Follow up to application/job search question

[beautsbelle]

Hello All,

I posted a question under the 'career' listing, but did not get any replies, so I thought I'd post a note here and hope to get some thoughts.

For those who have positions, what kind of follow up did you do after completing an on-line application? Did you call them? Email them?

I am having a hard time, as many of the positions I have applied for have a thank you screen that comes up after you hit 'submit' and it basically says, 'don't call us, we will call you if we are interested'. So what do I do? Do I call anyhow, and if I do, will that look like I can't read or follow simple directions? Or do I call and make sure they know I am interested?

And another question, when you call and follow up, what exactly do you say?? I am new to this whole job search thing, and I am not sure what to say or do.

Thanks so much in advance!

[Ginger45]

I called them. I just told them that I had applied online and was checking on the status of my application.

[ann945n, RN]

I call after a few weeks to check in. Often, no one picks up Job markets just flat out sucks....

[I see you RN]

If they specifically say not to call, I would not call. The best way to get a job is to get to know people. Go to alumni functions, join orghanizations, do what you can to meet someone that's already in where you want to work. In this area people already have someone in mind when they post a job... the trick is to be that person.

[Sun_danc3rRN]

With my job I filled out the online application, and then about a week later I called to check on the status of my application. I was told, "it was received and being processed". Three days later the Nursing recruiter called me and set up an interview for the following day. Went to the interview(it was a peer interview with 6 people on the panel) and was hired that day, pending my drug screen and background check. They all came back just fine of course, and I started the following Monday. I think that it might not have gone any where if I had not called to check on the status of my application.

[beautsbelle]

Thanks for all the replies. I went ahead and called one of the places, and person is on vacation (so that is why I have not gotten the "no thanks" email!), and then as I sat down and read this thread, I received an email "thanks, but no thanks" to another position I applied for. sigh. I guess I will keep looking!

[Crash_Cart]

I called them. I just told them that I had applied online and was checking on the status of my application.

I would call them and ask that question but in addition I would also add: "I am available and would like to come in to speak to someone so I may learn more about this opportunity." BE SILENT. Use silence to force them to respond to your suggestion...

Do not say, "I would like to come in for an interview...." This way, you don't commit anyone to arranging an "interview." (Even though it really is...)

Also forget about using email. Go there in person and deliver your reply in person. When you do, ask them, "Since I am already here, do you have any questions you would like to discuss with me?"

Alternatively, "Hi, I have brought in my reply in person because I wanted to see the working enviroment and because I would like to learn more about this opportunity."

"Could you explain the duties I am required to do if I am hired here?"

(The idea is to get them talking to you more about it...and in effect you are already being interviewed for the position..even though it's not an official interview.)

I bet this approach leads to a trip down to the HR department to fill in the appropriate paperwork for your new job!

Using Email to apply for a job on the other hand is like throwing a message into a bottle and out into the sea. We are hoping someone will choose our bottle from the 100's of other bottles floating in the sea.

My Best.