How to do a job application follow-up

A job application doesn't end the moment you close the door behind you.

After saying goodbye and shaking hands, the difficult part (for you) may be over. But now, it's up to your potential employers to make a significant decision: determining if you are the person they are looking for.

A proper follow-up to the application can help conclude a conversation successfully, leaving a lasting, positive impression on the potential new employer. This can be beneficial when they need to decide whether or not to proceed to a possible next round.

The best way to do a follow-up depends on several factors, and ultimately, it's something you have to decide for yourself. It's always a good idea to follow up, even if you know that there may be more applications to come. It's definitely worth considering, even if you believe you aced the application perfectly (because other applicants might feel the same way).

Is it necessary?

If you have never considered a job application follow-up before, you might now realize that you have missed out on a useful strategy.

On the other hand, the truth is that a job application follow-up is not a universal requirement and not always expected by recruiters. Some applicants may never do it and still get hired for their dream job.

However, the reality is that there are many benefits to a proper follow-up of applications, whether it's done through email, phone, or letter.

Is it worth it?

After an overwhelming round of job applications, it can be extremely challenging for a recruiter to choose from a selection of impressive candidates. Anything you can do to tilt the odds in your favor is worth considering.

A simple email or a short phone call can, in some cases, make the difference between success and rejection.

And that is precisely why it is so important to do a proper follow-up. An inappropriate or poorly judged job application follow-up can unnecessarily harm your chances of getting the job.

A job application follow-up, how and what?

What to say?

While there are different approaches to a job application follow-up, always keep these four essential points in mind, no matter how you choose to execute the follow-up:

1. It's always good to express gratitude to the recruiter for their time.
2. Show your enthusiasm for the position and your interest in the field of work.
3. Reiterate why you are qualified and a good fit for the role.
4. Include any important details you may have forgotten to mention during the application.

These points highlight what can be done in a job application follow-up, but it may not always be necessary to use all four of them. A brief message or a short thank-you letter might be all you need.

The ultimate goal of the follow-up is not only to make a good personal impression but also to emphasize why you are the best candidate for the position.

Remember that you were invited for an interview because you are considered a serious candidate. Your potential employers simply want to know if you are the right person for the job. A job application follow-up helps them in this decision-making process.

The way you conduct a follow-up largely depends on the company culture, personality, and your gut feeling. Try to assess the recruiters well and always address your follow-up to the person who holds the primary responsibility for the recruitment process. In some cases, this might be an HR representative, and in other cases, it could be your future manager or the relevant department head. (If you plan to follow up, don't forget to make sure you have their contact information).

To consider

Determining how to conduct the job application follow-up depends on your assessment of what is appropriate. Below, we have listed the key factors to consider:

• Timing: Ensure you do the follow-up within 24 hours, or allow enough time to pass if you're inquiring about the application outcome.
• Method: Stick to the communication medium you have already used with the recruiter; this ensures a natural dialogue.
• Personality: Follow-ups should be personal, so write from yourself and remind the recruiter who you truly are.
• Formality: Follow-ups should be personal but also remain professional, so lean towards formality if you're unsure.
• Reference: Remember important and positive points discussed during the interview and refer to them again.
• Conciseness: Be concise to make a good impression, so take the time to craft your message and revise it until it's perfect.

Email, calling, or writing a letter?

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the decision on how to communicate should be influenced by the way the recruiter has already communicated with you.

If they have called you to invite you for the job application, you might consider reaching out via phone. If you have only had contact through email or perhaps only through LinkedIn, then it's probably better to stick with that method of communication.

However, ultimately, you should choose what seems most appropriate in the situation.

Let's look at the options:

Email (or online message)

This is the standard for most people. Most likely, you have already had contact via email or an online messaging or recruitment platform, so it's entirely normal to continue that dialogue during the follow-up.

If you had an online application, this is, of course, the first method you should consider.

Try to avoid stating the obvious or repeating yourself. Refer to the application itself, keep things concise, and only tell the recruiter things worth reading in their valuable time. You don't want to burden the recruiter with a lengthy message.

If you don't have much to add, send a quick 'thank you email.'

At the end of this article, you'll find a few examples.

Phone

If your recruiter called you to schedule the application or for a pre-application screening, a quick phone call (during office hours) might be a good idea.

If you go this route, make sure you're prepared for what you're going to say. Write down a few keywords beforehand so you don't go off track. It won't work in your favor if you sound nervous or have nothing particular to say.

Letter or note

Consider this option only if you are confident it's appropriate. Nowadays, it might feel too formal or a bit old-fashioned, but every industry and company is different, so don't rule it out entirely. A handwritten note will certainly feel more personal.

It's essential to follow up within 24 hours, so if sending a letter through the mail takes longer, you might want to reconsider the follow-up method. If you can personally drop the letter or note in their mailbox, then it's not an issue.

The content should be similar to that of an email. You don't need to elaborate on the importance of the letter itself, so keep it concise, professional, and likely slightly more formal compared to an online message. The main thing is to refer to the application and mention something meaningful and new.

In-person

Visit the recruiter only if it's practical and you're sure it's appropriate. You don't want to bother them or come across as desperate. Keep the visit brief, professional, and friendly.

Make sure you know what you want to say before seeing the recruiter, and get straight to the point. Also, don't expect a long conversation or in-depth discussion because that would become an extension of the interview, which recruiters try to avoid.

Don'ts of a job application follow-up

While a job application follow-up can be a meaningful endeavor - and according to many, a must - it is only appropriate if done correctly. There is nothing worse than putting in your best effort only to make a bad impression, undoing the good work of a successful application.

There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you don't overdo it:

• Don't force it: If it doesn't feel right to do a follow-up, then don't do it. Only send a message if you think it will be well-received.
• Avoid repetition: Keep it short and concise, and don't repeat too much of what has already been said. Try to add something new or emphasize the key messages.
• Don't oversell yourself: You want to make a good impression but avoid exaggerating. Remember that you already highlighted your strengths during the job interview.
• Don't immediately invite them on LinkedIn: Wait until the application process is over and you know if you got the job or not.
• Only once! Whatever happens, don't send more than one follow-up on your own, as it can be annoying.
• Stay on topic: Keep it professional and focus on the position.

By being mindful of these "don'ts," you can ensure that your follow-up is effective and leaves a positive impression on the recruiters.