a rule of thumb for timing your follow-up message. It is also good to keep in mind public holidays or when companies generally hold events, as these can extend a timeline for response.
Signs It’s Too Early or Late
Follow-up on job application too quickly gives the impression of impatience, while following up too late runs the risk of the application falling through the cracks. If the job posting is still open after a couple of weeks, that is a good time to check in. Previous contact with the recruiter, such as a phone screening, can also help dictate your timing, as it demonstrates interest and involvement with the company.
Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Message
When you follow up on job application, you need to craft the perfect message. You want a brief yet polite email that reiterates your interest in the position and briefly highlights your qualifications. You could name something particular about the company or job that really excites you; this can help to reinforce your interest in the position. Also, make sure to include an acknowledgment of your appreciation for having the opportunity to apply and for the time they will take to consider applications. This is not only professional, but it can also help build rapport with the hiring team.
Understanding the Company Culture
Your follow-up strategy may also be informed by understanding the company culture. Some companies will appreciate a very formal follow-up, while others will appreciate a casual tone. Research into the company's communication style through their website, social media, or employee reviews can provide a sense of how to frame your message. In addition, if a company has a history of long hiring processes, it would be wise to adjust your expectations and follow-up timeline.
How to Write a Follow-Up Message
A follow-up message is best framed with careful consideration of the recipient and context of your application. Below are some practical tips on how to write a follow-up email effectively.
Find Person to Contact
Before you write, identify who you would like to receive your follow-up. This could be the hiring manager, depending on the stage of your interview process, the recruiter, or any other relevant contact within the company. LinkedIn and the company's website can also be great sources for this. MaxOfJob will help you save and store such important contacts all in one place.
Choose the Best Way to Reach Out
Email is often an ideal medium for how to follow up on an application because it allows a response that's courteous and brief. If other media have been established, like phone or social media, it's time to evaluate if they could serve better, depending on your previous conversations. For example, if you had been chatting with a recruiter over casual coffee, a short message on LinkedIn may make more sense than a formal email. You should always consider the context of your relationship with the recipient to choose an appropriate channel.
Time Your Follow-Up Right
Sending your message early in the week during working hours will increase the chance of your message being seen in a timely manner. Mondays and Tuesdays are usually good days, as they set the pace for the rest of the week. Also, if you know the company usually has a heavy schedule or deadlines, try to time your follow-up accordingly. For example, if they are on a recruitment drive, sending your message immediately after the closing date for application may get a better response than sending it a week later, because they might be considering the various applications and making their selections.
Write a Short, Polite Message
Your follow-up note needs to be brief and to the point. Introduce yourself, mention the position that you applied for, and let them know you are still interested. Be as respectful and as polite as possible, and that would make a difference. If you can, bring in one detail related to what was discussed in the interview or shared interest. Such addition would single out your note from the spammed inbox of people and really confirm your serious interest in this position and this company.
Track Your Applications in One Place
What to Write in a Follow-Up Message
Your follow-up email message should include several elements that make it professional yet eager for the position applied for. Consider writing the following information within it:
- Thank them
Begin your message by first thanking the recipient for investing time and considering you. A mere acknowledgement does much in keeping good relations going. It sets a good tone for the message and proves that you appreciate the effort put in by them for interviewing. Remember, hiring managers deal with many candidates and responsibilities; therefore, such a thank-you note may just keep you fresh in their memory.
- Restate your interest
You can reiterate your interest by highlighting why you are interested in the opportunity and how your skills match the goals of the company. Mention those aspects of the role or culture that appeal to you, such as innovation, and relate it to your strengths. This reinforces your enthusiasm by showing that you have taken the time to understand their mission.
- Ask for an update
After expressing your interest, it's appropriate to ask if there have been any updates regarding your application status. This shows your eagerness to move forward in the hiring process without being overly assertive. You can also reframe your question to depict how you understand it is off their timeline. Perhaps say something like, "I know such decisions take time, but any update from your end would be appreciated." Shows patience but opens up lines for communication.
- Close Gratefully
Close your note with a word of thanks, and include your contact information. A professional close will help solidify the significance of communication, leaving a great impression. You may want to add your personal touch-something like having a great week or hoping to hear from them soon. This can give life to your message and remind them that you are not just another applicant but a human being who is really excited about joining them.
[Your Contact Information]
[Optional: LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio Link]
[Your Name]
Other Ways to Follow Up
While email is one of the commonest ways of following up, there are other routes you could explore. You can also connect with a hiring manager through LinkedIn, but this will be a gentle way to remind yourself in their eyes. Networking at company-related events enables you to have direct contact with a company representative.
What to Do If You Don’t Get a Response
If you reach out and don't hear back, do not be discouraged. Sometimes hiring teams get busy, and applications might just be coming in hot and heavy. Give it a couple of weeks before you follow up politely. If, after this second follow-up, you hear nothing, then it is probably a good time to move on with other opportunities and keep trucking.
Conclusion
Following up on your job application is that important act that will separate you from the flock of applicants. If you carry out this work professionally with respect and eagerness, then this will leave a scar in the minds of the hiring managers. Remember, it all comes down to timing, clarity, and an overall positive attitude in your entire job search.
