How to follow up on a job application in 2021
You’ve done your prep work, dressed your best and fingers crossed, aced the interview!
Or in the post-pandemic world, you’ve completed all the necessary fields and emailed your job application.
While job hunting on the whole can be a true test of patience, sometimes you may not hear about your application for a while.
At that point you may ask yourself, do I follow-up with the recruiter? If so, how do I do this?
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How to submit the best online job application?
When submitting your job application, it is essential to:
- Read the job description and thoroughly understand the position you’re applying for. Do you possess the required skills and qualifications?
- Tailor your CV depending on the job description. Include key words, phrases and ensure your application specifically speaks to the job. In other words, your CV must be the perfect response to what the recruiter is looking for.
- Perfect your cover letter – concise, clear and to the point. Utilise a three to four paragraph document as to why you’re an excellent candidate for the position and what benefits the organisation is sure to reap once they hire you.
- Clean up your social media – because it’s 2021 and recruiters are looking! Explicit, profane or suggestive videos, pictures and posts should be cleared in order to present yourself in the best digital way possible.
How to write a job application email
How long I should wait before following up?
You should give your recruiter sufficient time to process your job application (and others) before following up. By following up too early, you run the risk of being perceived as impatient or inconsiderate. If you wait too long however, there’s a chance you may never get a response. It may also signal your enthusiasm or interest for the position has dwindled.
An appropriate timeframe agreed by HR professionals is between 1-2 weeks. This can also be translated as between 5 to 10 business days.
How to ask about the status of my job application?
Once you’re within the appropriate timeframe for a follow up, you can draft a follow-up email. If you’re unaware of the recruiter’s email, you can make a phone call. Keep in mind that recruiters generally receive tons of phone calls and emails daily. Therefore, your follow-up message needs to be short, friendly, yet professional.
Reiterate the details of the application – what position you applied for, your name and date of application. Don’t sound demanding in your email message or voice tone. Ask gently if any decisions have been made or if there’s any updates they can share with you at this time.
Do reiterate your interest in the company. End your follow up email with a thank you and “Looking forward to your response”. If you’re doing a telephone follow-up you can ask for a specific date by which they can provide an update. Always thank the recruiter for their time in considering your application.
How often should I follow up on a job interview?
Unless filling the vacancy is an urgent one, recruiters usually take a couple weeks to process applications, shortlist candidates and make final decisions. Nevertheless, there is nothing inappropriate about making multiple follow-ups. Just ensure that your follow-up attempts are spaced apart by a week or two. Multiple follow-ups within one week for example, can actually hurt your chances.
You also have the option of choosing different channels. Your first follow-up can be through an email. If no response or confirmation is given on your first attempt, you can do a phone call the second time.
Job Application examples
Download our follow up on a job application template
Good Morning/Afternoon Mr. /Ms. [Recruiter’s Last name],
A little over a week ago, I applied for the position of [position title]. I would like to kindly ask if any candidates are being shortlisted at this time or any decisions have been made regarding this vacancy.
I am very interested in the possibility of joining your team and leveraging [your skills, knowledge, and experience] to help your company achieve its objectives and [what benefit you’d bring to the company].
Please let me know if you require further information regarding my application. I look forward to your timely response and hopefully being a part of your company.
Thank you
Warm regards,
Your signature
Your contact number
Telephone follow-up examples
Hello, good morning/afternoon Mr. /Ms. [Recruiter’s Last name]. My name is [Your Name]. I applied for the Marketing Assistant position posted on your company’s Facebook page on September 30th. I am calling to confirm if you have received my application and restate my interest in being a part of your team.
Would you be able to provide me at this time with any updates as to the filling of this vacancy? If not, what is the most likely date that I should be able to receive some feedback?
(Response from recruiter)
Okay, thank you very much. I look forward to speaking to you again in the near future. Thank you again for your consideration. Have a great day.
How to stand out when following up?
Timing is everything. If you’re doing a follow up, do not choose the times of the day or week the recruiter may be the busiest. Avoid sending messages first thing Monday mornings or Friday evenings. You may be safer sending an email around mid-morning before lunch time or a phone call after lunch when the recruiter may have completed their most pressing tasks for the day.
Keep updated with the company’s news. When doing a follow-up, it would be great to mention some piece of positive news or information such as a new product launch, website design or an event. Mentioning something like, “I noticed you hosted a successful fundraiser event recently. By the way, I was just curious to see if any decision has been made regarding the vacancy I applied for”. This level of interest may persuade the recruiter to take a harder look at your resume and possibly get you shortlisted.
Keep reading
- Job application email tips
- How to write a job application letter
- How to write a job application email
