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Is it okay to follow-up during the job application process?

Find out in this article what the best approaches are to checking in on your job application status.

 

A lot of clients and people with general questions (we often answer questions from a host of people from around the world) ask about how they should follow up on a resume they submitted or an interview they just completed.

 

What’s the best approach?

 

After submitting a resume

 

In most cases when one applies to a job, the contact information of the receiver is unknown. In other words, one applies to a job and there is a general email, an online application form to fill out or through LinkedIn. So in most cases it’s hard to find out if the resume is received (‘in-hand’ to the right person). In the uncommon case where there is a contact email or phone number, be mindful of the implications of following-up. In most cases the person responsible for posting the job, is also accountable for many other things, so their time is precious and probably will not want many calls to confirm the resume has been received from all applicants (this could range from 50 to more than 200). Use discretion and if you want to follow-up, be brief and ask if the resume has been received. It’s not a good idea to try to sell yourself at this time.

 

After completing an interview?

 

This situation is much different then the one above. You just finished an interview and the interviewer has stated they will contact you or let you know the results, but it has been a week and no contact. What do you do? In this case, calling is perfectly acceptable. After all you committed time  and perhaps risked taking time off work to come and talk with the interviewer, you should be able to receive some notice or update. In some cases following up (politely) could advance your ranking (if the person has not made up their mind about you). There is nothing wrong with being eager, but desperate or pushy is a turn-off.

 

We hope you learned something useful from the article and please share on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and any other media. If you have a question, please email our general inbox at info@resumescanada.ca, and we would happy to help. If you know someone who needs some help, please send them an email or text and ask them to contact us.

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