How to follow up after a job application

Research shows that recruiters are positive about applicants reaching out to them after the interview process

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Robert Half

We all know the stressful phase of waiting to hear back from a job application; however, there are measures to take that can help strengthen your application in the interim. 

When should you call? 

According to research done by Robert Half involving more than 200 HR managers, 92% approve of applicants reaching out to find out the outcome of their interview. One of the HR managers suggests a timeframe of 11 working days before an applicant should make the ‘phone call. 

How big is the company? 

Another factor to consider when estimating your wait time is the size of the company. The larger the company, the longer it may take to get a response.  Consider roughly how many employees are involved and make a judgement on how long you should wait. 

What to say when reaching out?

• Contact the right person – maximise your time by getting in touch with the recruitment consultant through which you got the role, or research the contact on your job application. 
• Be ready to talk about the job and your CV – quick access to all your details and the role you’re applying for is good preparation in the case of an impromptu ‘phone interview. 
• Make sure you are in a quiet environment for the call – this will help create a professional environment and a calm mindset so that you can have a valuable conversation with your possible future employer. 

On the call 

DO: 

• Briefly introduce yourself and explain that you are reaching out for a follow up after your interview. 
• Remember to reiterate why your experience and skills are relevant to the role. 
• Ask if the caller is available for a chat or aim to plan a specific time to call. 

DON’T:

• Contact them via message – aim to remain professional by calling them in their working hours. 
• Use their private social media – respect the boundary between professional and personal and stick to platforms such as LinkedIn or a formal ‘phone call. 
• Contact the company’s social media account – your query will have less of a chance of getting to the right person and this may delay a response.