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Help! How do I follow up on a job application?
Hi Everyone,
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Last week, I applied for a job that is the perfect fit for me. The company is a new institution that is supposed to open in June, so I think the job posting is "real" and that the company may be motivated to actually look at submissions. I applied through the company's website and though I did receive an auto-reply confirming my submission (see below*), I have not heard anything further and no one from the company has looked at my LinkedIn profile as far as I can tell. It's only been a week since I submitted, but I really want this job, and want to do everything I can to make sure that an actual human being (instead of a computer algorithm) sees my resume. Many job search advisers recommend sending a follow-up note to the company hiring manager a week after the application, but unfortunately, I have no contacts at the company or within my LinkedIn network. However, I did find the "Head of People Operations" on LinkedIn and though most people who work for this company have a "Connect" option next to their name, this person has a "Message" box next to her name so I think I can message her directly. Is it safe to assume that this person is the Head of HR and is open to receiving messages from potential employees through LinkedIn? Is it appropriate and advisable to send her a message to follow up even though the auto-reply email said they would reach out to me if they thought I was the right fit? I can't miss this opportunity but likewise I don't want to offend anyone by behaving contrary to their explicit instructions. Please help!
Thank you,
Anna
* Here is the text from the auto-reply email from company after I submitted my application: "What's next? A member of our team will review your application, resume and any other additional materials submitted. If your application looks like a fit for the position, we'll reach out. While we do our best to get back to you in a timely fashion, things might move a bit slower than usual given the volume of interest - so please excuse any delay!"
iamacm
310
04/13/20 at 12:03AM UTC
Just a quick follow-up... I never heard anything back from this company so I did a search on LinkedIn for the title of the job I applied for. Sadly, I found the page for the person who got the job and he started in early February. That means that when I applied for the job at the end of February, the position had already been filled. I guess it was not a "real" job posting after all, just like all the others I've wasted time and effort on for two years. I work so hard on my submission materials for every job only to find out months later that I got my hopes up for nothing. These current HR practices are downright cruel to jobseekers and the cottage industry that's been created to unite employees with employers has gone completely off the rails. I give up.
SusanA526A true HR pro from my degrees to my experience.
38
03/10/20 at 7:12PM UTC
As an HR person I don't really love phone calls when I've explained the process may take time. Ken Coleman has a book called the Proximity Principle.....if you can find someone who works there try to go that route. See about sending an email to the HR person you found on LinkedIn. Sometimes you do need to follow up to get noticed but be careful about being a nuisance. It's a fine line and not knowing anyone or the culture makes it harder to judge how hard to push.
Anonymous
03/10/20 at 11:06PM UTC
Thank you, Susan! Your perspective as an HR person is invaluable. Though I have not heard the name "Proximity Principle" before, I have been in the job market for a while now and it has become very clear to me that the application process is futile unless I have an "in" at the company. I will follow up with the HR person via LinkedIn. With appreciation,
Anna
MsRachel2020Human Resources
50
03/10/20 at 12:08PM UTC
Make a bold move and call the HR department. Tell them you are following up on the application and that you do understand they are very busy and you would like to set up a phone interview. Be persistent.
Anonymous
03/10/20 at 2:32PM UTC
Thank you, Ms. Rachel 2020. The company does not list any contact phone numbers of any kind on their website and since they are a brand new entity, I assume that is by design to keep jobseekers off their backs. My only option for contacting their HR department seems to be through direct messaging via LinkedIn to the "Head of People Operations." Should I do that? I am following the company on LinkedIn and social media but have had no luck with my networking efforts thus far. I've been patient as the other FGBers have recommended, but the job posting has now been removed from the company website and it's been two weeks since I applied, so I feel more comfortable being bold. -- Anna
Anonymous
03/05/20 at 6:25PM UTC
Thank you, A.L., Lynne, and Rose!
Anna
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
03/04/20 at 8:38PM UTC
I realize that it isn't easy being patient and, I think, this situation calls for you to do so. I agree that you should give this company time to contact you.
In the meantime, you can make connections with employees. Customize your invitation by finding commonalities that you have. If you have mutual connections, you can ask for an introduction.
If the Head of People Operations has a paid subscription to LinkedIn, she would have the option to let anyone message her. And the "Connect" button is probably under "More." Again, I would honor the request for patience, but you can connect to her just as you would with any other employees.
As you get to know employees, you can request informational interviews to learn more about the employer. You can mention that you applied for "X" position. Maybe someone will give you an idea of timeframe, maybe not.
Follow company on social media, including their LinkedIn page, if they have one. Comment on posts. Ask questions.
If you don't hear for a month after applying, you might want to email to determine the status.
Rose Holland
935
03/05/20 at 1:51PM UTC
This! Get networking. Do not just send an invitation, add a note to make it more personal. Follow the company and those who work for it. Comment on posts and ask questions.
LisaBusiness Development Manager
45
03/04/20 at 7:48PM UTC
Given that the auto-reply states "Please excuse any delay", I would wait it out. I applied to a company and didn't hear from them until 3 weeks later to set up an interview. And especially if they aren't opening until June, they are most likely not in a major rush and want time to collect applicants.
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