Following Up: Mistakes to Avoid After Submitting Your Application

Submitting a job application is just the first step in the job search process. Following up can be an essential strategy to demonstrate your enthusiasm and professionalism, but it must be done correctly. Improper follow-up can harm your chances instead of helping them. This guide highlights common mistakes candidates make after submitting their applications and offers strategies to avoid them.

The Importance of Following Up

Following up after submitting an application serves several important purposes:

1. Demonstrates Interest: A follow-up shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and the company.
2. Keeps You on Their Radar: It helps you stand out in a competitive job market, reminding employers of your candidacy.
3. Clarifies Your Intentions: A follow-up can provide an opportunity to express your eagerness and fit for the role.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Following Up at All

Why It’s a Mistake

Failing to follow up can suggest a lack of interest or initiative. Employers often appreciate candidates who take the extra step to connect.

How to Avoid It

Set a reminder to follow up about one week after submitting your application. This demonstrates your proactive approach and can help keep your application top of mind.

2. Following Up Too Soon

Why It’s a Mistake

Reaching out too soon can come across as impatient or intrusive. Employers typically need time to review applications and make decisions.

How to Avoid It

Wait at least one week before following up. This gives the hiring team adequate time to evaluate applications without feeling rushed.

3. Being Too Pushy

Why It’s a Mistake

Aggressively pursuing an update can create a negative impression. Employers appreciate enthusiasm, but there’s a fine line between being eager and being overbearing.

How to Avoid It

Keep your follow-up email polite and succinct. Express your continued interest but avoid demanding updates or feedback.

4. Using a Generic Template

Why It’s a Mistake

Sending a generic follow-up email can come off as insincere. Employers can easily spot a template and may view it negatively.

How to Avoid It

Personalize your follow-up by mentioning specific details about the position or the company. Reference something from your initial application or interview to show your genuine interest.

5. Ignoring the Proper Channels

Why It’s a Mistake

Reaching out to the wrong person or using inappropriate channels can reflect poorly on you. For example, contacting a senior executive instead of the hiring manager can come off as presumptuous.

How to Avoid It

Identify the appropriate contact person—typically the hiring manager or recruiter—and reach out through official channels, such as email or a professional networking site like LinkedIn.

6. Writing a Lengthy Email

Why It’s a Mistake

A lengthy follow-up can overwhelm the recipient and may not be read thoroughly. Busy hiring managers appreciate concise communication.

How to Avoid It

Keep your follow-up email brief, ideally no longer than a few short paragraphs. State your purpose clearly, express your interest, and thank them for their consideration.

7. Failing to Proofread

Why It’s a Mistake

Typos and grammatical errors in your follow-up can undermine your professionalism and attention to detail.

How to Avoid It

Before sending your follow-up email, proofread it carefully. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well to catch any mistakes.

8. Neglecting to Mention Your Application

Why It’s a Mistake

If your follow-up doesn’t reference your application, it can confuse the recipient and diminish the effectiveness of your communication.

How to Avoid It

Start your email by clearly stating your name, the position you applied for, and the date you submitted your application. This provides context for your follow-up.

9. Overlooking Thankfulness

Why It’s a Mistake

Failing to express gratitude can make your follow-up feel less sincere. A simple thank you goes a long way in establishing a positive rapport.

How to Avoid It

Include a thank-you note in your follow-up email, appreciating the time they have taken to consider your application and review your credentials.

10. Continuing to Follow Up Excessively

Why It’s a Mistake

Following up multiple times can be seen as harassment and can harm your chances of getting hired. Employers may view excessive persistence as a lack of respect for their time.

How to Avoid It

Limit your follow-up to one or two times after your initial application. If you don’t hear back after those attempts, it’s best to move on and focus on other opportunities.

Sample Follow-Up Email

Here’s a template to guide your follow-up email:

Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [Date]. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute my skills in [specific skills or experiences relevant to the job].

If you have any updates regarding my application status, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Professional Website, if applicable]

Conclusion

Following up after submitting your job application can be a powerful tool in your job search, but it must be done thoughtfully. By avoiding common mistakes and approaching your follow-up with professionalism and courtesy, you can enhance your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.

Final Tips

• Be Patient: Give employers the time they need to review applications and make decisions.
• Stay Positive: Regardless of the outcome, maintain a positive and professional tone in all communications.
• Keep Applying: Continue exploring other job opportunities while waiting for responses to your applications.

By mastering the art of follow-up, you can navigate the job search process more effectively and increase your chances of securing that desired position.