Are you tired of submitting countless job applications and never hearing back? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You spend hours crafting the perfect resume, meticulously tailoring your cover letter, and making sure you tick all the boxes on the job description. But there’s one crucial step that most people overlook – following up on your application.
According to Nolan Church, a former recruiter at Google and DoorDash, and the current CEO of Continuum, a talent marketplace for executives, this is the step that “everyone fails on.” Church emphasizes the importance of sending a follow-up message on LinkedIn and a personalized email to the company hiring manager, and even the CEO. In fact, Church reveals that at DoorDash, CEO Tony Xu would forward those emails directly to him, resulting in calls with the applicants a staggering 90% of the time.
Why is Following Up Important?
You might be wondering why following up is such a critical step in the job application process. Well, there are several reasons why it can make a significant impact on your chances of getting noticed and ultimately landing an interview.
1. Stand Out from the Crowd
With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, it’s essential to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Following up shows your dedication and commitment to the role. It demonstrates that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the position, setting you apart from other applicants who may have neglected this crucial step.
2. Build a Personal Connection
Sending a follow-up message allows you to build a personal connection with the hiring manager or potential employer. It shows that you’ve taken the time to research the company and the individuals involved in the hiring process. This personal touch can leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of being remembered among the sea of other applicants.
3. Demonstrate Your Value
A well-crafted follow-up message gives you another opportunity to highlight your skills, qualifications, and why you’re the perfect fit for the role. It allows you to reinforce your interest in the position and showcase your enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s success. This extra push can make a significant impact and help you secure that coveted interview.
How to Write an Effective Follow-Up Message
Now that we understand the importance of following up on your job applications, let’s dive into the strategies for crafting an effective and attention-grabbing follow-up message.
1. Start with LinkedIn
One of the first steps in your follow-up process should be reaching out on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a powerful networking platform that allows you to connect with professionals in your industry. When sending a message on LinkedIn, keep the following tips in mind:
- Keep it professional: Maintain a professional tone and language throughout your message. Be polite, concise, and avoid using overly casual language.
- Personalize your message: Customize your message for each individual you’re reaching out to. Mention specific details about the company, the job posting, or any recent news that caught your attention. This personal touch demonstrates that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
- Highlight your qualifications: Briefly summarize your qualifications and why you believe you’re a strong fit for the role. Use this opportunity to remind the recipient of your skills and expertise.
- End with a call-to-action: Close your message by expressing your eagerness to discuss the opportunity further. Request a phone call or an in-person meeting to delve deeper into how you can contribute to the company’s success.
2. Craft a Personalized Email
In addition to reaching out on LinkedIn, it’s crucial to send a personalized email directly to the hiring manager or even the CEO. While it may seem intimidating to email high-level executives, Church emphasizes that it’s worth the effort. Here are some guidelines for writing an effective email:
- Subject line: Grab the recipient’s attention with a clear and concise subject line that communicates the purpose of your email. For example, “Application Follow-Up: [Position Title].”
- Introduction: Begin your email with a polite and professional greeting, addressing the recipient by name. Introduce yourself briefly and mention the position you applied for.
- Reiterate your interest: Express your continued interest in the role and the company. Highlight specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and why you believe you’d be a valuable addition to the team.
- Reference your application: Remind the recipient that you’ve submitted an application and briefly summarize your qualifications and relevant experience. Use bullet points or a table to present this information clearly and concisely.
- Address any concerns: If you have any concerns or questions about the application process or the role itself, address them in a professional manner. This shows that you’ve taken the time to carefully consider the opportunity and are proactive in seeking clarification.
- Closing: Thank the recipient for their time and consideration. End your email with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name and contact information.
The Impact of Following Up
Following up on your job application is not just a formality; it can have a significant impact on your chances of securing an interview. Even if you’re applying to a company like Amazon and sending an email to the CEO, Church advises doing it. While the CEO may not be the one reading your email, someone on their team could forward it to the appropriate parties, potentially leading to further consideration of your application.
By taking the time to craft thoughtful and personalized follow-up messages, you demonstrate your dedication, stand out from the competition, and increase your chances of getting noticed. So, don’t neglect this crucial step in the job application process. Follow up, make an impression, and let your application shine.
FAQ
Q: How soon should I follow up after submitting my application?
A: It’s best to follow up within one to two weeks of submitting your application. This timeframe allows the company enough time to review applications while still showing your enthusiasm and interest in the role.
Q: Should I follow up if the job posting explicitly states not to?
A: If the job posting explicitly states not to follow up, it’s essential to respect the company’s instructions. However, if the posting does not mention anything about follow-ups, it’s generally acceptable to reach out.
Q: What if I don’t have the contact information for the hiring manager or CEO?
A: If you don’t have the contact information for the hiring manager or CEO, try to find it through online research or by reaching out to your network. LinkedIn can be a valuable resource for finding the right individuals to contact.
Q: What if I don’t receive a response to my follow-up message?
A: It’s common not to receive a response to your follow-up message, especially if the company is receiving a high volume of applications. Don’t take it personally and continue your job search. However, if you haven’t heard back after a reasonable amount of time, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up to inquire about the status of your application.
Q: Can I follow up multiple times?
A: It’s generally recommended to follow up once after submitting your application and then wait for a response. However, if you haven’t heard back after a reasonable amount of time, you can send a polite follow-up to inquire about the status of your application. Use your judgment and avoid being too persistent.
Remember, following up on your job application can be the game-changer that sets you apart from the competition. Don’t underestimate the power of a personalized message and the impact it can have on your chances of landing an interview. Take the extra step, put yourself out there, and increase your chances of job application success.
