Follow-Up Calls

One of the most difficult aspects of your job search will be waiting to hear from potential employers. At some point, you will want to contact an employer to find out what's going on with your application. When should you call and what should you say? It depends on where you have applied and where you are in the process.

After you've sent a resume and cover letter. If you have not heard back within two to three weeks, a phone call may be appropriate to find out if the employer received your resume, if they are scheduling interviews yet, and if they need any further information. Smaller firms and public interest organizations may not have a set period for summer hiring, and may require more attention on your part to get them to schedule an interview.

After your first interview. If the person who interviewed you has not given you a specific time frame for getting back to you, you may, if you feel that you have a good rapport with the interviewer, ask if she knows when you might hear about a call-back. If three weeks have passed and you have not heard anything, follow-up as above.

After a callback. Did you send your thank-you letter(s)? If the organization has not told you when to expect an answer, you should call back after two weeks to find out your status.

In all cases. Be polite in all your communications! No matter how frustrated you may be feeling, remember that the people you are talking to are doing you a favor by possibly employing you. Act professionally at all times and you will be responded to in a similar manner. Also, try to speak directly to the hiring partner or recruiting coordinator rather than his or her assistant.