Good way to follow up on a job application?
 

Since it is summer I have been applying for a bunch of part time jobs. I applied at Bestbuy, Lowes, and Blockbuster (free movie rentals :whackit:). My question how do I follow up on my job app? At Lowes or Bestbuy who would I ask to speak to when following up by phone? How long do I wait to do it? What should I say? The last time I was looking for a job was two years ago so I don't really remember what to say. Thanks

I always try to call in advance to turning in the app, and see if I can get an interview at the time of bringing the app in. About 75 percent of the time they'll give me a date to and time to come in without ever even seeing my app. I did this at Sutherlands just last week.

So did you just say "Do you think we could schedule an interview"?

For jobs like that, don't bother.

Pretty much.

NO matter what type of job, its always a good thing to show your motivated and interested. Any schmuck can fill out a job app.

I'd say this. It probably won't be make or break in jobs with high turnover.

BUT...

If you were to call, you might say something like...

"Hi, my name is 'enter your name here'. I turned in an application 'enter time period here' ago, and I was wondering if I could speak to whoever does your hiring."

If you're talking to whoever does the hiring...

"Hi, my name is 'enter your name here'. I turned in an application 'enter time period here' ago, and I was wondering if you've had a chance to review it. I would love to come in for an interview."

Places typically keep applications on file for about 30 days. I'd call after a week.

Exactly.

I have never followed up on a job app. I just wait till they call me. I guess thats the wrong way to do it.

Places like that you will get a drone who just hands the phone off to whoever the closest "manager" is, and the manager will just give you the run around.

It won't hurt, but it won't help either, IMO.

I've never just been called.

Perfect. Thanks Luv

Also, even if it's the 10th call you've made, and the first nine said they weren't hiring, sound positive.

"I understand. Thank you for your time."

Plus, trying to sound positive will help you from feeling as deflated.

Actually, it does depend on the job. Speaking from my own hiring practices:

1. Yes, you should follow up with ANY app ONE time.
2. If we are talking about entry level jobs, listen to what is said by the hiring person when you follow up. Some people (myself for instance) will make it pretty clear that if they are interested in you, they will call you. So if you call a second time, it is showing that you have no confidence and can be annoying, in which case you have eliminated your name from the running.
3. Anything above entry level jobs will require 2+ interviews. So trying to turn in your app when you can get AT LEAST an informal interview with the hiring person is always a good idea.

I just recently made a customer service position available in my store. We simply posted an ad on Craigslist. We have had 50+ applications in 3 days. There were 2 people that stood out because they were pleasant, didnt try too hard, and both were able to make a positive first impression with me when handing in their application.

Even though we are only looking for 1 person, it is very likely that I hire both of these 2 individuals as good employees, even in this market, are VERY hard to find.

This. When I said 10th call, I meant calling ten different places you've put in applications.

wait 3 days then try to **** it

If its someone of the opposite sex doing the hiring find them on facebook or something and send them pics of your stufbundle of stickses.

For a job like that, I think I'd hand deliver it and ask if the manager-HR person is available.

This.

I don't know about all jobs, but my mom is the human resources manager for the city and she is always complaining about people calling in to check on their application within a few days after they have filed it. Keep in mind it is for a city so there are probably tons of applications but you don't want to call to early and annoy the person doing the hiring

That's because when a place like the city or county government puts a job opening up....they literally get EVERYONE applying for it. They apply for the job knowing full well that they aren't qualified. It happens ALL of the time where I work.

This makes the most sense. However, don't under estimate just showing up for work on Monday morning like you already have the job.

Something like "Hello, I'm Tyler Thigpen and I am starting today" You might catch them so off guard that you start on the spot.

Bingo

Stay away from the Store Managers. Deal directly with the HR person. Try to meet the HR in person. Not on the phone. Managers at BB's and Lowes are out of the loop. The HR gets paid to do all the interviews and hiring.

Just show up and start working. Nobody will have the guts to tell you that you weren't hired.

I don't understand the "trying too hard."

Being a pest is one thing but the "$#it" jobs are drying up around here. People are getting laid off, paycuts, and an overall crap economy has more people looking for 2nd jobs or jobs they wouldn't normally take.

I also noticed while I was laid off that a lot of places ONLY take online apps now...

For me, the definition of "trying too hard" has to do much with that first impression. When someone is applying for a fairly basic position, I dont WANT to see them come in with suit and tie... as that gives me no bearing on how they will really show up for work.

On the flip side, too many people dont try at all and come in looking like they rolled out of bed and headed in to fill out the app. They ARE giving me a true glimpse into how they will show up for work and thus I am not interested.

When someone comes in and is clean, dressed well (not Sunday's best) and presentable, they pass my first test. If they look well put together but in a way that comes off as "this is how I feel work should be approached", then they instantly move to the front of my list.

I had to stop someone on the phone the other day to tell them I hadn't offered them a job yet. That I was calling to set up an interview with them.

Their file got put in the "don't call back" pile.

I haven't gone to an interview wearing a tie in years. I don't want that to be the expectation. :)

Mostly I've gone in wearing khakis or slacks and a button up shirt. Occasionally, a button up, no tie and a sport coat.

with the exception of a previously arranged freshman summer, this is pretty much what I did every summer.

I'd show up on a construction site about 6am on Monday morning with lunch and work gloves, ask for the foreman and say something like "hi mr bobthebuilder, I'm Iowanian and I'm going to dig a hole somewhere today and wondered if you'd like to be that guy."


Not once did I walk away without at least a "we'll try you until lunch, good help is hard to find". I always made the cut.

Try that.

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