How should you (or shouldn't you) follow-up after sending a resume?
I have a question regarding follow-up with employers after sending a resume. Should you always try to follow-up with a phone call or email or use LinkedIn to reiterate your interest in the job and to try and secure an interview (unless the job posting says not to)?
Or shouldn't you follow-up? Should you wait for the employer to contact you if they are interested?
I'm wondering what has worked best? Following-up or not? If you follow-up, how do you do it? From the employer perspective, would you prefer the applicant contact or would you rather they didn't?
Answers (19)
Scott W
Internet, Marketing Technology and CRM Expert
Best Answers in: Customer Relationship Management (1), Small Business (1), Computers and Software (1), Software Development (1)
In Sales it's a must... following up and following through is an essential part of the position. In other fields it's certainly not a bad idea.
Andrew M
Owner and Principal, Helios Realty & Development LLC
Best Answers in: Personal Real Estate (2), Commercial Real Estate (1), Guerrilla Marketing (1), Internet Marketing (1), Equity Markets (1), Small Business (1)
A short hand-written note to the contact person goes a long way, and differentiates you from the rest of the pack.
It shows you actually took more than two seconds to write an email - a call is a little too intrusive/pushy.
Loretta L
Contract Marketing & Sales (CPG, Healthcare and Online)
Best Answers in: Lead Generation (1)
I agree with Andrew
Sheilah E
Owner, ★SME Management:.......... Business Management and Accounting Consultant
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (886), Professional Networking (39), Staffing and Recruiting (30), Accounting (20), Government Policy (18), Job Search (17), Career Management (15), Ethics (15), Business Development (14), Customer Service (12), Mentoring (12), Education and Schools (10), Organizational Development (10), Computers and Software (10), Personnel Policies (9), Property Law (9), Small Business (9), Criminal Law (8), Advertising (8), Internet Marketing (8), Labor Relations (7), Non-profit Management (7), Starting Up (6), Blogging (6), Purchasing (5), Government Services (5), Compensation and Benefits (5), Tax Law (5), Lead Generation (5), Planning (5), Manufacturing (5), Quality Management and Standards (5), Web Development (5), Corporate Law (4), Direct Marketing (4), Writing and Editing (4), Corporate Governance (4), Change Management (4), Communication and Public Speaking (4), Professional Organizations (4), Software Development (4), Facilities Management (3), Regulation and Compliance (3), Travel Tools (3), Freelancing and Contracting (3), Auditing (3), Venture Capital and Private Equity (3), Economics (3), International Law (3), Internationalization and Localization (3), Treaties, Agreements and Organizations (3), Market Research and Definition (3), Business Plans (3), Information Security (3), Business Dining and Entertainment (2), Resume Writing (2), Government Contracts (2), Employment and Labor Law (2), Customer Relationship Management (2), Sales Techniques (2), Business Analytics (2), Derivatives Markets (2), Inventory Management (2), Project Management (2), Supply Chain Management (2), Individual Insurance (2), Personal Taxes (2), Personal Real Estate (2), Product Design (2), Pricing (2), Incorporation (2), E-Commerce (2), Enterprise Software (2), Computer Networking (2), Telecommunications (2), Wireless (2), Air Travel (1), Certification and Licenses (1), Occupational Training (1), Conference Planning (1), Budgeting (1), Corporate Debt (1), Financial Regulation (1), Risk Management (1), Exporting/Importing (1), Offshoring and Outsourcing (1), Customs, Tariffs and Taxes (1), Contracts (1), Finance and Securities Law (1), Viral Marketing (1), Graphic Design (1), Public Relations (1), Hedge Funds (1), Non-profit Fundraising (1), Philanthropy (1), Personal Debt Management (1), Retirement and Estate Planning (1), Wealth Management (1), Branding (1), Positioning (1), Energy and Development (1), Biotech (1), Information Storage (1)
I think it depends. If you have sent in a resume and heard nothing from them just move on. If you have had an interview either in person or on the phone then a follow up with a hand written personalize note is a good idea. Phone calls can be made if it is a small company, but in the larger companies I think it is considered intrusive.
Sheilah
Hi Alison,
The tricky nature of this situation represents one of the drawbacks of an outmoded job application process.
When a job-seeker passively scrolls through lists of available jobs and then submits a resume along with tens or hundreds of other applicants, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, and you waste time debating the protocol of following up by phone or e-mail.
I encourage friends looking for new work to do some soul searching instead of job searching. Ask yourself what you really want to do and search the Internet to find out what companies are doing it. Send a resume before the next job is available so they already have you in mind. Research the head of the department you'd like to work in and ask if you can send periodic samples of your current work so they see what you're contributing. Any employer should be more willing to hire a motivated job seeker than endure the task of wading through resumes when a position opens.
Network and share your intentions with friends so they can network on your behalf. Use LinkedIn to see what possibilities are open to you.
For employers, searching LinkedIn for ideal candidates seems infinitely more efficient than posting jobs, waiting for applicants and hiring from the resulting respondents. It's too easy to use the advanced search feature to find qualified personnel.
Those willing to take an active approach to the job search using available technology and traditional networking will find the job they truly desire and avoid the hassles of the old model.
Ray M
Energy expert, educator, award winning sculptor
Best Answers in: Career Management (16), Ethics (16), Change Management (13), Using LinkedIn (13), Manufacturing (10), Education and Schools (9), Government Policy (7), Personnel Policies (6), Business Development (6), Mentoring (5), Economics (5), Public Relations (4), Organizational Development (4), Equity Markets (4), Small Business (4), Energy and Development (4), Accounting (3), Government Services (3), Planning (3), Project Management (3), Product Design (3), Commercial Real Estate (2), Facilities Management (2), Regulation and Compliance (2), Certification and Licenses (2), Job Search (2), Exporting/Importing (2), International Law (2), Internationalization and Localization (2), Offshoring and Outsourcing (2), Treaties, Agreements and Organizations (2), Criminal Law (2), Events Marketing (2), Lead Generation (2), Business Analytics (2), Non-profit Management (2), Engineering (2), Professional Networking (2), Starting Up (2), Green Business (2), Blogging (2), E-Commerce (2), Wireless (2), Purchasing (1), Business Dining and Entertainment (1), Event Marketing and Promotions (1), Budgeting (1), Corporate Debt (1), Corporate Taxes (1), Compensation and Benefits (1), Staffing and Recruiting (1), Corporate Law (1), Advertising (1), Graphic Design (1), Sales Techniques (1), Writing and Editing (1), Corporate Governance (1), Labor Relations (1), Bond Markets (1), Commodity Markets (1), Option Markets (1), Non-profit Fundraising (1), Social Enterpreneurship (1), Inventory Management (1), Quality Management and Standards (1), Supply Chain Management (1), Personal Investing (1), Industrial Design (1), Professional Organizations (1), Enterprise Software (1), Computers and Software (1), Telecommunications (1), Software Development (1)
I think Sheilah is right on the money. Companies get so many resume's anymore they have no formal commitment to respond if they are not interested and often don't.
If you have had an interview a follow up note is a good touch. Shows initiative and a willingness to follow through.
Nathan N
Manager, HR Client Services at Accelcia Business Services
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (4), Personnel Policies (2), Small Business (2), Facilities Management (1), Job Search (1), Compensation and Benefits (1), Starting Up (1)
I agree with Allison, so many times folks just look for a "job". Looking for a "job" can lead you to a company that has a culture that isn't for you or worse a "job" that isn't well suited for you. Instead of contributing you spend your time and effort "fitting in" or doing a "job" that doesn't play to your strengths.
If you are going after a job that you specifically want then go for it, write a letter, call, or send an email to the hiring manager. If you want the job don't go through HR go right to the Hiring Manager. So many times, folks in HR or staffing act as the gate and will not show a hiring manager a communication from the applicant. I have seen this many times with both in-house recruiters and HR professionals.
Just my opinion, Nathan
William U
Finding, attracting and engaging talent for brands that want to make a difference in the market and community.
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (12), Job Search (2), Career Management (1)
Hi Alison - I think someone had asked a similar question earlier. You might find the answers there helpful too: http://www.linkedin.com/answers/hiring-human-resources/staffing-recruiting/HRH_SFF/97845-15908249?browseIdx=33&sik=1191201464012&goback=%2Eama
Cheers -
Of course, if the job is exactly the one you want, then send a thank you note by email or fax, or leave a short message with the receptionist, within 24 hours following the interview. I am a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has learned a lot since starting the business in 1994. Tip: the candidate should take an appointment card so he/she has the correct spelling of all names.
Greg B
Dir Franchise Development, Solar Universe; COO, GolfTraxx
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (25), Job Search (5), Wireless (2), Business Dining and Entertainment (1), Conference Planning (1), Exporting/Importing (1), Antitrust Law (1), Contracts (1), Property Law (1), Advertising (1), Public Relations (1), Sales Techniques (1), Writing and Editing (1), Career Management (1), Energy and Development (1), Green Products (1), Telecommunications (1), Software Development (1), Using LinkedIn (1)
Alison - the real answer is "it depends".
If you sent a resume to a jobs@ email and have not received a response, then your choices are pretty limited in the situation of a larger company. Just who do you send a follow up to? If you could find a recruiter(s) via LI or othe site, how do you know they have that particular requisition? That makes it entirely possible that you would be corresponding with the wrong Recruiter. If you did get a "thanks we are reviewing" note - you are still pretty much in the same boat.
In this case, your job is then to decide: 1. Do you want to be part of this organization and can wait. 2. Do you want to be part of this company, and then will need to "dig in" to the organization to find the Recruiter, Hiring Manger, etc. (of course LI/Spoke/Etc. would be the tools of that search. 3. Walk away.
The main issue is that Staffing has become rather impersonal due to applicant tracking systems, email automation, and information overload on understaffed Staffing Depts.
If it is "The Dream Job" Then turn on your detective & selling skills and don't give up until every rock has been turned. If it "just a job", use your passion and energy somewhere else.
Asi B
Executive Producer of Branded Entertainment
Best Answers in: Graphic Design (1), Writing and Editing (1)
From my perspective (as an employer) I would definitely prefer an email follow-up after 1-2 weeks. I agree with most answers- resumes could be lost in a pile. It is also an opportunity for the sender to add more information, and be more specific. In many cases, specific and relevant communication works better than anything.
Employers hate "templates", especially when it is a small business. They don't want to see cover letters that are sent to dozens of companies. We would like to see a person who is really interested and engaged in our mission/business. A follow-up gives him another opportunity to do that- send additional thoughts, say something meaningful about the opportunity, that he read some relevant information since he filed his application etc.
Hello Alison,
As an HR professional who has received thousands of resumes over the years, I can tell you that there is no "one size fits all" answer to your question (unfortunately!). To some degree, everyone that has responded thus far is correct.
There are numerous variables at play in these processes, and every organization is a bit different. It's impossible to know if you will be wasting your time following up on a resume you have sent in response to a job posting, or if it will be the one thing that gives you a small edge over another candidate. The truth is, you can find hundreds of articles, columns, blogs and books written by credentialed experts on this very topic, none of which will tell you exactly the same thing. There is no one protocol.
What I can tell you is that HR folks are not fans of what we fondly refer to as "stalkers" - I don't recommend calling the HR department or hiring manager immediately following the submittal of your resume under any circumstances. It is certainly appropriate to send an email or letter a week or two following the submission of your resume, if you have not yet heard anything from the company. However, if you receive no response after submitting your resume AND following up with an email or letter a few weeks later, I wouldn't invest additional energy in that particular opportunity. You have to be strategic with your time and resources, while also striking a balance of appearing "interested", but not "needy".
No matter what approach you take, I recommend patience. The hiring process almost always takes longer than initially anticipated. Too many competing priorities, too many schedules to coordinate and too little staff...
Good Luck!
I agree with Sheila.
Jason A
LinkedIn for Job Seekers DVD - http://LinkedInForJobSeekers.com
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (2), Staffing and Recruiting (1), Writing and Editing (1)
I think it depends (isn't that the typical response you hear from an MBA? :))
How did you get your resume to them in the first place? Has your only contact been online, through their job page? Or have you networked your way in?
I would try and network my way in, as close as possible, and try to find out what I can about the response to the posting, etc. I think that submitting the resume is one step in getting that interview.... now, how can you network your way closer to a decision maker to influence decisions?
Obviously, tact is critical...and this advice would be different for different levels (entry vs. professional vs. executive) and different types of companies.
My two cents :)
Links:
I concur with those who have written that "it depends." It depends on not only on the type of job for which you are applying, but also on the culture of the organization.
I agree with Scott that in Sales, it is an absolute must! It shows persistence and courage, both traits which are highly sought after when it comes to sales talent.
My bias is to follow-up any resume submission (unless otherwise advised not to) with a phone call or email; it shows enthusiasm and ambition, and could differentiate the candidate.
Don't send a resume in the first place.
I agree with Sheilah too.
Once you have had formal contact with a person from the company, a quick thank you is fine.
I agree with Andrew, a quick follow up letter/email shows you have good "follow up" and professional skills.
Liz R
Workplace Expert: Career Advisor, Speaker, Author, HR pundit; Yahoo! Hotjobs Networking Expert; BusinessWeek Columnist
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (13), Personnel Policies (7), Job Search (6), Using LinkedIn (5), Compensation and Benefits (3), Professional Networking (3), Resume Writing (2), Organizational Development (2), Freelancing and Contracting (1), Mentoring (1), Business Development (1), Change Management (1), Planning (1)
You have to follow up, Allison. Polite email messages that reinforce your strong interest in the job. Not-too-frequent phone calls to check on the status of your resume. Every single day, I hear from people who got jobs because they stayed on the case. Last night, I talked to a young man who contacted the employer 20 times before being interviewed. He got the job. Corporate people get deluged. You'll call 15 times, they don't register that as 15 attempts. They'll think, "Oh yeah, I gotta check in with that guy." Keep on it. If they're done with you, it's up to them to let you know.
