So, you found a job that fits your career goals—you submit your application with confidence knowing you’ve written an impressive resume and cover letter. But here you are, disappointed that you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager, and wondering how to call and ask about your application. If this is you, then continue reading to learn how to call about a job application.
How to call about a job application
Not following up at all is the worst mistake job seekers make after submitting their applications. Accountemps surveyed more than 300 HR managers in the United States and found out that 36% answered that applicants should follow up with them one to less than two weeks after submitting their resumes. When it comes to how the HR manager wants to get followed up, 64% said you should follow up through email, while 21% prefer phone calls.
Although HR managers have their own opinions on the best time and way to follow up, the result of the survey just proved that follow-ups are an essential part of the application process and it is worth doing. But you must understand that there is also a fine line between showing that you’re genuinely interested and being too pushy.
At this stage of your application, you have to be smart about when to follow up. You don’t want to annoy the hiring manager and hurt your chances of getting a job. To avoid coming across as overly eager, here are the steps you should take when calling about your job application:
Review the job post
Review the job post and read the details carefully. Sometimes, employers indicate a specific timeline for the hiring process—when the application window closes and if they don’t want you to reach out to them to ask about your application status.
Following up before the due date will be rude because that’s not following their instructions. However, if they didn’t mention when and how to follow up, it’s generally appropriate to follow up after one to two weeks. This gives the hiring manager enough time to review your job application.
Obtain the necessary information
Before making your follow-up call, gather the correct contact information such as the phone number of the hiring manager. Calling the right person shows you’ve done your research and this increases your chances of getting called for an interview.
- Check if the email address and phone number are in the job ad.
- Visit the company website for the hiring manager’s email address and phone number.
- Call or email the company’s help desk, then ask for the hiring manager’s email address and phone number.
- You might know someone from the company who can help you get in touch with the hiring manager. Go to the company’s LinkedIn page to check if you have any connections with their current and former employees.
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Write a follow-up email first
As mentioned, more than 60% of hiring managers prefer that you follow up with them through email. Before picking up the phone, we recommend that you send an email first to notify the interviewer one to two weeks after you submit your application to give the employer enough time to review and respond to your application.
- Be respectful and professional in the body of your message.
- Use a clear subject line and keep your email brief and concise.
- Emphasize your qualifications and that you’re the right candidate for the position.
- Be polite and gracious by ending your email with a “thank you” message.
- Before sending your email, proofread and spell-check your message.
Call the hiring manager
After sending a follow-up email and still not receiving a response from the hiring manager, follow up through a phone call after one week. But before setting up a phone call, ask the hiring manager if it’s convenient to speak with them. If the answer is no, ask when you can call back.
Use the sample script below as reference:
Good day, [hiring manager’s name]! This is [your name]. I submitted my job application for the [job role] position three weeks ago. I was wondering if you received my application. I’d love to tell you more about how I can help your company. If you need any additional information or if you’d like to call me back, you can reach me at this number [your number.] Thank you for your time, and have a great day.
Calling the hiring manager instead of sending another follow-up email increases the likelihood of getting a response because it’s a more personal way to connect with them. Also, statistics show that a corporate job opening attracts about 250 resumes. Calling will help avoid your application from getting lost in the pile of applicants.
What to prepare before you call about your job application
Knowing how to make a follow up call can help you effectively sell yourself, stand out from other candidates and impress the interviewer. Reaching out to them following your application, especially in a thoughtful way, can leave a lasting impression. Here are some important notes before you call.
- Have a specific purpose for your call. Keep in mind that you’re calling to follow up on your application, not to ask for an interview.
- Prepare an outline of what you want to say. It should consist of a greeting, the position you applied for, and why you called.
- Provide a few additional information about your qualifications and how your skills align with the job description.
- Have your resume and references ready, so you can answer any questions the hiring manager might have.
- Practice your follow-up phone call by reading your script aloud or by asking someone to help you simulate the conversation.
- Be polite and professional. Call them during non-peak hours, sometime between 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Use the sample follow up call script below as reference:
Hello, [hiring manager’s name]! This is [your name], and I’m an applicant for the [position title] role. I wanted to confirm if you received my application submitted on [date]. I also wanted to reiterate my interest in the role and tell you that I’m more than happy to expand my qualification. If there’s any additional information that I can provide, please let me know if this is an excellent time to clarify the information I have sent. I don’t want to interrupt or take up too much time, though.
Making a follow-up call to ask about your application is an important step in the job searching process, and if done right, it can boost your candidacy, make a great impression, and land a job. Learn more about getting noticed by the hiring manager and get called for an interview with our career development courses.
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