Job Application Advice Needed: The Follow up Call/Letter

[Shi Huangdi]

Hey,

I am in the process of applying for a bunch of internships for the summer right now. One of the pieces of advice I have heard from some recruiters is that after sending in a job application, you should follow up with whomever you sent in your information to, so as to show interest in the position. That seems reasonable, of course I could also see it being the case that for somebody busy at work that the last thing they want to do is be bothered by some student seeking a summer position when that student doesn't have anything of importance to say.

So do any of you have any advice as to how to do a follow up? Should I call, or send an e-mail? One suggestion I heard is that since a number of these positions are in the DC area, that I ask if I could interview with them while was back in the area over springbreak, does that like a good idea.

Thanks for any help.

[Ted Striker]

A follow up email or letter is fine.

Calling them is usually annoying.

Always always always send a hand written thank you note.

[Urban Ranger]

Thank you letter = follow up letter

Don't call. Send a letter or e-mail recap your strong points you brought up in the interview, and cover the majar foobars (if any) you committed.

Make it short though, definitely no longer than a page.

[Harry Tuttle]

Call every hour until they say yes.

[Ted Striker]

[Mrs. Tuberski]

I disagree with not calling Call to state you apprecation of the interview send a thank you note and be sure to let the person you have talked to be aware of your interest in the job.

[Shi Huangdi]

I haven't interviewed with them yet, just sent my resume and cover letter.

[Shi Huangdi]

bump

[atomant]

Call to confirm receipt. but keep it short and to the point.

[Provost Harrison]

You Americans have some strange cultures...over here I don't think it would go down too well as it may be construed as being overly pushy and intrusive. The employer would want to be left to make their own mind up.

[Ming]

There is nothing wrong with following up with a phone call to make sure they received the information you sent.

But as pointed out, keep it short and professional.

[Kontiki]

I always follow up applications with a short email, trying not to seem too pushy. I usually say something like:

"I just want to confirm that you received my application and see if you had any questions about my qualifications. I look forward to speaking with you regarding position X."

although I generally customize it a bit depending on the position and my relationship (or lack thereof) with the hiring contact.

[ixnay]

It depends on where it is.

I only scored an interview with a software company here because I called them several times a week to let them know how interested I was to work for them.

[Mrs. Tuberski]

The only problem i have with the email is there is no real way for you to be sure the said company has read it the short professional phone call lets you talk to a live person and gives some acknowledgement the person has recieved your information.

[alva]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
You Americans have some strange cultures...over here I don't think it would go down too well as it may be construed as being overly pushy and intrusive. The employer would want to be left to make their own mind up.

Only if you call them to see if your follow up letter was received.