You sent in your carefully crafted resume and were invited for an interview. Yay! And then you nailed that too. Double yay! Now you want to make sure your name stays at the top of the candidate list. KSL Jobs looks at how to follow up on a job application so employers know you’re not only interested but excited about working for them.
Can I reach out after I submit an application?
They say timing is everything, and it certainly applies when you’re looking for a job. Once you’ve submitted your initial application, it can feel like forever as you eagerly await a response. Did they even see your resume?
Often large corporations have an automated messaging system, and you’ll receive an email confirmation saying your application was received. But that’s not always the case. If you don’t receive one, it doesn’t necessarily mean your resume was lost or discarded.
Give hiring managers at least a week to process your application.
Give the hiring manager a week or so before sending a follow-up email, adding more time if you’re applying around the holidays. This gives them time to sort through all the candidates and reach out to you first. Keep in mind, they may be waiting until after the application deadline to set up interviews, or your resume may need to go through multiple people.
When should I follow up?
If more than a week has passed since you submitted your application and you haven’t heard back, you can send a follow-up message — providing the job listing did not say otherwise. If it’s a small company, it may be appropriate to call them directly. For a larger company, an email may be more effective.
Before contacting the business, do some research to make sure you’re getting in touch with the right person. As with your cover letter, it’s better if you can address your message to a specific person. If the job listing didn’t include a contact, try looking at the company’s website, calling the main office to ask the name of the hiring manager, or checking LinkedIn.
Keep your follow-up letter brief so it’s more likely to be read. Mention the job you’re applying for and a couple of compelling reasons you’re great for the job.
Keep track of your application submission dates so you can follow up when needed.
If you’re applying to several job listings at once, keep track of your application dates on a calendar. This way, you won’t be reaching out too early or too late. Get ready for your interview with our helpful tips.
When should I move on?
If two weeks go by without a response, you may want to reach out again. After that, it’s probably time to look elsewhere. As much as you may have wanted the job, no response likely means you’re not the right candidate on this hiring round.
You may never know why you weren’t chosen. Some companies just don’t have the time or inclination to respond to all of their applicants. Instead of becoming discouraged, reevaluate your resume. Could you benefit from additional skills or more experience?
Nailed the interview. Now what?
What should I do after a job interview?
Once you’ve had your interview, it’s a good idea to send a quick email within a day or so, this time thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the job. Remember to keep it short and direct. You want to come across as interested, but not desperate. Need help? Use our follow-up email job application template.
Subject line: Job title and your name
Introduction: Dear [interviewer name]
Body: In the first paragraph, remind the recipient of who you are. Include at least one specific discussion point from your interview. In the second paragraph, express your appreciation for their time in meeting with you and your impression of the job. Finally, reiterate how you are a good fit for the position, reminding them of specific relevant skills for experience.
End: Include a call to action such as “Please reach out if you have any additional questions. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Make applying easier next time
So you didn’t get the job this time. That’s tough. But that doesn’t mean the perfect fit isn’t out there! Search KSL Jobs for other job openings. We’ll even help you apply faster and easier with our Quick Apply feature.
Complete your profile
Log in to your KSL account and open your Profile. Fill in all the Jobs Quick Apply Info, including your name, education level and years of experience. Upload your resume too. Remember to tap Save Info.
Then, on job listings that include the Apply Now button, you can simply tap to apply and your info will autofill. Add a cover letter, tap Apply Now and we’ll take care of the rest.
