Asking for Feedback when applying to Jobs
When to reach out to a company - and when you should not.
You've found your dream job, sent out your application, and maybe even attended an interview? Now it's time to wait. But what if you don't get a response even after a long wait? We've summarized when is a good time to follow up with the company and why this also depends on how far you've progressed in the application process.
Here is a quick checklist of how to best ask for feedback:
No response to your Application
After submitting your application documents, it is important to remain patient and not panic. If you did not hear back immediately, it's not a bad sign. It can take several weeks for the HR staff to review each application. Calling the company two weeks after submitting your application will not win you any points.
However, if you haven't heard back after five weeks , it's time to get to the bottom of the matter. First, rule out errors in your application that led to the lack of a response. These could include:
Incomplete application documents
Many companies use online application platforms that automatically pre-screen applicants. These programs immediately delete incomplete applications. So always upload your documents in their entirety and in the required file format.
Expired application deadline
Many job advertisements specify application deadlines, which you should definitely observe. Arriving late is also a no-go when applying.
Wrong recipient
There's almost always a contact person for applications—in most cases, this is a human resources employee, but in smaller companies, it may be the company's CEO. It's important that you address your application to this person.
If you can rule out these points for your application, you can safely ask. It's best to do this in a short, concise email . Don't ask whether your application has been received. If you've provided the correct address and the correct contact person, your application has certainly landed in the right hands.
Instead, ask if the position you applied for has already been filled. Sometimes companies have already interviewed several applicants, but the right candidate hasn't come through yet. Then, HR staff will review the remaining applications received, and you still have a chance of getting the position. So, be sure to remain friendly when asking and don't let your contact person sense your impatience.
By the way, following up by phone is not advisable at this point . Some companies receive over 100 applications per position. It would simply take an incredible amount of time to provide each applicant with information about the status of their application over the phone.
With a short, friendly email, you signal your continued interest and give the recipient the opportunity to give you a well-founded response.
No Feedback after the Interview
Have you already completed the initial application process and had an interview, but have not heard anything since? Of course, it is still advisable to stay calm. Especially in large companies, decision-making processes can take surprisingly long, and feedback can be delayed. Reasons for late feedback can include:
The responsible employee is on vacation
This is a classic occurrence, especially in the summer. Hiring decisions are rarely made solely by the HR manager; employees from the relevant department are also involved, and sometimes even the company's works council. It's not uncommon for one of the key people to be on vacation.
Another applicant is the first choice
Yes, it may happen that other applicants were more convincing than you during the interview. But that is no reason to hang your head. Until an employment contract has been signed, companies typically do not send rejection letters to the remaining applicants. It is still possible that the favorite candidate does not take the position. Then it is your chance to move up.
Other interviews take more time
It always takes a while to interview all potential applicants. Especially if you were one of the first people invited, the subsequent process can drag on.
There's no rule of thumb about when it's appropriate to follow up with the company after the interview. Typically, your interviewers will give you a timeframe after the interview when you can expect feedback. You should stick to this timeframe and never ask the company beforehand.
However, if you weren't given a timeframe, you can follow up with your contact person after your interview. Thank them for the positive conversation and politely ask when you can expect a response. If you don't hear from the company within a week after this deadline, you can always follow up again.
Unlike asking about sending an application, it's a good idea to call your contact person for this . During the conversation, you can better control how your questions are received. You'll also receive immediate feedback and be able to better assess your interviewer's reaction.
You'll find all the important points summarized in the checklist!