Applying for a job is always hard work, as there are many steps to complete, many things to consider, and a lot to keep track of.
Once you have done all the labor, and gone through the job application, and maybe even the interview, what’s left to do is wait. And hope that you get the job, or get an answer as soon as possible.
It can be a pretty nerve-wracking wait, and sometimes, it can take forever. The truth is, the hiring process is long and tedious, and sometimes you don’t hear back for weeks, so you’re left wondering whether you got the job, or whether you should continue searching for another.
So what do you do? Well, the best thing to do, which we recommend, is to give them a follow-up call.
After it has been some time, it is completely appropriate to contact them, inquiring after a response. After all, you can’t put your life on hold indefinitely! So give them a call, and ask whether you have the job or not!
That being said, you might be wondering what exactly you should say, and how you should go about calling, after having applied for a job.
So don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re going to guide you through what you should say, and give you some tips that will help you out.
Does that sound good? Then let’s get right into it!
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When Is It Appropriate To Call After Applying For A Job?
When you are waiting for an answer and verdict, after having applied for a job, even a day can seem like forever. But you can’t exactly call after just one day, you need to have some patience, and must allow the company in question to get back to you!
That being said, you really can’t be waiting forever, and it is unfair to not get a response after a certain amount of time. So…when is it finally appropriate for you to make a follow-up call?
As a general rule, we would say that the appropriate waiting time should be between one week or two.
So if you haven’t heard back from the employer after a full week, you can start thinking about that follow-up call, and if it has been two weeks, then you should most definitely be making a follow-up call to inquire as to whether you have the job or not.
After all, two weeks is usually more than enough for them to have made up their mind, and you need to be able to move on if you haven’t been successful with this application!
That being said, before you make that follow-up call it is absolutely vital that you check whether there are any specifications about a possible follow-up.
Some job applications state, quite clearly, that they are not open to receiving a follow-up call or email, and that if you don’t get a response it simply means that you didn’t get the job. (This is quite common in companies that receive large numbers of applications, making it hard for them to get back to everyone.)
There might also be a specification on how long it will take them, on average, to get back to you, which might be over the two-week threshold, in which case you should wait. So basically, you need to check with every job application, to be sure whether it is appropriate or not for you to call, and when.
What To Say When Making A Follow-Up Call
Okay, let’s say that you have waited for one to two weeks or the amount of time specified by the job application. It’s time to call for a follow-up. This in itself will likely be very nerve-wracking, and quite daunting. But you’ve got this.
So, what do you say?
Well, here is our step-by-step guide on what to do and say for a successful follow-up call after applying for a job!
Why Are You Calling, Exactly?
Sure, you’re calling to follow up on a job application, to see whether you got the job or not. That much is obvious. But you’re going to have to be more exact and direct if you want your call to be successful.
Are you calling to check whether they received your application? Are you calling to inquire as to whether any more supporting documents are needed? Are you calling to inquire about how an interview went?
Job applications have many stages, and many methods, so the more specific you are, the better.
As part of the call, you should also always thank them, and inquire as to when a decision can be expected.
Make A List Or Prepare A Guideline For Yourself
If you are bad at phone calls because you get nervous or you tend to forget what you’re supposed to say, then making a list or preparing a guideline will be extremely helpful.
Basically, write down everything that you need or want to say, along with the right information. That way, you will know what to do while on the call, and you won’t be left stammering or trying to remember things!
Some of the information that you should write down, in preparation for the follow-up call, includes the following:
- Your full name and date of birth (although you should have this memorized!)
- The name of the company or employer that conducts the job applications, or that you had an interview with
- The date you submitted your job application (or had your interview)
- The exact title of the position or job you applied for
Have Your Resume And Reference List On Hand
When making your follow-up call, you should have your resume and reference list on hand, just in case you get asked about them.
As a general rule, the phone call should be fairly simple, with you asking for when a decision can be expected.
However, sometimes employers will use this as an opportunity to ask some additional questions or to double-check the information that they gathered during your job application. So it’s best to be prepared, just in case!
Practice With Someone Else Beforehand (If You Want)
If you’re really nervous and think it might be beneficial to you, we recommend practicing the phone call with someone you trust. This will allow you to practice your guide, and to hear out loud what you are going to say so that it is easier.
Make The Call
The most important step! Remember to stay calm, and if needed, don’t be afraid to ask them to slow down or repeat an answer. Follow your guide, and you’ll be fine!
If Nobody Answers, Leave A Voicemail
In the very unfortunate case that nobody answers the call, leave a voicemail. You should practice this beforehand so that it doesn’t catch you off-guard.
In this voicemail, you have to state who you are, the position or job you are calling about, your inquiry (which is when to expect a decision), and your contact information (your phone number or email address).
Alternatively, instead of leaving a voicemail you can just try and call again later on.
Final Thoughts
So, to sum it all up. When calling for a follow-up, after having applied for a job, the main thing you are going to ask is when you can expect a decision by. That way, they can let you know whether a decision has been made, and if not, when they will make it by.
Remember to stay calm, and follow our step-by-step guide in order to be extra prepared!
