Mastering the Art of Follow-Up: Calling to Inquire About a Job After Submitting Your Resume.
In today's competitive job market, simply submitting a resume online isn't always enough to secure an interview. Following up with a phone call demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the position, potentially setting you apart from other candidates. However, it's essential to approach this follow-up call tactfully and professionally. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to effectively call and inquire about a job after submitting your resume:
1. Prepare Before Making the Call
Before picking up the phone, take some time to prepare yourself:
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Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company's background, culture, and recent news. This demonstrates your interest and investment in the organization.
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Review Your Resume: Refresh your memory about the skills and experiences you highlighted in your resume. Be prepared to discuss them in more detail if asked.
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Prepare Questions: Prepare insightful questions about the position or the company to demonstrate your genuine interest and engagement.
2. Choose the Right Time
Timing is crucial when making a follow-up call. Avoid calling during peak business hours when hiring managers might be busy or in meetings. Aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon, preferably earlier in the week.
3. Dialing the Number
When calling the company, ensure you have a quiet and professional environment. Dial the main company number rather than directly calling the hiring manager. Be prepared to navigate through automated systems or receptionists.
4. Introduce Yourself Professionally
When someone answers the phone, introduce yourself politely and professionally. Mention your name, the position you applied for, and express your interest in the opportunity. For example:
"Good morning, my name is [Your Name]. I recently applied for the [Position Title] position and wanted to follow up on my application."
5. Be Concise and Respectful
Keep your conversation brief and to the point. Respect the other person's time by avoiding lengthy monologues. State the purpose of your call clearly and succinctly:
"I wanted to inquire about the status of my application and express my continued interest in the position."
6. Showcase Your Enthusiasm
During the call, convey your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Express why you are particularly interested in this opportunity and how your skills align with the position requirements.
"I'm very excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [specific project or goal mentioned in the job posting]."
7. Ask Insightful Questions
Engage the person on the other end of the line by asking thoughtful questions about the position or the company. This demonstrates your genuine interest and proactive attitude:
- "Could you provide more insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?"
- "I noticed [specific detail about the company]. Can you tell me more about how this influences the work environment?"
8. Listen and Take Notes
Listen attentively to the responses and take notes if necessary. This shows that you value the information provided and are actively engaged in the conversation.
9. Express Gratitude and Professionalism
Before ending the call, express gratitude for their time and consideration. Reiterate your interest in the position and willingness to provide further information if needed:
"Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about [Company Name] and the [Position Title] role. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information."
10. Follow-Up Accordingly
Depending on the outcome of the call, follow up with a thank-you email reiterating your interest and appreciation for the opportunity to discuss the role further. If provided with a timeline for the hiring process, make a note to follow up again if you haven't heard back within that timeframe.
In conclusion, calling to inquire about a job after submitting your resume can be a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm, professionalism, and fit for the position. By following these steps and approaching the call with confidence and respect, you can increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process and ultimately landing your desired job.