Finally, an exciting job role you’ve been eyeing is open. You craft an excellent cover letter, after updating your resume, and send them across to the hiring team. After a day or two, there is no reply, and you start wondering if they received the application. After a week, you are itching to call them and enquire, but you are afraid to do so. Waiting after applying for an exciting job post can be nerve-racking, especially if you are not getting feedback.

Do you keep wondering how long the hiring process will take? Did they even get the application? Did they already throw yours out? Is there a way to find out? Can you follow up on the application? Yes, you can! It’s a bit scary because you may not be sure if the company culture allows people to find out what happened to their application, but there is an easy and official way to do it. Do you know how to follow up on a job application the correct way and make the right impression on the hiring manager?

The first thing to do is reread the job post. Does the job post include a warning against making phone calls or sending emails after applying? If they have, then do not attempt to follow up. Not following instructions could be the reason you get kicked out even if you are qualified for a position. However, if the job posting has a phone number to call or an email address, then consider this your ticket to follow up oto follow up on a job applicationn your job application.

Note that this is not the opportunity to spam the contact. Don’t be annoying because sending the follow-up email after two days of applying or after every five days makes you look desperate. Employers do not want desperate employees.

If the first follow up didn’t get a response, take a week before you can follow up again. During the second follow up, send a different email. Do not just forward the email you had posted earlier. Show some effort and enthusiasm for the position.

1. How long should you wait

7 to 10 days after sending in your application is a safe time to follow up. This gives the hiring managers enough time to go through all applications or most of them. It also ensures you do not wait too long and miss your chance. Keep an eye on the posting so that you notice when they bring it down. When a job post is brought down, then it usually means they have started the hiring process.

2. Whom should you address

Finding the right person to address is the trickiest part. Make sure you get their name and contacts right. There are several ways you can go about this, including:

• Find out from your contacts at the company. That is if you are lucky to have some. Find out what the company culture is. Is it okay to follow up? Whom do you call? Do they have pointers about how to go about it?
• Find out from the job description. If you’re lucky, they may have included the person to send the email to or a phone number you can call.
• Find out from their website. Most companies will list the names of team members on their website and their contact information. Narrow your search down to the appropriate person.
• Find out from LinkedIn. Most people with a LinkedIn account include their contact information and job roles on their profile.

3. What mode of communications should you use to follow up

There are two options, a phone call or an email. However, in today’s busy world, sending an email may be your best bet. Most hiring managers are busy and phone calls may be distracting. During the early stages of a job application, calling them may appear aggressive and invasive. Writing a traditional follow-up letter may also take time to reach the hiring manager, t may arrive too late or get lost. Therefore, email is your best option. Sending an email shows that you respect the hiring manager’s time. It also allows them to read at their convenience.

Tips for writing a follow-up email

It’s important to remember that you wish to work for this company. Therefore, be friendly, polite and empathetic. Avoid rudeness and aggressiveness. Other important things to remember:

• Make the subject line clear.
• Make your email personal.
• Make it clear that you are interested in and excited about the position.
• Show that you took the time to learn about the company and what they are about.
• Show why you are interested in the role and what sets you apart from the rest. Briefly reinforce what skills you will bring to the table. Make sure the hiring manager knows what makes you a great candidate for the position.
• The tone of your email should match the company culture.
• Keep it short. Get to the point by introducing yourself and why you are writing.
• Edit and proofread the follow-up email before hitting send. Also, make sure the email is professional. Take advantage of your chance to impress the hiring manager a second time, by sending a clean, clear and to the point email.

Sample job application follow up email

Email Address: Brown@dreadcause.com

Subject: Following up on the Customer Care Application

Dear Mr. Brown,

I am writing to inquire about the status of my application for the customer care position. I sent in my application on December 24th, 20xx but haven’t heard from your office. I want to confirm the receipt of my resume and cover letter. I would also like to restate my interest in working at Dread Cause.

My experience as a customer care assistant at Global has equipped me with expertise and insight into how to provide customers with information, deal with their questions, and handle their complaints. During my tenure at Global, I managed over 100 customers, both on the phone and in person. The exposure to a busy environment and meeting all client needs makes me a competent and ideal candidate for the position at your company.

Please inform me if you need any additional materials during the next stage of your hiring process. I believe that I would be a great addition to your team and the prospect of joining a world-class company excites me.

Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Josephine Dark.