Wondering About Your Job Application? The Best Way To Follow Up On Your Resume

• 2-minute read •
It is frustrating to invest the time and energy into applying for a job opportunity and not hear back about your application. If you want to know the status of your application and stay top of mind, you will need to follow up.

But there is a better way to follow up than writing in an email, “I’m following up on my application,” or “Would you share with me the status of my candidacy?” Following up is an opportunity for you to add value. But follow up once (aside from the thank you note sent immediately after the interview). Continuously bugging your potential employer is annoying and will make them lose interest in you. Consider these three things to keep the conversation fresh and keep them intrigued by you:

1. Share an article.

Sending a relevant article to your point of contact tells them you are keeping up with what is going on in the world and how it may impact the organization. Employers want their employees to understand how their organization fits into the world and to be able to address changes in economic, social, and political trends.

For instance, you are applying for a Strategic Innovation Executive position with Salesforce, a customer relationship management platform. You come across an article on a new approach to strategy and innovation. This information would be great to share with Salesforce. It demonstrates your curiosity and an understanding of the latest information that would help you to succeed in the role.

2. Tell them something you forgot to say.

How many times have you walked out of an interview realizing that you forgot to mention a great nugget of information? Don’t worry. What you do not say during a conversation is information you can potentially share later.

For example, the interviewer asks you about the most challenging projects you have led. You mention one during the interview but then realize later in the day that you had a better example. If you have not heard back from the potential employer in a couple of weeks, consider sharing this other instance of how you handled a challenging project.

3. Let them know about a recent accomplishment.

You may have accomplished a big project at work, won an award, published an article or spoken at a conference since your last meeting. If the accomplishment is relevant or demonstrates skills that would add value to the opportunity that you are applying for, let them know. This is not the time to be shy.

The next time you are wondering about the status of your application, don’t just ask about it. Instead, use this opportunity to add value in your follow up communications and stay top of mind. Send them something of interest to the organization or that they do not yet know about you. This will help you stand out among the other candidates.

Pass this advice to your friends. Share with them.