How Long To Follow Up On Resume

How long should you wait to follow up with an employer or hiring manager, after submitting your resume for a position? It really depends. You don’t want to jump the gun and annoy them, if they are busy; but you also don’t want to seem unmotivated. So, what is a candidate for a position to do, to better his or her odds of getting an interview? Below, we take a look at both sides of the coin, in answering what might be the best amount of time for you in your successful application to positions of your interest.

Too Soon
Of course, you don’t want to follow up too soon after submitting your resume; as you don’t want to annoy a potential employer. Though it has long been a motto that you cannot seem over motivated for a position-as this shows a candidate that is enthusiastic and motivated-there is a stipulation to this. That is, there are times when an employer does not want to hear from you. Though it may seem a great way to gauge who is interested and who isn’t; a company could already be overburdened with work and not enough time to do it in. You calling every day to check on the status of hiring could easily annoy them, as it stops them from getting the basics of work done every day. How will you know? More often than not, if a potential employer really has a problem with applicants checking in to follow up on the status of their resume and application; they will say something to the effect of “no phone calls please” or “no emails please”. Another less obvious statement in their job posting or their submission response letter is that “we will contact you if we find a match” or something to this effect. In either of these situations, it is best to listen to their wishes, as it does not look like you are a motivated candidate-it looks like you are a disrespectful candidate who does not know how to follow directions.

Unmotivated
If, on the other hand, you decide not to follow up on job applications; will you look unmotivated? Again, it depends on the employer. Typically, if there is no discussion in the job posting or in the auto responder email saying that they will contact you, and not to contact them; you should follow up with them to show that you are interested in the position and want to know what the time frame is for hiring. This way, you can know if you have made the cut of getting an interview or not. The best time frame to wait? Usually, three days to week after sending your emailed version of your resume and cover letter is a good time to follow up with an email or phone call. This gives them enough time to have received it, processed it, and perhaps-read through it. If you have mailed your email, it is better to wait a little longer-and start contacting them to follow up after one week. How often should you follow up? Once or twice, and no more.