What to Do After You Turn in a Job Application?
Asking an employer about the job you applied for can put you ahead of the pack or at least improve your chances of a followup. The timing and content of your followup is key to your success, and becoming proactive even when you do not get the job can still help your career.
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Thank You Notes
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Following up on a job application, such as calling the human resources department to find out about the status of the opening should be a part of your job search strategy. There is no perfect time when you should follow up on an application, but SmartPros.com suggests about 10 days. If the company still does not respond or offer an interview after a followup, they are probably looking at more qualified candidates.
How to Contact the Company
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Try emailing or writing the company's recruiter or human resources department if the job listing did not give a specific contact. If you know somebody in the company, ask him about the status of the application. Do not phone for a resume followup, because whomever answers probably won't have ready access to the resume. Also, contact your job references to alert them of a possible reference check by the company.
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Tip
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More important than the manner in which you contact the employer is that you convey positive qualities about yourself, such as an understanding of the company or news about the industry. If you posted a resume to a job list, the company probably has a status update you can check online. Also, review the job posting to make sure you qualify. When the job requires a certification you do not possess, for instance, you do not need to do anything else because you fail to qualify for the position.
Considerations
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Never insult the company even if it never responds to your resume. You can still try to add some of the people in the company to your network, which might land you a job at another firm. Keep job hunting until you get a verified offer. Part of the job hunt is putting out as many resumes as possible in the hopes that someone thinks you are the best candidate. You can use other job offers as leverage when it comes time to negotiate your salary.
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