Following up is a critical part of the job search process, whether it is for a job fair, application or interview. With so many people applying for the same job, you want to stand out and keep your name on the forefront of the hiring manager’s mind.
Recruiters tell us that following up is a crucial part of the applying for jobs, but is often overlooked.
Take a look at the creative way Wade followed up after a job fair. Not only is it extremely catchy (it’s been stuck in my head all morning), but it is also a very creative way to get noticed and remembered.
“My job search was long (6 months) like others. I went to job fairs, filled out applications online, volunteered, networked with friends, etc. After attending a job fair recently, I decided to send a thank you video. This included me singing and playing my keyboard being recorded by my webcam. I emailed this to my recruiter. Shortly after, I did receive a phone call from the recruiter thanking me for creating the video. His supervisor eventually called and asked if they could post the video to the company blog. I consented, of course. I have been offered the job!!!! “
Thank you for sharing, Wade!
Now, I’m not telling you to run out and create a fun video for every job you apply to. Following up with a phone call, email or in person can be very effective as well. Taking the extra step to make your follow-up memorable may make all the difference. Immediately after an interview, I usually write a few points down on things I can write in a follow-up/thank you letter that will make me stand out and show I was really paying attention (as opposed to a standard, generic letter that managers may be used to seeing). Simply make an effort!
About Kim Costa
I’ve followed up before, but it didn’t help me get the job. I’m not giving up though, I can’t. I do have my family to help me with bills and stuff, but I want to be able to pull my own weight. I just wish someone would give me a chance. The job market is tough with so many people looking for work.
I agree with Sheila, I have been trying to follow up on resumes since no place seems to be taking applications where I go. I gave one to one place, and followed up a week later, so the receptionist told me to call someone else. I waited a few hours to do so because it was around lunch time, and called him a few hours later. She told me he was not in to leave a message on his voice message, so she did, and he picked up himself (he was out of the office), I told him what I was updatd the status of my resume, and letting them know I was still interested. He told me he had not seen it, and would have to find out who had it, and would call me back. The guy took my number, this was a day and a half ago. Should I call him back? I am changing careers. I too was a caregiver in many places, and decided I had enough of that, and went back to school to get my degree.
Hi Francine! Following up on your applications can really make you stand out, but it won’t work every time. I would give it until next week before you try one more time. If you don’t hear back after that, then I would leave it alone. Changing careers can be scary! But, it can also be very fulfilling and exciting. Check out this article for some tips: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-change-careers/. Good luck and keep us posted!
# The struggle.
I have applyed to 15 jobs on line that have directed me straight to the compnay’s websight/application. How can I follow up on these? I recived general e-mails stating they have recived my application and if I meet their qualifactions, I might be contacted. I’m an old fashion gal and miss the fact you can’t shake someone’s hand, you can’t send a thank you note or follow up. I feel that we are getting lost in the endless surveys we have to take to apply. I know that they are ment to help find the right person for the job. By the time Im done filling them out, I question my own abilities.
Hi Becky! Is there an address to the business? Following up in person is very effective and can really make you stand out: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/following-up-in-person/. If the job posting does not list an address, do a quick internet search to see if you can find it online. Don’t follow up if they say not to, other than that, it’s fair game!
I have finished applications online and wish to follow up on them. I would like to go in person to the hiring manager in the hope of standing out to him/her. But what should i say? so far all i can come up with is are things that make me sound unproffessional and not so smart since i tend to lean towards the words umm, so, and yeahhh when i can’t think of anything to say. I am in desperate need of a job and was wondering if i could get like a play-by-play or sample conversation to build off of? many thanks!
Hi Aaliyah! Great questions. Following up on your application is so important and can really make you stand out. Take a look at this video, it should answer all of your questions: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-how-to-follow-up/. We actually recently talked to a nationwide retail employer who told us that following up in person is the way to go
. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy how did you get a job on snagajob?
Just checking in to follow up. Hope this is the correct prcedure
Hi Yolonda! Following up is very important. Your best bet would be to follow up directly with the employer, they will probably not see your blog comment. Try following up in person, it is a great way to stand out: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/following-up-in-person/. Good luck!
procedure(sorry)
I just applied for a job that requested a resume and letter, sent via mail or email. I emailed it. I was just wondering how long should I wait to follow up to get an interview? And should I follow up in the same manner that I applied? It’s been a long time since I’ve actively searched for a job. I really want this job, but don’t want to seem desperate! Thank you.
Hi Lori! You shouldn’t wait more than a few days after applying to follow up. Depending on the place where you applied, you may want to think about following up in person. Employers tell us this is very effective. This article breaks it down: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/following-up-in-person/. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
I checked back on a job that I applied at a week ago and asked the hiring manager yesterday if she has given any consideration to my application and she said, “we filled the dishwasher position already but we are seeking a cook. What position did you apply for?” I said, “I applied as a general kitchen helper but I am always willing to try new things.” She said she will look over my application and call me today between 10:30 and 11:00. It’s now after that, and I am beginning to wonder if they even considered me for a job. When should I check back and what should I say? I really need a job bad because I have a family to take care of. Please help me…
Hi Caleb! Did you hear back from the manager? If not, you should go in there to follow up on the status of your application. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Looking forward for an interview to discuss my qualifications.
I have a question because I’m not sure what to do exactly….. I was interviewed for a fast-food restaurant, the hiring manager said she really liked me and wants to hire me and will follow-up with me soon. She said that she wanted to finish training some other people and when they move, I can take their place. She said it would probably be a week and a half, but now it has been over two weeks, and I haven’t heard from her. I even wrote her a thank-you card. What should I do? Call….. in-person follow-up? What should I say? THANK YOU, Shelby
Hi Shelby – I definitely think you should follow-up in person. We talked to a major national employer who told us that following up in person is very effective. Take a look at this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/following-up-in-person/ and let me know if you have any questions!