How to Follow Up on an Online Application
Today, numerous employers hire prospective employees via online applications, eliminating the traditional paper application and creating a convenience for both the employer and the job-seeker. The catch is, many others are probably applying for the same job, so you may have to wait awhile before you receive a response. If you've applied for a job online, a simple follow-up email, or in some cases a phone call is considered appropriate. For the follow-up to be effective, you must know the right person to send it to.
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Instructions
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Go back to your original application, or the employer's website, and look for any follow-up protocol that may be included. Many employers prefer an email, or a phone call, while others may not list any specific instructions for a follow up. Typically an email is the preferred method.
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Locate the employer's human resources department, or an application processing department. Find this information under "Contact us" or a list of employee departments on the employer's website.
Ensure that you know the correct name of the party to whom you're sending the follow-up. You don't want the greeting to read, "To whom it may concern." Instead, find the name of the party who will be reading the email.
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Write a short follow-up email if this is the preferred method. A good email follow-up should be professional and cordial. Include your personal contact information at the top left corner of the page. This should list your name, address, phone number, other contact numbers, and your email address or personal website.
A short, couple of sentences should be sufficient for a follow-up, such as:
Dear Jane Doe,
I recently applied for employment with your company on (date) for (job title), and I'm writing this email as a follow-up to check on the status of my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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End the email by signing it "Best regards," or "Sincerely," and then place your name a couple of spaces below the ending.
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Tips & Warnings
Wait at least a week before sending a follow-up email, or follow the application process protocol if described by the employer.
References
- Photo Credit online image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
