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Appropriate to follow-up on application?
I recently applied for a position (that I am very excited about) at an organization that employs nearly 10,000 employees. Their HR website says "we are unable to contact each applicant on the status of their application due to the high volume of resumes received," and that they will reach out pending additional information or an interview. I always follow up on my submitted job applications after approximately 2 weeks of submitting. To me, this indicates true interest in the position, and an opportunity to have Talent Acquisition review your application and enforce name recognition. I have never seen discouragement in doing so, yet it seems this organization would rather applicants not contact them.
How can I follow up on my application without "inquiring about the status or additional information needed" as the website and automated phone line seem to discourage (without truly saying so)? Their HR phone number and email are available online, but I worry that by reaching out I will only decrease their interest.
Any insights?
Kim Callinan
President & CEO of Nonprofit
809
08/25/20 at 10:15PM UTC
I would see whether you can find somebody in your network who works there or has a contact to somebody who works there. Have you looked at your connections on linked in? checked in with your former colleagues or mentors? friends? Ultimately finding somebody who can refer you or inquire on your behalf would be the best way to get past the red tape. Good luck!
Anonymous
08/26/20 at 2:49AM UTC
Thanks, Kim. That is a great recommendation. Unfortunately I would be moving across the country for the position and I do not have many connections in the area, but it's helpful to note for future applications.
Kim CallinanPresident & CEO of Nonprofit
809
08/26/20 at 3:51AM UTC
too bad. Did you check Lihnked in to see if anybody you are connected with knows somebody. Feel free to check my profile out and if I have a connection, I"m happy to try.
Marian DyerDon't be a jerk.
208
08/25/20 at 9:40PM UTC
I work for a much smaller organization. We don't say anything preemptively about not contacting us about the status of an application, but as someone who is involved in hiring, I would be put off by an inquiry of the nature you describe. We do most of our applications through an industry-specific website - using it is required - and it's very likely I would simply ignore an inquiry outside of that platform.
I hate to be so negative - it's not generally my nature - but this is the reality where I am. It would feel not like you were interested (I would assume that from the fact that you applied) but that you didn't follow clear instructions, especially where they were so explicit.
It would probably be harmless to call and ask whether the position had been filled (not specific to you), and if it hasn't, inquire if there is anything further you could do to get your application noticed. You wouldn't have to give your name unless they said, "Yes! I can pass your name along to the manager."
Anonymous
08/26/20 at 2:52AM UTC
I was thinking the same thing about following the instructions, thanks Marian. The organization does notify all applicants once a position is filled and removes the posting from the website, so while I love your suggestion, it does not apply in my scenario. Good news is the job is still posted and has been since March. Hoping that is good news for me!
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.