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One of the worst parts about a job search is having to play the waiting game after you send in an application.

After spending a lot of time trying to craft the best possible resume and cover letter, you have to keeping checking your email and jump every time the phone rings.

At some point, you can take matters into your own hands and follow up on an application. Like every other part of the job seeking process, this should be done tactfully and in a professional way.

When to Follow Up

If you don’t get a response from the potential employer within two weeks, it may be time follow up. Hiring personnel generally prefer that job seekers follow-up by email so they can have a record of the communication and can respond at a time that is convenient.

If you do not have an email address, you can try calling the business. If the job posting says not to contact the company, you must wait to hear from them. Otherwise, you run the risk of being eliminated due to not following directions.

Composing a Follow-Up Email

Before you even start to write a follow-up email, make sure you’re doing it from a professional-sounding email address. For instance, sending a follow-up email from TaylorSwiftFan2017@aol.com probably isn’t going to give the most professional impression.

When writing the follow-up email, include the title of the position you are seeking and your name in the subject line so the hiring manager can easily see why you are contacting them.

Start your email with a courteous salutation, using the person’s name. If you aren’t certain about the hiring manager’s gender, use their first and last name: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking Courtney is a female name or Mickey is a woman’s nickname.

Finally, your signature ought to include a professional closing, after thanking the hiring manager for their consideration.

Making a Follow-Up Phone Call

When following up over the phone, it’s best to call later in the day because people are usually in a good mood, looking forward to the end of the day. If nobody responds after two calls, leave a short voicemail with your name, and the job title you are seeking. Then, express your thanks for hiring manager’s consideration and say you’d gladly clarify any details on your resume or cover letter. Finally, leave your phone number and a reasonable window of time that is best for reaching you.

If you do reach the hiring manager, give your name and the position you are calling about. Then, ask if you can get a confirmation that your submission was received. Let them know you can be contacted if there is anything that needs clarification. Thank the person for their time and consideration, and end the call by expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity to apply for the open position.

At Action Group Staffing, we regularly help job seekers with important decisions, like when to follow up on a resume. If you are currently looking for assistance in your job search, please contact us today.


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