How to Follow Up on a Job Application: Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired

Let's Talk About Following Up on a Job Application

I'm sure you've been in this situation before - you've spent hours perfecting your resume and cover letter, tailored them to your dream job, and then you hit submit. But what happens next? Do you just sit back and wait for a response, or do you take matters into your own hands? In my experience, following up on a job application can make all the difference. It shows that you're enthusiastic about the position and willing to take initiative. And let's be real, in today's competitive job market, you need every advantage you can get. According to a survey by Glassdoor, 60% of employers consider follow-up to be an important aspect of the hiring process.

Why Following Up Matters

So, why is following up on a job application so important? For starters, it demonstrates your enthusiasm and interest in the position. It shows that you're not just applying for any old job, but that you're genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with this company. And let's not forget about the importance of building a relationship with the hiring manager. By following up, you can establish a connection with the person who will be making the hiring decision, and that can be a major advantage. Here are some reasons why follow-up is crucial:

• Demonstrates enthusiasm and interest in the position
• Reiterates your qualifications and highlights your relevant skills and experience
• Builds a relationship with the hiring manager and establishes a connection
• Gets an update on the status of your application and the hiring process

When to Follow Up

So, when should you follow up on a job application? The timing is crucial. You don't want to follow up too soon, or you'll come across as pushy or aggressive. But if you wait too long, you'll be forgotten. Here are some guidelines:

How to Follow Up

Now that we've talked about why and when to follow up, let's talk about how. Here are some tips:

• Send a follow-up email: Write a polite and professional email to the hiring manager, reiterating your interest in the position and inquiring about the status of your application.
• Make a phone call: If you haven't heard back after sending a follow-up email, consider making a phone call to the hiring manager to inquire about the status of your application.
• Use social media: If you've connected with the hiring manager on social media, consider sending a message or comment to inquire about the status of your application.
• Use your network: If you have a connection at the company, consider reaching out to them to inquire about the status of your application and get an update on the hiring process.

Optimizing Your Resume and Job Search Strategy

To increase your chances of getting hired, it's essential to optimize your resume and use effective job search strategies. Here are some tips:

• Tailor your resume: Customize your resume to match the requirements of the job posting, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
• Use keywords: Use keywords from the job posting in your resume and cover letter to help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Network: Attend job fairs, industry events, and networking sessions to connect with people in your industry and learn about job opportunities.
• Use job search platforms: Utilize job search platforms, such as LinkedIn, to search for job openings and connect with hiring managers.

Examples of Follow-Up Emails

Here are some examples of follow-up emails that you can use as a template:

• "Dear [Hiring Manager], I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Position] role at [Company]. I'm still very interested in the position and would love to hear about the status of my application."
• "Hi [Hiring Manager], I hope you're doing well. I wanted to express my continued interest in the [Position] role at [Company] and inquire about the next steps in the hiring process."
• "Dear [Hiring Manager], I'm writing to follow up on my interview for the [Position] role at [Company]. I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview and express my enthusiasm for the position."

The Psychology of Follow-Up

The psychology of follow-up plays a significant role in the job search process. It demonstrates enthusiasm and interest in a position, reiterates qualifications and skills, and builds a relationship with the hiring manager. By following up, you can establish a connection with the person who will be making the hiring decision, and that can be a major advantage. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Demonstrating enthusiasm and interest: Following up on a job application shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and willing to take initiative.
• Reiterating qualifications and skills: A follow-up email or phone call provides an opportunity to reiterate your relevant skills and experience, and highlight your qualifications for the position.
• Building a relationship with the hiring manager: Following up on a job application can help to establish a connection with the hiring manager, which can be beneficial in terms of getting an update on the status of your application and learning more about the company culture and values.

Effective Follow-Up Strategies

Here are some effective follow-up strategies to consider:

1. Timing: Send a follow-up email or make a phone call 7-10 days after the initial application.
2. Method: Use a combination of email and phone calls to follow up.
3. Content: Keep the follow-up message brief and to the point, reiterating interest in the position and asking about the application status.
4. Politeness: Be polite and professional in all follow-up interactions, avoiding aggressive or pushy language.

Introducing ResumeFlex

If you're looking for a tool to help you optimize your resume and job search strategy, I highly recommend checking out ResumeFlex. With its AI-powered resume analysis, custom cover letter generation, and multiple professional templates, ResumeFlex is the perfect solution for job seekers, professionals, career changers, and recent graduates. Here are some of the key features of ResumeFlex:

• AI resume analysis: Get instant feedback on your resume and learn how to improve it.
• Custom cover letter generation: Create a tailored cover letter that highlights your skills and experience.
• Multiple professional templates: Choose from a variety of templates to create a resume that stands out.
• Cloud-based platform: Access your resume and cover letter from anywhere, at any time.
• 24/7 AI assistance: Get help and support whenever you need it.
• Secure document storage: Keep your resume and cover letter safe and secure.

Take Your Job Search to the Next Level

Don't let your job search stall. With ResumeFlex, you can optimize your resume and cover letter, create a tailored job search strategy, and get instant feedback and support from our AI-powered platform. Starting at just $8/week or $28/month, you can:

• Optimize your resume and cover letter for maximum impact
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• Store your resume and cover letter securely in the cloud

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Conclusion

Following up on a job application is a crucial step in the job search process. It demonstrates enthusiasm and interest in a position, reiterates qualifications and skills, and builds a relationship with the hiring manager. By using effective follow-up strategies and optimizing your resume and job search strategy with tools like ResumeFlex, you can increase your chances of getting hired and achieving your career goals. Remember, the key to success is to be proactive, persistent, and professional. Good luck with your job search!