Should You Call After Applying for a Job?

Yusra3

VIP Contributor
You found your dream job and submitted an application. But days go by without an update, leaving you tempted to pick up the phone and check on status. Will a call nudge hiring managers and revitalize your candidacy? Or only annoy and hurt your chances? Knowing when picking up the phone helps or harms your case proves key.

Don’t Call Right Away

Immediately calling to check on your application raises red flags around impatience and entitlement. Recruiters review many applicants and move methodically. Allow reasonable windows of at least one to two weeks before making overt contact unprompted. Initiative looks better balanced with patience.

Do Call if Invited
Sometimes job listings themselves encourage applicants to call with questions about the role or hiring process. Following explicit instructions shows you carefully read and follow directions. In these cases, it’s wise to take up phone-based outreach offers to display sincere interest.

Call to Confirm Receipt
If an application deadline passes long ago with no confirmation that materials were received, placing a polite call or email to confirm makes sense. There’s a difference between impatiently chasing status and responsibly checking time-sensitive submissions weren’t somehow lost.

Always Keep Cool
No matter the reason for your call, telegraphed frustration or pushiness via tone does your candidacy zero favors. Bring ultra positive energy focused solely on learning and restating your qualifications. Avoid over-eagerness or entitlement in seeking an update.

Like any relationship, job courtships rely on mutual interest and ethical communication. Timely calls with the right tone and intention demonstrate enthusiasm and accountability. But don’t smother opportunities with obsessive calls, or you may end up straight to voicemail.
 

Holicent

VIP Contributor
If you're applying for a job, wait to call so you don't come out as impatient. Email is preferred by several employers for initial correspondence. Making a call too quickly could mess up their workflow. Give them enough time to review applications; usually, this means waiting a week or two. Please honor the employer's request not to contact if it is stated in the job posting. Being patient will increase your professionalism and likelihood of receiving a positive response.
 

Phantasm

Banned
To ascertain whether or not to make a call after requesting for a job, one needs to follow the application procedure and guidelines of the organization. Always read carefully through the job posting, expect feedback from the employer, email an additional polite letter or phone politely in response if it is allowed by the advert. Use professional language when beginning your message with your name and telling how you are longing for this job. It is important to respect their instructions as specified by an employer that they should not be contacted. In such case a good alternative might be sending them another polite email later on. Remember to adhere to what these firms’ specific details are as well as being patient about that.
 
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