FORUM
How do you follow up these days?
So, you go to a site, read an awesome job description that gets you pumped and you go spend an hour writing a cover letter and filling out the application.
Then what?
How do you follow up on an application these days? If you apply for a local job, it's easy to just pop on in and let them know just how interested/mildly desperate you are. But, when it's online, is it appropriate or annoying to call the company? Or does sending an e-mail even make a difference?
Does anyone have an idea?
Comments
I've been actively looking for a job in the Denver area, as my internship is about to run out here in St Louis. I've tried primarily following up with a piece of my work that wasn't included in my online portfolio (I'm an AD). This could be something new that I just worked on, or one of a few pieces I intentionally leave off of my site just to have some things to show that I am positive they have not seen. Sending a quick email stating your desire for employment along with asking someone's expert opinion on your work basically.
I agree, I'd love to hear what other people do to keep themselves fresh in the potential employer's mind.
Remember that every job receives close to 500 resumes if it is on a public outlet.
Dang, I really wish I had a good suggestion for this one but I am in the exact same boat. In my experience, the email asking if they have had a chance to look at your application does not do much, other than annoy the person.
It never hurts to do some research on what accounts the firm has and reference something of theirs that you like. It shows you've done at least a modicum of homework.
Pray. If you believe in that sort of thing.
I'd be very careful with follow ups - in person or via email - even in a good economy some employers view them as desperate and annoying. I'd wait until they at least expressed some degree of interest in you. Don't make yourself stand out from the (huge) pack as the annoying applicant.
I've walked into companies before and asked if they needed help and got a job so you could try that if you're walking along downtown Denver and discover an agency. Sometimes they don't realize they need help until someone suggests it!
But after sending your resume, etc I wouldn't find it inappropriate to give them a ring. IF YOU CAN, find out the person who'd be hiring you and not just the receptionist. If you're applying to a small agency and they're looking for an Art Director, when you call to follow up ask to speak with the Creative Director if they're available. Don't be annoying but be aggressive!
Leave a Response