How do you handle multiple follow-ups on a resume for different jobs?

You've sent your resume to multiple employers, but you haven't heard back from any of them. How do you follow up without being annoying or desperate? How do you keep track of your progress and stay organized? Here are some tips on how to handle multiple follow-ups on a resume for different jobs.

1 Set a timeline

The first step is to set a reasonable timeline for following up on your resume. Depending on the industry, the hiring process, and the urgency of the role, you may need to wait anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before reaching out. A good rule of thumb is to follow up one week after submitting your resume, unless the job posting specifies otherwise. You can also check the company's website or social media for any updates on the hiring status.

Add your perspective

Melanie Mitchell Wexler

Career Coach - Empowering Mid to Executive-Level Professionals to Achieve Purpose-Driven Career Transitions | Resume, LinkedInâ„¢, Job Search & Interview Specialist | Former Recruiter
Report contribution
As a former recruiter, I can say you don't want to be annoying by following up too soon, yet you want to maximize your outreach by timing it perfectly. â€œCandidates should follow up within about 48-72 hours after submitting their cover letter and resume.

Like

2 Choose a method

The next step is to choose the best method for following up on your resume. You can use email, phone, or LinkedIn, depending on your preference and the contact information you have. Email is usually the most professional and convenient option, as it allows you to attach your resume, cover letter, or portfolio, and to keep a record of your correspondence. Phone calls can be more personal and direct, but they can also be intrusive and disruptive. LinkedIn messages can be a good way to show your interest and network with the hiring manager, but they can also be easily overlooked or ignored.

Add your perspective

Scott Valenti SHRM-CP

ð‘ðžð¬ð®ð¦ðž ðð«ð¨ð›ð¥ðžð¦ ð’ð¨ð¥ð¯ðžð«!ðŸ’¥ðŸ•ð’ðžðœð¨ð§ðð‘ðžð¬ð®ð¦ðž.ðœð¨ð¦
Report contribution
ðˆ ð’ð“ð‘ðŽðð†ð‹ð˜ ð›ðžð¥ð¢ðžð¯ðž ð¢ð§ ð¥ðšð›ðžð¥ð¢ð§ð ðšð§ð ðŸð¢ð¥ð¢ð§ð ðš ðœð¨ð©ð² ð¨ðŸ ðžðšðœð¡ ðð¨ðœð®ð¦ðžð§ð ð°ðž ð¬ðžð§ð ðð¨ ðžðšðœð¡ ðžð¦ð©ð¥ð¨ð²ðžð«. Many times, the interview won't come for several weeks... even months later. It is important that when that call DOES come in that we pull all the documents we sent them... the cover letter... the resume... any supplemental documents, etc. This way, during the interview we will ALL be on the same page by having the exact same copy of the exact same documents. This is helpful when referencing achievements or duties listed. I'd also add to use an Excel doc for this tracking AND to notate any assessments or answers to questions such salary requirements that may have been asked.

Like

3 Write a message

The third step is to write a clear and concise message that reminds the employer of your application, highlights your qualifications, and expresses your enthusiasm for the role. You can use a template or a sample message as a guide, but make sure to customize it for each job and employer. Avoid copying and pasting the same message to multiple recipients, as this can come across as lazy and generic. Also, avoid being pushy, demanding, or negative, as this can hurt your chances of getting an interview.

Add your perspective

4 Track your progress

The fourth step is to track your progress and keep track of your follow-ups. You can use a spreadsheet, a calendar, or a tool like JobHero or Huntr to organize your job search and follow-up activities. You can record the date, time, method, and outcome of each follow-up, as well as any feedback or next steps you receive. This will help you avoid sending duplicate or conflicting messages, and to follow up at appropriate intervals.

Add your perspective

Melanie Mitchell Wexler

Career Coach - Empowering Mid to Executive-Level Professionals to Achieve Purpose-Driven Career Transitions | Resume, LinkedInâ„¢, Job Search & Interview Specialist | Former Recruiter
Report contribution
Keep track of where you have applied and who you have connected with and what has been the response and outcome. You can use this as a reference point when someone reaches out and you need to have a reference point to the company and position. Also working with outside recruiters, will want to know where you have you applied. You don't want to get caught with egg on you face and apply for the position on your own and through a recruiter. It sends a bad message that you are not organized and in control of your own job search! For my clients I provide them with a detailed tracking tool that they can also use for networking purposes as well.

Like

5 Be flexible and patient

The fifth step is to be flexible and patient with the hiring process. You may not get a response right away, or you may get a vague or non-committal answer. Don't take it personally or give up hope. Sometimes, employers are busy, overwhelmed, or waiting for other candidates or approvals. You can follow up again after another week or two, but don't overdo it or harass the employer. If you don't hear back after two or three follow-ups, you can assume that the job is no longer available or that you are not a fit for the role.

Add your perspective

Sharon Goldstein, M.S., CPC

Resume Writer | Interview Coach | LinkedIn | Career Coach | No Fee Recruiter | Work/Life Balance Speaker | 2018 Fellow at Lead New Jersey
Report contribution
Take note of the process. Is this indicative of how long it takes for all decisions to be made? Is this indicative of the communication style of the organization. If itâ€™s a struggle you might want to rethink how you will fit in with the presenting culture.

Like

6 Explore other options

The final step is to explore other options and keep applying for other jobs. Don't put all your eggs in one basket or rely on one employer to make a decision. You never know when a new opportunity or a better offer may come along. You can also use your network, your online presence, or your referrals to find more leads and increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember that following up on your resume is only one part of your job search strategy, and that you need to keep looking until you find the right match.

Add your perspective

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Erin Andersen, MSM

Career Transition Coach â—† Workplace Culture Expert â—† Flat-Rate Hiring Specialist for Law & Accounting Firms â—† LinkedIn Strategist â—† Resume Writer â—† Speaker ðŸŽ¤ â—† Board Member â—† Empowering You to Leave Toxic Workplaces ðŸ’ª
Report contribution
As a Career Transition Coach, I always advise my clients to ask the interviewers at each stage when they should expect to hear back. That gives them the opportunity to know when to follow up if they havenâ€™t heard an update by that date. In addition, being reasonable with following up is not annoying, but rather favorable if done correctly. It shows initiative and interest!

Like

Directory

How do you handle multiple follow-ups on a resume for different jobs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set a timeline

2 Choose a method

3 Write a message

4 Track your progress

5 Be flexible and patient

6 Explore other options

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Resume Writing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Resume Writing

More relevant reading

Directory

How do you handle multiple follow-ups on a resume for different jobs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set a timeline

2 Choose a method

3 Write a message

4 Track your progress

5 Be flexible and patient

6 Explore other options

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Resume Writing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills