It is relentless, distracting and exhausting.
Technology allows us to check email and draft an immediate response anytime and anywhere. While queuing for our morning coffee, while waiting at a pedestrian crossing, or even while killing time on the train during our daily commute. For most of us, sending a quick, and often ill-considered, email has not only become commonplace but also socially acceptable.
For the recipient of a poorly-constructed email, however, this approach delivers a duel message. They receive your intended email, of course, but between your lines of text lie a hidden message which reveals itself subliminally through your tone. Rushed emails that omit common greetings, use passive aggressive language or make unreasonable demands, for example, betray a lot about you and your environment.
Nailing the right tone for emails is one of the most important, yet consistently undervalued, components of any job.
But what if you do not have the job yet? How can you follow up on a job application without coming across as desperate, needy or irritating?
The Situation
Sending out a number of job applications and not hearing back for several weeks (or even up to a month) can be acutely demoralising.
While most companies notify unsuccessful applicants, an increasing number are failing to get in touch with those who have not been selected for interview at all.
This makes knowing whether you have been eliminated from the list of potentials, or whether they are still considering your application, extremely difficult. Not knowing where you stand can leave you in a constant state of frustration, anxiety and uncertainty.
The good news is that there is no need to wait by your phone or jump at the first sign of a new email.
Make a decision and take control.
Step 1: Settle in for the long haul
Relax. Recruitment processes take a LONG time.
Allow at least two weeks, and sometimes up to one month, from the time you first lodged your application before thinking about following up. Sending an email any sooner will come across as too eager and demanding, which could result in more harm than good.
Step 2: Follow up
If over two weeks have passed with no correspondence, you may wish to consider checking on the progress of the recruitment round.
You can call the relevant contact officer, or send a short email.
How To Pull If Off The Right Tone
Follow up emails are a tricky and temperamental beast.
Sending a balanced, considerate and well-crafted email that achieves its objective (without getting a potential employer off sides) is an art form which requires time, consideration and skill.
A template example of what NOT to send:
Dear [insert name of recruitment manager]
I applied for [insert name of position] with [insert name of organisation] some time ago but have not heard anything back.
Could someone please let me know what is going on and when interviews will be held??
Cheers
[insert your name]
Do not take your frustrations out on recruitment. This structure and tone will immediately antagonise a potential employer and your application will be scrapped. Here’s why.
The email starts by accusing the organisation of being disorganised or slow with recruitment. Its passive aggressive tones will not be well-received by most people. It goes on to demand information about internal company timelines and processes which the applicant (as someone external to the organisation) may not be entitled to. Lastly, it assumes that the applicant will be called in for an interview – a decision which has not yet been made by recruitment.
A better, professional template you may wish to consider using:
Dear [insert name of recruitment manager]
I hope this email finds you well.
I just wanted to follow up on the progress of recruitment for the [insert position that was advertised] in respect of which I was an applicant.
I would be grateful if you could let me know if this position has been filled.
Thank you very much.
Best wishes
[insert your name]
Benefits Of Being Bold
Knowing that you can follow up on the progress of a job application places you in a position of power.
Learning whether or not you are still in the race means you can focus your energy either on preparing for your possible upcoming interview, or moving on and finding a better job.
What strategies do you use when following up on a possible job? Let us know in the comments section below!
Further Information
Some great resources to kick-start your job search:
Legal Jobs:
- Law Societies
- Legal Aid
- BeyondLaw Job Hub
- Pro Bono Australia
- RRRLaw
- eFinancialCareers
Federal Government:
- Australian Local Government Job Directory
- Australian Public Service Jobs
- Australian Public Service Graduate Programs
- Australian Job Search (JobActive)
NGO and community work:
State Government and Council:
- NSW Government
- Victoria Government
- Queensland Government
- South Australian Government
- ACT Government
- Western Australian Government
- Tasmanian Government
- Northern Territory Government
Creative Industries: