How do you follow up on your resume' when you apply on line and there is no place or way to do that. More over the name is a staffing business with no address or phone number.I have applied for the same position over and over again.
Pat Lockerof AZ10:59PM September 04, 2012
I agree on the importance of follow up however, only once the company has expressed interest in hiring you, via HR contact or phone/in-person interviews.
Follow ups after resume submissions is ridiculous these days and impractical sense double the amount of people are applying. Email and online applications are pretty reliable, you are fooling yourself if you think there is an off chance that your email got "lost" or "misfiled". "Misfiled" assuming its a computer program. If it is a person than probability is high your resume was correctly filed, although into the trash bin because you just did not qualify or there were more people who were more qualified.
These days nearly all online submissions have an automatic "thank you for applying" email sent with your submission. Also if you are that paranoid about your email getting there, 1) attach a "read receipt" 2) check your outbox.
More importantly did you just give these people leave to stalk HR?? Look up their Linkedin and send them a message?? Seriously? 1 out of 10 (and really even less than that) chance that the job posting (on the company's site or a job search site) will have the hiring managers name. It would take some major stalking skills to even ID this person. Also think if everyone did this? Hiring managers would go CRAZY, especially at the major corporations. Also I would be highly put off by the lengths a person had to go, it crosses the line from persistent to creepy and YES, comes off VERY desperate.
As far as the mutual Linkedin contact making contact with hiring manager, that is different and could work in your favor, assuming you know (without stalking) who that person is. Just leave it to your mutual acquaintance though, don't make contact yourself.
There is a good reason why most job postings say "only qualified applicants will be contacted" which is really just a nice way of saying "don't call us, we'll call you." If a person isn't getting calls on a number of different applications, then its time for them to evaluate whats wrong on their side. Lack of experience? Lack of resume/cover letter finesse (most likely)? Are they realistically applying for jobs in their skill range or reaching too far?
Bottom line: DON'T call/email/show-up/stalk/facebook/etc, a hiring manager until after they have made contact with you (really I would say stay away from stalking and social media contact in general). Also if you are really having trouble do evaluate your situation.
Personally, I've gotten 6 interviews in a week before blindly sending in my application (qualified but not overly so) to various employers with no follow up until after the initial interview.
Stinaof WA3:51AM July 21, 2011
How do you even know if they rec'd. it??? I have sent out 100's of resumes..always call a few days later and ask if the position has been filled..they usually say 'we are still reviewing the resumes', and that's it. It's always nice to know 'someone' who knows 'someone'. IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW BUT WHO YOU KNOW. This does not always work. It is very, very discouraging out there. If only we could know that they rec'd. the 'e' mail and are looking at it. It would be wonderful..like in the old days when they said 'sorry' we are not interested in you. I cannot even seem to get the interview lately. I have gone through 'Craig's List' lately: yes I make sure the company is for real or sometimes I just sent a cover letter with my qualifications..no name or anything like that ask if they are interested in me I will follow-up with a full resume..I don't even get a response that they rec'd. it.
rubinaof MA12:19PM July 14, 2011
Awesome advice! It's great to know what hiring managers actually look for and what kind of follow up they want. Following up could be the difference of whether you get the job or don't get the job!
www.careerhearted.com
Career Hearted of AZ10:47AM July 14, 2011
Hi Tim! I agree with Emily - great post. Following up is something that not nearly enough job seekers do!
After the interview, I advocate sending a quick email that thanks them and reaffirms your interest as well as a hand written thank you note that details a memorable moment in the interview. Preferably something that everyone laughed about and preferably about the employer.
Hand written notes are a great way to totally stand out. Bring a note card and stamp to the interview and mail it before you go home! Alternatively, you can usually "bribe" the person at the front desk with a bag of candy to put thank you notes on people's desk.
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You can find more of my ideas at www.theresumerevolution.com
Rebeccaof OR1:03PM July 13, 2011
Thanks for this post! I especially appreciate your suggestions to use Email and LinkedIn to followup. Many think that this is impersonal, but the truth is, it is the easiest way to contact a person and to respond to you. Our website also has a list of resources for job seekers, found here http://www.snellingnj.com/candidate-resource-center/ Hope this helps anyone out there on the hunt for their next job opportunity!
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Pat Locker of AZ 10:59PM September 04, 2012
Stina of WA 3:51AM July 21, 2011
rubina of MA 12:19PM July 14, 2011
Career Hearted of AZ 10:47AM July 14, 2011
Rebecca of OR 1:03PM July 13, 2011
Emily Carter of NJ 9:36AM July 12, 2011