Janet writes:
Thank you for your helpful career advice!
I have a question about following up on job leads: If a job posted on the organization’s web site requests 1) that you email in your application, and 2) “No phone calls, please”, I assume I should not call a week after emailing in my resume and cover letter. I am assuming it would be better to email my follow-up.
What do you think?
The Career Doctor responds:
No, no, no. Yours is a common misconception among most of the job-seekers I talk with. When employers state “no phone calls” they mean they do not want to deal with initial applications or inquiries via the telephone — they want it by mail, fax, or email.
However, follow-up is a totally different issue altogether. I cannot stress enough the importance of follow-up in job-searching.
All job-seekers — if you are really interested in the job — should stay in contact with the prospective employer. It just does not make sense to mail, email, or fax your application and then just sit back and wait for someone to contact you.
Instead, take the initiative and follow-up. Following-up is important for a number of reasons. First, to make sure the employer received your entire application. Second, to show you interest and enthusiasm for the position. Third, to learn more about the timetable for when interview might begin.
I know of very few employers who would be offended by a job-seeker politely contacting them about the status of their application. And those few who do get angry or annoyed? You probably would not want to work for them anyway!
Just remember to be professional — and do not follow-up too often where you become a pest.
Finally, remember to always follow-up when you have good news to add to your application, such as a certification or degree, a promotion, or a major accomplishment.
To learn more, read this article published on Quintessential Careers: Follow Up All Job Leads: Don’t Wait by the Phone (or Computer).
