Should I Call After Applying For A Job? Tips & Insights
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Applying for a job can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. Once you hit that “submit” button on your application, a wave of anticipation washes over you. You're likely wondering, "Should I call after applying for a job?" It’s a question many job seekers face as they navigate the complex world of employment opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of following up, provide valuable tips, and offer insights to help you decide if a follow-up call is appropriate.
The Importance of Follow-Up
Why Follow Up? 🤔
Following up after submitting a job application is an important step in the job search process for several reasons:
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Demonstrates Interest: A follow-up call shows that you are genuinely interested in the position. It highlights your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
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Helps You Stand Out: In a competitive job market, following up can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates. It shows initiative and can leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.
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Clarifies Status: A follow-up can provide you with insights into the status of your application. You may find out if the hiring process is still ongoing or if decisions have been made.
When to Follow Up
It's essential to consider the right timing for your follow-up call. Generally, a follow-up is best conducted one to two weeks after submitting your application. However, the timing can depend on a few factors:
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Company Guidelines: If the job posting states not to contact the company regarding the application status, respect that guideline.
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Industry Standards: Some industries, such as tech or creative fields, may encourage more open communication than others.
How to Make a Follow-Up Call
Preparing for the Call 📞
Once you've decided to follow up, preparation is key. Here are some steps to help you prepare for your call:
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Gather Relevant Information: Have your resume, cover letter, and the job description handy. This will help you reference details easily during the conversation.
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Know Who to Call: Identify the right person to contact, which could be the hiring manager or someone in the HR department. LinkedIn can be a helpful tool for this.
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Practice Your Pitch: Prepare a brief script outlining why you’re calling. Keep it concise and focused on your interest in the position.
Making the Call
When you’re ready to make the call, remember the following tips:
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Be Polite and Professional: Start with a polite introduction and mention your name, the position you applied for, and when you submitted your application.
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Express Your Interest: Clearly state your enthusiasm for the position and inquire about the status of your application.
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Ask Questions: Use this opportunity to ask any relevant questions about the role, the team, or the company culture.
Sample Script
Here’s a brief script to guide you during your follow-up call:
"Hi [Hiring Manager's Name], my name is [Your Name], and I recently applied for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I wanted to follow up to express my continued interest in the role and to see if there have been any updates regarding the hiring process. I believe my skills in [mention relevant skills or experiences] would be a great match for your team. Thank you for your time!"
What to Avoid When Following Up
Things to Avoid 🚫
While following up can be beneficial, there are certain pitfalls to avoid:
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Don’t Call Too Soon: Following up too early can come off as impatient. Wait at least a week or two.
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Avoid Being Pushy: While you want to show interest, don’t pressure the hiring manager for an immediate response.
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Don’t Overdo It: If you’ve followed up once and haven’t heard back, avoid repeatedly calling. It’s best to give it some time before attempting to reach out again.
Email vs. Phone Call
Should You Call or Email? 📧
Deciding whether to call or send an email largely depends on the company culture and the position you’re applying for. Here are some considerations:
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Industry Norms: In some industries, a phone call is more acceptable, while in others, an email might be preferred.
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Comfort Level: If you're not comfortable with making a phone call, an email is an acceptable alternative. It allows you to articulate your thoughts more carefully.
Pros and Cons Table
<table> <tr> <th>Method</th> <th>Pros</th> <th>Cons</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Phone Call</td> <td>Direct and personal; can convey enthusiasm</td> <td>Risk of interrupting; can be nerve-wracking</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Email</td> <td>Less intimidating; provides time to think</td> <td>May get lost in inbox; less personal</td> </tr> </table>
Best Practices for Following Up
Tips for Successful Follow-Up 🌟
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Keep It Short: Whether calling or emailing, get to the point quickly. Hiring managers appreciate brevity.
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Be Gracious: Always thank the person for their time and consideration, regardless of the outcome.
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Use a Friendly Tone: Maintain a positive and upbeat attitude during your communication to leave a good impression.
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Be Prepared for Any Response: Whether the answer is positive or negative, be ready to thank the individual and express appreciation for their consideration.
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Follow Up on the Follow-Up: If you hear back from the hiring manager, respond promptly. Keeping the conversation going could further solidify your candidacy.
When Not to Follow Up
Understanding the Signals 🚦
It’s also crucial to recognize when not to follow up. Here are some scenarios to keep in mind:
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If There Was a Clear Timeline: If the hiring manager gave you a specific timeline for when to expect a response, respect that time frame.
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If You Received a Rejection: If you’ve already received a rejection, following up may not be appropriate.
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If It’s Against Company Policy: Always respect the guidelines set forth by the company regarding follow-up communication.
Conclusion
Navigating the job application process can be daunting, but understanding the importance of following up after applying for a job can be a valuable strategy. By demonstrating your interest and initiative, you can set yourself apart from other candidates. Whether you choose to make a call or send an email, remember to be professional, polite, and prepared. Following these guidelines can make all the difference in your job search journey.
Now that you know the ins and outs of following up after a job application, go ahead and put this knowledge into action. Good luck! 🍀