Is It Unprofessional To Follow Up On a Job Application

By Career Advice

This is has always been a delicate topic, and some might argue that it is a line you shouldn’t cross. So the big question is… “Is it unprofessional to follow up on a job application“? You’ve been browsing the internet for possibly weeks, and applying for jobs that suit you. Sometime has now past, and you still haven’t received any notification from any entity telling you that you job interview is 5 days away. You feel depressed, unwanted and no longer have the drive or determination to go on.

Of course, this is something we all have been through, and believe me when i say it is not your fault. Companies who advertise vacant job listings get hundreds, if not thousands of resumes from persons just like yourself, who are hoping (sometimes praying), that they’ll get that call or email letting them know their days of ramen noodles and take out are over; a simple answer to the question is no.

With everything you do in life, there are do’s and don’ts; this scenario is no different. Applications for jobs, whether online or in the newspaper, tend to have dates when applications close. When applying for a job, be mindful of the date applications close.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with following up with your application, however give the company time before you make contact regarding your application; maybe after 5 – 8 days. You can only imagine that they knee deep, trying to sort through applications to make sure they find the candidates to interview that are most suited for the position.

So what if there’s no end date specified for applicants? Always try to make a note of when the vacant job posting was made. This is where you have to use your discretion, give the company time as mentioned before ,they are more than likely in the process of sorting through applications.

When you first make contact, whether by phone, email or in person (call in advance) try not to come off as too strong. Your frustration is understandable, however using the wrong tone or even words can ruin your chance at a position at the company. Always remember, just because you sent your resume, doesn’t mean it was received.

  • Ask simple yet straight forward questions, but not too many.
  • Make sure to give you full name along with salutations.
  • Advise the person who you are in dialog with what your inquiry is about.
  • Asking the “time frame” of the hiring process, if a final decision has been made, or even if you can call back if that’s OK is acceptable.
  • Be sure to thank him/her for taking the time out to talk to you, and how much it is appreciated.

In some instances following up with a job application can get your resume to the top of the queue; this shows your interest and willingness to profess. However, it’s not a one way ticket to employment as you do not want to come off as annoying.