You’ve submitted your application… now what? The anticipation of hearing a response from the company is killing you, and this is a job you have always dreamed of. It is important to remember the ball is in the employer’s court now and it is likely he or she will be sifting through a sea of dozens, maybe even hundreds, of other applicants. So, what are the next steps you should take?
- Be patient
Patience is a virtue. Hiring processes take time and that timeline does not work on your schedule.
- Be timely
Don’t reach out the day after you submit a job application. Give it a week or two and if you still haven’t heard back, then it is a good time to follow up. You do not want come across as desperate and overwhelm the hiring manager as he/she is already dealing with a busy schedule.
- Briefly follow up
If you want to make an impression and be remembered, a quick email to the hiring manager can bring your resume to his/her attention. An email will not interrupt the employer’s schedule opposed to phone call. The follow up should briefly introduce who you are, inquire about your materials being received, and reinforce your interest in the position. A quality email follow up should say something like this:
“Dear *hiring manager name,*
I hope all is well. My name is ____ and I recently applied to your ____ position. I realize how busy you probably are, but I would like to verify that my resume has been received. I also want to reiterate my interest in the position; I think it would be a great match, and I’d love to talk with you about the position when you’re ready to schedule interviews.
Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing from you!
Respectfully,
_____”
- Be confident
After following up, the most important thing you can do is remain confident. You’ve demonstrated your personality in the cover letter, you’ve listed your credentials and experience on your resume, you’ve expressed your determination through the follow up, so it is time to simply believe in yourself and whatever the future holds.
By: Melanie Klinefelter