The Sandspur

Issue date: 11/11/05 Section: Holt News

Dear Marian:

I am looking for a new job and want some ideas on how I can follow-up when I do not hear back from the employer within a reasonable time frame.  Can you help?

~Melissa '05

Dear Melissa,

I will answer this question from two possible situations: 

Situation #1

You send in your resume via the online application and never hear anything back from the employer. 

Although technology is a wonderful tool; it is easy for a job seeker to become lost in an abyss of unanswered applications. You can increase your chances of getting noticed if you succeed in one of these activities:

1-Many organizations have an active employee referral program. Do you know anyone within the organization who can refer you?  Often these referrals will attract a little more initial attention.   If you know a current employee, try and obtain the name and title of the hiring manager so that you can send a copy of your resume and cover letter to the person directly.

In your letter make sure to explain that you have applied online but wanted to contact them to express your interest in the position.  This will demonstrate your respect for the HR policies while also showing initiative and commitment.

2-If you do not know anyone inside of the organization consider doing some investigation to find out the name of the hiring manager. Your research can include exploring the website or calling headquarters.  Once you obtained the name of the hiring manager, you would send a letter similar to the example above.

Be careful not to become a pest to either the hiring manger or the HR department. Remember, the ability to build effective rapport with others is critical! 

Situation #2

You were granted an interview and then do not hear back. 

My first question for this scenario is: Did you remember to send in a thank you letter after the interview?  A follow-up letter after an interview allows you to highlight some of your key skills and experiences. It can serve as an effective reminder for the interviewer/hiring manager of your skills and experience. The interview follow-up letter is more than a nice way of saying, "Thank you for the interview." It is a chance to win someone over. It is one more opportunity to show what you can do for a company. 

Assuming that you did send the follow-up letter right after the interview, I would probably recommend that you follow-up with a phone call to the hiring manager within a reasonable time frame. However, it is critical that you utilize sensitivity and respect since it can be easy to appear desperate.  

I would be happy to discuss the issues that you have faced in more detail if you would like to give me a call!

Do you have a question for Marian? E-mail her at mcacciatore@rollins.edu. She guarantees that all questions will be responded to individually or in this column.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools