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When you’re looking for a new job, it is common to be excited and even a bit anxious. While following up on an opportunity can be a smart move, going too far can quickly have you labeled as a pest instead of someone who is simply interested in a position. To make sure you don’t cross that fine line, here are some tips on how to follow up during a job search.

Don’t Continually Contact the Company or Recruiter

Whether you want to know the status of your application, are looking for more information about a job opening or want to know the results of an interview, it is important to keep your contact attempts to a minimum and make those few instances well timed. Calling a hiring manager or a recruiter on a daily basis isn’t going to get you results. In fact, it might work against you.

Instead, make sure your timing is right and you communicate in the right way. For example, sending a follow-up email one week after submitting an application is often considered appropriate, but writing one every day is going to make you seem like a pest. Similarly, reaching out to follow up on an application that has only been submitted for a few hours can seem pushy or impatient, and may imply you don’t believe their other job duties are as important as responding to you.

Don’t Automatically Jump Up the Ladder

Just as your communications with the primary contact should be appropriate, don’t step over a hiring manager or recruiter unnecessarily, if at all. Immediately heading to their supervisor isn’t just disrespectful, but it can also cross the line from seeming enthusiastic to making you seem desperate.

How to Follow Up Properly

When handled correctly, following up on a job opportunity can work in your favor. For example, sending the hiring manager a thank-you letter1 after an interview typically reflects positively on you when worded properly, and failing to do so can hurt your chances of getting the job.

Beyond a post-interview thank you, the best way to figure out when to follow up is to ask for a timeline at the end of the interview. This gives you an idea of when the hiring manager or recruiter anticipates making a decision, creating a window of time where follow-up isn’t necessary. If the date provided in the timeline passes and you don’t hear anything, then send a short reminder2 that asserts you are still interested and gently requests an update on the status.

Remember, hiring managers and recruiters also have jobs to handle, so don’t expect an immediate response. However, don’t feel like you can’t continue to explore opportunities, especially if you don’t receive a response after sending a brief reminder.

Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Atlanta

If you are interested in working with a skilled recruiter to help you find your next position, the professionals at Employ Partners have the experience to match you with the right opportunities. Contact us today to see how our services can work for you.

1 – http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5578-sample-thank-you-letters.html

2 – http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2013/10/28/what-to-say-when-following-up-on-a-job-interview

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