Job Application Follow Up: Do’s and Don’ts in 2024

Finding a job in today’s India can be a long and stressful process. It takes hours and days to perfect a resume and cover letter, and finally, apply.

Now, the annoying wait begins. But what if you don’t hear back?

Following up on your job application can be the key to standing out and securing an interview. Here are the do's and don'ts of this crucial step.

The Importance of Follow-Up:

Following up on a job application is essential for several reasons:

• Shows Initiative: Shows your genuine interest in the position and your proactive attitude.
• Keeps You Top of Mind: Reminds the hiring manager of your application amid the many they receive, in short leaves an impression.
• Clarifies Status: This helps you understand where you stand in the hiring process and whether you need to continue your job search efforts elsewhere.

Do's and Don’ts for the Follow-Ups:

The Dos:

Timing is Key
Timing your follow-up right is very important. The general recommendation is to wait about 1-2 weeks after submitting your application before following up. This allows the hiring team enough time to review applications while still showing your continued interest in the role.

Choose the Right Method
Email is the preferred method for follow-ups as it provides a documented, professional mode of communication. However, if the job posting provides a phone number, a call can be a more direct approach. LinkedIn can also be a valuable tool to connect and follow up with potential employers.

Highlight Your Qualifications
Revisit your key qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. This serves as a reminder of why you are a strong candidate for the role (zety).

Express Gratitude
Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and taking the time to read your follow-up. Showing appreciation can leave a positive impression (zety).

The Don’ts

Be Overly Persistent
Sending multiple follow-ups in a short span of time can have a negative impact. Stick to one follow-up message unless directed otherwise. Over-persistence can make you appear impatient and could push away potential employers. (CVWallet) (zety)

Use an Informal Tone
Maintain a formal tone to convey professionalism. An overly casual approach can make you seem unprofessional and decrease your chances of being taken seriously.

Ignore Instructions
If the job posting asks not to follow up, respect this request to avoid being seen as unprofessional. Disregarding such instructions can reflect poorly on your attention to detail and ability to follow the instructions. (CVWallet) (zety)

Enhancing Your Follow-Up Strategy

1. Use Your Connections

Leverage your network to see if anyone within the company can provide insights or put in a good word for you. A referral can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed.

2. Be Ready for a Follow-Up Call

If you choose to follow up by phone, ensure it’s a convenient time for the hiring manager to speak. Keep your conversation brief, respectful, and focused on your continued interest in the position.

The Power of Persistence

While persistence is important, it should always be balanced with professionalism. Following up can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview, but it must be done thoughtfully and respectfully.

Persistence utilized right goes a long way, it shows dedication. Before sending the outreach, ask yourself these questions:

• Will it be rude if I ask for an update on a job application?
• Has the expected timeline for hearing back from the employer already passed?
• Did the company mention a specific time frame for decisions or the next steps in the interview process?
• Have I been in contact with the company or recruiter during the process, or has there been silence for a while?
• Is this a role I’m particularly excited about and would like to express continued interest in?
• Have there been significant changes in my availability or circumstances that would be important for the employer to know?
• Did I thank the recruiter or interviewer after the interview? Is this follow-up more about checking in on the process?
• Has the job posting been removed or closed since I applied, indicating that they might be finalizing decisions?
• Is it more than one week since my last communication with the company, and was there any indication of the next steps?
• Has the employer reached out with updates before, but I haven’t received communication in a while, making a follow-up reasonable?

To put it simply

Following up on job applications is a crucial part of the job search process that can set you apart from other candidates. By following these practices, you can effectively navigate this step and increase your chances of securing an interview. Stay professional, be patient, and use your follow-up as an opportunity to reinforce your excitement in the role.