How To Follow Up on a Job Application in Person

I know I’ve told you this before. But I’m going to do it again. Following up on your job applications can really make you stand out from the competition. But, there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to follow up on your job applications.

Let’s talk about my favorite way…doing it in person.

This is a great way to get your face and name out to an employer and will show them how serious you are taking your job search and that you will make a great employee.

Here are four things to remember if going in person:

1) Dress to impress

Treat this as you would a job interview and show up looking polished and professional. You don’t want to give the manager a bad impression by following up when you’re fresh off a workout and all stinky.

2) Be considerate

Only follow up during non-peak hours of businesses. This means between 2-4 p.m. in restaurants and Monday-Friday before 4 p.m. in retail businesses. Also avoid any holidays. You want to show the manager that you understand the business and that you are considerate of their time.

3) Be prepared to interview

Wouldn’t it be awesome if they decide to interview you on the spot? We do hear of that happening. So, be prepared. Go in with your resume, references and a notebook and don’t look thrown off if they ask you to stay and chat.

4) Be selective

Ask for the hiring manager. If they are not available, ask when they will be there and follow up at that time. You want to make sure you are talking with the decision makers.

Remember, if a company says in their job posting to not follow up…then definitely don’t. But if they don’t mention anything about it, you should consider this a required part of applying to jobs.