So, you’ve found a job that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations and have submitted your application with unwavering confidence, knowing that your meticulously crafted resume and cover letter stand out from the crowd. However, time has passed without a response from the hiring manager, leaving you feeling disheartened and wondering how to approach the situation. If this resonates with you, continue reading to discover the art of calling to inquire about your job application.
Before embarking on this endeavor, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the necessary tools to enhance your communication skills and navigate the delicate balance of professionalism and persistence. This is where career development learning resources come into play. These invaluable resources offer a wealth of information, from crafting impactful resume to mastering the art of follow-up emails, empowering you to make a lasting impression and demonstrate your genuine interest in the opportunity.
How to call about a job application
Not following up at all is the worst mistake job seekers make after submitting their applications. According to a survey of over 300 HR managers in the United States, 36% recommend that applicants follow up one to two weeks after submitting their resumes. As for the preferred method of follow-up, 64% favor email correspondence, while 21% prefer receiving 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 business 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.
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.
If you are not too comfortable speaking with the employer, here’s a tip from Kartik Ahuja of Thailand Nomads.
“Come up with a speech outline. After you've decided why you're calling in the first place, I feel that it's a good idea to prepare some ideas on what to say. Expect the call to be brief, thus this list is going to be brief as well.”
Additionally, you can use the sample script below as a 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 prevent 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.
Pro Tip: You can also gauge your chances of getting hired by knowing the 10 Signs an Interview Went Well. This gives you more confidence when you call the company for your application.
Common Mistakes When Calling About a Job Application
When calling about a job application, it's important to present yourself professionally and avoid common mistakes. Here are some frequent errors applicants make during such calls:
- Lack of preparation: Not being familiar with the details of the job posting, the company, or your own application can come across as unprofessional. Always review these details before making the call.
- Inappropriate timing: Calling at a busy time for the company or repeatedly calling can be frustrating for the employer. Try to call during normal business hours and avoid peak times for the business.
- Being too aggressive or demanding: While it's good to be assertive, being too aggressive or sounding entitled about your application status can create a negative impression. Be polite and patient.
- Poor communication skills: Not speaking clearly, using slang, or having a poor phone connection can hinder effective communication. Make sure to speak clearly and professionally.
- Not introducing yourself properly: Always start the call by introducing yourself and stating the purpose of your call. This helps in setting the right context for the conversation.
- Lack of specific questions: Asking general or irrelevant questions might show a lack of genuine interest or understanding of the job. Prepare specific, relevant questions about the role or the application process.
- Not taking notes: You might receive important information during the call. Not being ready to take notes can make you miss or forget this information.
- Failing to follow-up appropriately: If advised to wait or follow-up after a certain period, make sure you understand and adhere to these instructions. Ignoring them can be seen as a lack of respect for the process.
- Over-sharing or being too casual: Maintain professionalism. Oversharing personal details or being overly casual can detract from the main purpose of your call.
- Not thanking the employer: Always end the call by thanking the person for their time and consideration. This leaves a positive impression.
At the end of the day, always keep this straightforward tip from Brandon Green of Let’s Go Brandon Green.
“Follow up but don't pester: It's good to follow up, but avoid calling excessively. This can come off as desperate rather than interested.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I wait after submitting my job application before calling to follow up?
It's generally advisable to wait at least one to two weeks after submitting your application before following up. This gives the employer enough time to review applications. However, if the job listing provides a specific timeline for the hiring process, it's best to adhere to that.
For more information, check out this post on How Long to Wait After Submitting Job Application Online.
2. What should I say when I call to follow up on my job application?
Start by introducing yourself, mentioning the position you applied for, and when you submitted your application. Express your continued interest in the role and politely inquire if they've had a chance to review your application or if they need any additional information from you.
3. Is it appropriate to ask for feedback on my application if I'm informed that I wasn't selected?
While it's not always common practice for employers to provide detailed feedback to applicants, it's acceptable to politely ask for any general feedback they might be willing to share. However, respect their decision if they decline to provide feedback.
4. Should I call to confirm that my application was received?
In most cases, if you submitted your application through an online system, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. If you don’t receive such confirmation or if you submitted your application via email or post, it’s reasonable to call to confirm its receipt.
5. Can calling about my job application negatively impact my chances of being hired?
Calling about your application can demonstrate your interest and initiative, but it's important to do so respectfully and professionally. Avoid calling repeatedly or demanding immediate responses, as this can create a negative impression. Timing and approach are key to ensuring your follow-up call reflects positively on your application.
Key Takeaways
Navigating the job search landscape can be a challenging endeavor, but certain strategies can significantly enhance your chances of success. One crucial step that often goes underestimated is making a follow-up call after submitting your application. When executed correctly, this simple action can have a profound impact on your candidacy, leaving a lasting impression and potentially leading to a job offer.
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