The Dos and Don’ts of Following Up When Your Job Application Is Stuck in Under Review Limbo

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Importance of Following Up on Job Applications
  3. Dos When Following Up on a Job Application
    • 3.1 Be Polite and Professional
    • 3.2 Follow the Application Instructions
    • 3.3 Personalize Your Follow-Up
    • 3.4 Use Multiple Communication Channels
    • 3.5 Provide Value in Your Follow-Up
  4. Don’ts When Following Up on a Job Application
    • 4.1 Don’t Be Pushy or Aggressive
    • 4.2 Avoid Following Up Too Frequently
    • 4.3 Don’t Make Assumptions
    • 4.4 Don’t Badmouth Previous Employers
  5. FAQs About Following Up on Job Applications
    • 5.1 How soon should I follow up after submitting a job application?
    • 5.2 Is it okay to follow up more than once?
    • 5.3 Should I follow up if the job posting says not to?
    • 5.4 What should I do if I don’t hear back after following up?
    • 5.5 Is it appropriate to follow up on social media?
  6. Conclusion

Introduction

When you’ve applied for a job and your application is stuck in under review limbo, it can be frustrating and nerve-wracking. You may be wondering if you should follow up with the employer to check on the status of your application. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of following up when your job application is in under review limbo to help you navigate this challenging situation with professionalism and confidence.

The Importance of Following Up on Job Applications

Following up on a job application is a crucial step in the job search process. It shows your continued interest in the position and demonstrates your proactive approach to communication. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive and engaged, so following up can set you apart from other applicants.

Dos When Following Up on a Job Application

3.1 Be Polite and Professional

When following up on a job application, always remember to be polite and professional in your communication. Use a friendly tone and address the recipient respectfully. Avoid using demanding language and always express gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the position.

3.2 Follow the Application Instructions

Before you follow up on a job application, make sure to review the application instructions provided by the employer. Follow any guidelines or specific instructions on how and when to follow up. Failure to follow these instructions could reflect negatively on your candidacy.

3.3 Personalize Your Follow-Up

Make your follow-up communication as personalized as possible. Reference specific details from your application or interview to show your genuine interest in the position. Avoid sending generic or template messages that could come across as insincere.

3.4 Use Multiple Communication Channels

When following up on a job application, consider using multiple communication channels, such as email, phone, or LinkedIn. Different employers may have preferences for how they prefer to be contacted, so using multiple channels can increase your chances of getting a response.

3.5 Provide Value in Your Follow-Up

In your follow-up communication, try to provide value to the employer. This could include sharing additional relevant information about your skills and experience, offering to provide samples of your work, or asking insightful questions about the company or the position. Providing value can help you stand out and make a positive impression.

Don’ts When Following Up on a Job Application

4.1 Don’t Be Pushy or Aggressive

Avoid being pushy or aggressive when following up on a job application. Respect the employer’s time and boundaries, and give them the space to review your application and make a decision. Being overly persistent can create a negative impression and harm your chances of being considered for the position.

4.2 Avoid Following Up Too Frequently

While it’s important to follow up on a job application, avoid following up too frequently. Give the employer a reasonable amount of time to review your application before reaching out. In general, following up once or twice is sufficient to demonstrate your interest without being bothersome.

4.3 Don’t Make Assumptions

When following up on a job application, avoid making assumptions about the hiring process or the status of your application. Instead, focus on asking relevant questions and seeking clarification on any information that is unclear. Making assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.

4.4 Don’t Badmouth Previous Employers

When following up on a job application, refrain from badmouthing previous employers or colleagues. Keep your communication positive and professional, even if you had negative experiences in the past. Employers are looking for candidates who can maintain a positive attitude and work well with others.

FAQs About Following Up on Job Applications

5.1 How soon should I follow up after submitting a job application?

It’s generally recommended to follow up within one to two weeks after submitting a job application. This gives the employer enough time to review your application and make an initial assessment.

5.2 Is it okay to follow up more than once?

Following up more than once is acceptable, but be mindful of the frequency of your follow-ups. Avoid contacting the employer too frequently, as this could be perceived as pestering.

5.3 Should I follow up if the job posting says not to?

If the job posting explicitly states not to follow up, it’s best to respect this instruction and refrain from contacting the employer. However, if it’s been a significant amount of time with no response, a polite follow-up may still be appropriate.

5.4 What should I do if I don’t hear back after following up?

If you don’t hear back after following up on your job application, it’s important to remain patient and continue your job search. Keep exploring other opportunities while maintaining a professional and positive attitude.

5.5 Is it appropriate to follow up on social media?

Following up on social media can be appropriate in certain circumstances, especially if the employer is active on platforms like LinkedIn. However, be mindful of the tone and professionalism of your messages when reaching out through social media channels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, following up on a job application when it’s stuck in under review limbo can be a delicate process that requires tact and professionalism. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts discussed in this article, you can navigate the follow-up process effectively and increase your chances of standing out to potential employers. Remember to be polite, patient, and proactive in your communication, and always strive to make a positive impression. Good luck with your job search!