Following up on Job Applications with a Call

It can be frustrating to sit and wait for a response during the hiring process. At times, it may feel like all you do is send out resumes and applications without hearing back from anyone.

What many people don’t realize is that there’s another option. You can take the first step and get in touch with a hiring manager after applying. Often, managers are busy, and following up after you’ve applied may give you a better shot at being noticed.

In this article, we will cover:

• The benefits of calling after sending an application.
• The drawbacks of reaching out after applying.
• The right time to make contact.
• How to approach the call.

Benefits of Calling After Applying

Is it smart to follow up once you’ve applied? There are different views on contacting recruiters, but checking in after some time can be useful. To avoid appearing too eager, it’s better to wait a week or two after sending in your resume. Here are some reasons why calling may help:

Showing Interest and Motivation

Reaching out shows that you’re genuinely interested in the job. Most candidates simply drop off an application and stop there. If you call, it proves that you’re making an effort beyond the usual steps.

Chance to Explain or Add Details

A short call or email gives you the opportunity to expand on parts of your application. Recruiters don’t have much time to go through each resume in depth. Sharing extra context about your background may help them see your value more clearly.

Creating a Personal Connection with the Recruiter

Applications alone don’t always reflect the full picture of a candidate’s skills or personality. A quick conversation allows you to go beyond what’s on paper and be remembered.

By keeping the communication going, you separate yourself from other candidates. This can improve your chances, especially when there are many applicants for the same role.

Drawbacks of Calling After Applying

While there are clear benefits to following up, there are also some downsides to consider:

Possibility of Sounding Too Persistent

If you reach out too soon after applying, you may give the wrong impression. It’s best to allow time for the recruiter to look over applications before contacting them.

Potential to Disrupt the Hiring Process

Recruiters have a structured system for screening candidates. Calling before they’ve finished reviewing resumes might be seen as trying to cut ahead of the process.

Risk of Being Viewed as Unprofessional

Some companies prefer formal communication only. In such cases, contacting the hiring manager may be considered unprofessional.

Often, job postings will state if follow-ups are not welcome. Always read the description carefully and respect those guidelines.

When to Call After Applying

The Best Timing for a Follow-up

A good rule of thumb is to reach out about one to two weeks after sending in your application. Larger organizations may need more time, as they use applicant tracking systems to sort through resumes.

Allow some space for the HR team to finish their initial review. Meanwhile, you can use this time to prepare for the next stage by learning more about the company.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Following-up

Find the right contact details: Make sure your email or call goes to the correct person. The company website or LinkedIn are good places to find the hiring manager’s information.

Keep it short: The purpose of your message is to remind them of your application. Stay focused and to the point to present yourself as professional.

Have a question ready: Asking thoughtful questions shows that you are serious about the position. Review the job posting again, or check the company’s website, and ask something that shows genuine interest in their work or values.

How to Make the Call

What to Say During the Call

When you follow up on a job application by phone, there are usually two outcomes: you either reach a voicemail or you connect with a person. If you get voicemail, leaving a short message is much like sending an email or posting a direct message on a professional platform. It could go something like this:

Hello, my name is (insert your name), and I’m calling about an application I submitted to your company two weeks ago on April 17th.

I applied for the sales manager role, and I wanted to check if you needed any extra details or further documents from me. Please let me know if I can assist in any way, and thank you for your time.

 

If you end up speaking with someone over the phone, the discussion might take a slightly different route, though you can always guide it toward the points in the sample message above. In every follow-up call, be sure to mention your name and the date you submitted your application. After that, in a live call, respond naturally to their replies:

Hello, my name is (insert your name), and I’m calling regarding the (name of position).

Wait for their reply and adjust as needed. If you have a question about the role, this is the right moment to ask it.

I had a question about the position, and I was hoping you could clarify it for me. I noticed in the job description that it mentioned a hybrid setup, both remote and in-office. Could you tell me a bit more about that?

What to Say When Following up on a Job Application

Along with making a phone call, you can also follow up by email or even through a social media site such as LinkedIn. Here are a couple of examples to use as a reference when writing a clear and polite message:

 

Sample Follow-up Email

Dear (Name of Recruiter),

I recently applied for (job title) on (date).

I am very interested in the role and have appreciated learning more about (company name). I believe I could contribute well to this role with my experience and skills, including (skill one), (skill two), and (skill three).

Please let me know if you would like any more information from me. I look forward to your reply.

 

Kind regards,

(Your Name)

 

Sample LinkedIn Message

Writing a message on LinkedIn follows much the same style as an email. Here is one example:

 

Hello (Name of Recruiter),

I recently applied for (job title) on (date).

Based on my recent work and experience, I feel I could be a strong match for the role at your company.

If the position is still open, I would be glad to talk about it further.

I look forward to your reply.

 

Kind regards,

(Your Name)

 

Conclusion

Reaching out to hiring managers shows that applicants are taking initiative, showing interest in the role, and building a direct connection. At the same time, there are possible downsides, such as coming across as overly persistent.

It is usually best to wait at least a week before contacting the hiring manager, so they have time to review applications. By following up, you help set yourself apart from other candidates, so giving a polite call or message is often worth the effort.