After spending hours perfecting your curriculum vitae (CV) and sending it off to potential employers, it's natural to feel a sense of anticipation. You may be wondering what the next steps are and how you can increase your chances of landing an interview. One effective way to stand out from the competition and demonstrate your enthusiasm is to follow up after submitting your CV. In this article, we will provide some valuable tips on how to do so effectively.
Why should you follow up?
Following up after submitting your CV shows your dedication and interest in the position you have applied for. It allows you to reiterate your qualifications and remind the employer of your application. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to address any questions or concerns the employer may have about your CV. Following up can also help you establish a rapport with the employer and set yourself apart from other applicants.
When should you follow up?
It's important to give the employer enough time to review your CV before following up. Generally, it is recommended to wait about one week after submitting your application. This gives the employer sufficient time to go through the initial screening process. If the job posting specifies a deadline for applications or mentions a specific timeline for interviews, you can use that as a guideline for when to follow up.
How should you follow up?
There are several ways you can follow up after submitting your CV. The most common methods include sending a follow-up email, making a phone call, or sending a thank-you note. Choose a method that feels comfortable to you and aligns with the company culture. Keep your follow-up concise, polite, and professional.
Follow-up email
Sending a follow-up email is a popular choice because it allows you to express your interest and qualifications in a written format. In your email, address the hiring manager or recruiter by name, briefly remind them of your application, and express your enthusiasm for the position. You can also use this opportunity to provide any additional information that supports your candidacy. Keep the email concise, well-crafted, and free of grammatical errors.
Phone call
If you prefer a more personal approach, you can consider making a phone call to follow up. Before calling, rehearse what you want to say and have your CV and any notes handy. Introduce yourself, mention the position you applied for, and express your interest. Be prepared to answer any questions the employer might have and use the opportunity to showcase your communication skills.
Thank-you note
Sending a thank-you note is a thoughtful gesture that can leave a lasting impression on the employer. It can be sent as a follow-up after an interview or as a way to express your gratitude for the opportunity to apply. In your note, briefly mention your qualifications and reiterate your interest in the position. Keep the note concise, genuine, and professional.
What should you include in your follow-up?
Regardless of the method you choose, there are certain elements you should include in your follow-up. These include:
Reiteration of your interest
Express your continued interest in the position and emphasize why you believe you are a strong fit. Highlight specific qualifications or experiences that make you a standout candidate.
Thank them for their time
Show gratitude for the opportunity to apply and thank the employer for considering your application. This demonstrates professionalism and appreciation.
Address any questions or concerns
If you have any additional information to provide or if there were any gaps or ambiguities in your CV, take the opportunity to address them in your follow-up. This shows that you are proactive and eager to address any concerns the employer may have.
Attach your CV
Include your CV as an attachment to your email or mention that you have it available for reference. This allows the employer to easily access your qualifications and review your application.
Follow up timeline
When closing your follow-up, mention that you look forward to hearing from them and inquire about the next steps or timeline for the hiring process. This shows your eagerness and helps you set expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about How to Follow Up After Submitting a Curriculum Vitae
1. Is it necessary to follow up after submitting a CV?
Following up is not mandatory, but it can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed and landing an interview. It demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism.
2. How long should I wait before following up?
It is generally recommended to wait about one week after submitting your CV before following up. This gives the employer sufficient time to review applications and conduct initial screenings.
3. What is the best way to follow up?
The best way to follow up depends on your preference and the company culture. Common methods include sending a follow-up email, making a phone call, or sending a thank-you note.
4. What should I include in my follow-up email?
In your follow-up email, address the hiring manager by name, express your interest in the position, reiterate your qualifications, and thank them for considering your application. Keep the email concise and error-free.
5. How many times should I follow up?
Following up once is usually sufficient. If you don't hear back after your initial follow-up, it's best to respect the employer's timeline and wait for a response.
6. Can I follow up if the job posting explicitly states not to?
If the job posting explicitly states not to follow up, it's important to respect their instructions. Following their guidelines shows your ability to follow instructions and respect boundaries.
7. Should I follow up after an interview?
Yes, it's highly recommended to follow up with a thank-you note or email after an interview. It allows you to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position.
8. What if I don't have any additional information to provide in my follow-up?
If you don't have any additional information to provide, you can simply reiterate your interest, thank the employer for considering your application, and express your eagerness to hear from them.
9. Is it appropriate to follow up on social media?
Following up on social media is generally not recommended. Stick to more formal methods of follow-up, such as email or phone calls.
10. What if I don't hear back after following up?
If you don't hear back after following up, it's best to respect the employer's decision or timeline. Keep applying to other opportunities and continue your job search.
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follow up, curriculum vitae, CV, job application, interview, hiring process, job search, professionalism, communication skills, gratitude