You applied for a job, now what? Should you…

1. Pray to the job application gods every day for 3 hours?
2. Crack open your favorite adult beverage or Ben and Jerry’s flavor because you worked really hard on that application and you earned it?
3. Strategically follow up with your application by using the recommendations provided in this blog?

In my opinion, B and C are correct.  So make a pit stop at the refrigerator and check out these tips to help you follow up with a job application.

Tip 1: Contact a recruiter or Human Resources Department

Before submitting your application, make a note of the application deadline and add a reminder to your phone or calendar to follow up with your application two weeks after the deadline has passed.  You could contact the recruiter for the position, the hiring manager, call the general HR number, or a specific contact listed in the job description.  By doing this, you are not being pushy or desperate.  You are simply showing your interest and excitement about this role, and I would certainly want to hire someone who is interested and excited about working for my company.

I can hear the question forming in your brain now.  “Lauren, what should you do if the job description specifically states not to follow up with an application?  I’m so glad you asked.  In this case, you should not contact the organization and move on to tip 2.

Tip 2: Use your network

This is where all that networking you did leading up to this moment is going to pay off.  Send your resume to connections in your network who also have a connection to the company you are applying to work for.  Let your connections know the title of the job you applied for and the department it is in.  Then, politely ask if they would feel comfortable forwarding your resume along to someone who is involved in the hiring process.

What’s that?  I hear another question.  “What if I don’t have a connection within that company?”  That is ok.  Check out tip 3.

Tip 3: Be active on LinkedIn

As stated in my previous blog, Your LinkedIn Profile Is Not About You, 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to research qualified candidates.  This statistic means it is safe to assume someone from your future place of business will be looking at your profile. Start adding content that will be appealing to the company you are trying to attract.  You can comment on articles or posts that are relevant to your future role.  Bonus points can be garnered if the articles or posts were produced by the company you are trying to work for.  Additionally, you can post your own LinkedIn article and lend your perspective or expertise about an “it” topic within your industry. You can also post pictures, articles, or presentations that are relevant to your current role and your future role. Lastly, make sure you are following the company you are trying to work for and the key players within that organization. Recruiters have a view of LinkedIn that shows how connected to their organization you are and by just simply following the company you will give yourself more “points” from their perspective.

There you have it.  Three ways you can follow up with your application that will help you stand out among the rest.  Now you can treat yourself with that adult beverage or sweet treat we were talking about earlier.  Great work!