To follow up or not: by Melissa

So you have found a job listing that is for the job of your dreams, you have a resume that is clear and well written (if not, maybe you should try using the resume writing assistance available at beyond.com )and you sent it off with an engaging cover letter specifically for this job. Now the question is to follow up or not?


On this point, it seems that many people are divided. Some feel that giving a follow up call or email is pushy and annoying to the employer. There seems to be be a fear that if you bring that sort of attention to yourself, you will lessen your chances at the job, and that the employer will contact you if you are patient. However, most career advisers recommend following up every job application or resume sent.


To make matters more confusing, the job market definitely reached the digital age. Long gone are the days where you would see a “Help Wanted” sign in a window, go in to fill out an application, hand it to a manager, shake hands and introduce yourself. In that situation, it seemed clear that it would be appropriate to give them a follow up call or visit within the week, because you had already made contact. In today's job market, most applications are completed on a website, or a resume is emailed to recruiter or Human Resources staff. There is no contact, no handshake and no chance to introduce yourself. So should you follow up with an employer or is it annoying the the employer?


In a recent poll of employers, 82% of executives polled said that job seekers should follow up within two weeks of applying for a job opening. The survey went on to ask how should applicants follow up. It was close to a tie, with email at 38%, telephone at 33% followed by a hand written note at 23%. With this evidence it seems that a thoughtful follow up after submiting your resume can demonstrate to the potential employer that you are determined, sincere and give you a chance to restate your qualification. Making yourself stand out from the hundreds of other applicants can give you a better chance of being asked for an interview.


So, the facts are in, and my verdict is: Follow up on ALL job leads. I know that it can be difficult to make a phone call to a company or hiring manager that you don't know. It is definitely outside of many of our comfort zones. Plan out what you want to say, and just make the call. If the you are not chosen for an interview, at the least you will have a chance to practice making contact and the next application you submit, making the follow up call will be even easier.


If you are an employer, or a job seeker, let me know your opinions on following up an application. Do you think it helps or hurts your job chances?

Written by: Melissa Kennedy