After submitting a job application, candidates often experience uncertainty while waiting for a response. Proactively following up demonstrates genuine interest and initiative beyond the resume. This action signals commitment to the role and willingness to engage directly with the potential employer. Determining the appropriate method and moment for this outreach can be challenging for job seekers.
Why Following Up Matters
Following up moves a candidate from a passive entry in a database to an active participant in the hiring pipeline. This communication reinforces the candidate’s strong interest in the specific position and the company’s mission. It functions as a professional differentiator, separating the applicant who is genuinely pursuing the opportunity from those who submitted an application merely as a formality.
Taking the initiative to follow up also communicates strong organizational skills and respect for process and timelines. By making contact, the candidate demonstrates a proactive approach to career management. Hiring managers often view this as a positive indicator for future job performance.
Deciding Between a Phone Call and Email
The choice between a direct phone call and an email hinges on the desired impact and the applicant’s risk tolerance. A phone call offers immediacy and allows the candidate’s personality and communication style to come through. However, this method carries an inherent risk of intrusion, especially if the hiring manager is busy or unprepared.
Email is a less direct but safer form of communication, allowing the recipient to respond at their convenience. It provides a formal, traceable record of the interaction and is generally preferred in corporate or formal environments. Candidates should assess the company culture. A smaller, fast-paced startup might appreciate the directness of a call, while a large, traditional organization often prefers the structured approach of an email.
Optimal Timing for a Follow-Up Call
Determining the optimal moment to call requires patience and consideration of the employer’s internal timeline. Always wait until any stated application window or job posting deadline has passed. Calling before this point shows a lack of attention to job specifications and can interrupt the initial application collection phase.
If the job posting does not specify a closing date, the general rule of thumb is to wait a minimum of five to seven business days following submission. This timeframe allows the internal human resources team sufficient time to complete the initial screening process. Calling too early signals impatience and places an unnecessary burden on staff processing applicant data.
This waiting period provides the hiring team an opportunity to review the applicant pool using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and establish a shortlist. A call placed after this initial screening is more likely to reach someone who has reviewed the application materials. Candidates should also account for weekends and holidays, ensuring the follow-up occurs during standard business hours when personnel are available.
Essential Research Before You Dial
Before attempting direct contact, applicants must conduct focused research to identify the correct party. Calling a generic company number or main reception line often results in being routed to an unhelpful answering service or someone unfamiliar with the hiring process. The goal is to locate the name and direct contact information for the hiring manager, the specific departmental recruiter, or the department head responsible for the role.
Professional networking sites and the company’s staff directory can provide the necessary information to avoid a blind call. Once the contact is identified, preparation extends beyond just finding a name. Applicants should review the company’s recent activities, such as major project announcements, press releases, or new product launches.
Referencing specific company news during the call demonstrates genuine, ongoing engagement with the organization, rather than a boilerplate inquiry. This personalization shows the applicant views the follow-up as a continuation of interest, not just a procedural check-in. This preparation ensures the conversation begins with credibility and purpose.
Preparing Your Script and Delivery
A successful follow-up call requires a concise, well-rehearsed script to maximize limited time with the contact. The script should begin with a brief, professional introduction, stating the applicant’s name, the specific role, and the date of submission. Following the introduction, the applicant should politely inquire about the status of the application review process.
The next component involves a succinct reiteration of interest, perhaps referencing a specific accomplishment or skill that aligns with the job requirements. This is not the time to re-read the entire resume, but to provide a one-sentence reminder of the candidate’s fit. Maintain a tone respectful of the recipient’s time, acknowledging they may be fielding numerous calls.
The call must conclude with a clear closing statement that prompts a next step. This includes asking about the expected timeline for interviews or the general procedure for candidate selection. This question shifts the focus from an open-ended status check to a request for actionable information. The delivery should be professional, articulate, and respectful, aiming for a total call duration of less than two minutes.
When Calling Is Not Recommended
There are circumstances where a direct phone call follow-up is likely to be counterproductive or detrimental to the application. If the job posting explicitly contains the phrase “No Phone Calls,” this instruction must be respected as a non-negotiable directive. Disregarding this request demonstrates an inability to follow basic instructions.
Many large organizations rely heavily on sophisticated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for the initial screening process. In these cases, the hiring manager may have no information about the application status until the system has filtered candidates. A call to a company known for a strictly formal, remote-first, or heavily automated culture should be substituted with a professional email, respecting the preference for written, asynchronous communication.