Life Good way to follow up on a job application?

Tylerthigpen!1! · 05-12-2010, 01:04 PM

Since it is summer I have been applying for a bunch of part time jobs. I applied at Bestbuy, Lowes, and Blockbuster (free movie rentals

). My question how do I follow up on my job app? At Lowes or Bestbuy who would I ask to speak to when following up by phone? How long do I wait to do it? What should I say? The last time I was looking for a job was two years ago so I don't really remember what to say. Thanks

KurtCobain · 05-12-2010, 01:07 PM

I always try to call in advance to turning in the app, and see if I can get an interview at the time of bringing the app in. About 75 percent of the time they'll give me a date to and time to come in without ever even seeing my app. I did this at Sutherlands just last week.

Tylerthigpen!1! · 05-12-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KurtCobain

I always try to call in advance to turning in the app, and see if I can get an interview at the time of bringing the app in. About 75 percent of the time they'll give me a date to and time to come in without ever even seeing my app. I did this at Sutherlands just last week.

So did you just say "Do you think we could schedule an interview"?

KurtCobain · 05-12-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tylerthigpen!1!

So did you just say "Do you think we could schedule an interview"?

Pretty much.

**Saulbadguy** · 05-12-2010, 01:13 PM

For jobs like that, don't bother.

Simply Red · 05-12-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saulbadguy

For jobs like that, don't bother.

th^t

Deberg_1990 · 05-12-2010, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saulbadguy

For jobs like that, don't bother.

NO matter what type of job, its always a good thing to show your motivated and interested. Any schmuck can fill out a job app.

KurtCobain · 05-12-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

NO matter what type of job, its always a good thing to show your motivated and interested. Any schmuck can fill out a job app.

Exactly.

Vegas_Dave · 05-12-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

NO matter what type of job, its always a good thing to show your motivated and interested. Any schmuck can fill out a job app.

Actually, it does depend on the job. Speaking from my own hiring practices:

1. Yes, you should follow up with ANY app ONE time.
2. If we are talking about entry level jobs, listen to what is said by the hiring person when you follow up. Some people (myself for instance) will make it pretty clear that if they are interested in you, they will call you. So if you call a second time, it is showing that you have no confidence and can be annoying, in which case you have eliminated your name from the running.
3. Anything above entry level jobs will require 2+ interviews. So trying to turn in your app when you can get AT LEAST an informal interview with the hiring person is always a good idea.

I just recently made a customer service position available in my store. We simply posted an ad on Craigslist. We have had 50+ applications in 3 days. There were 2 people that stood out because they were pleasant, didnt try too hard, and both were able to make a positive first impression with me when handing in their application.

Even though we are only looking for 1 person, it is very likely that I hire both of these 2 individuals as good employees, even in this market, are VERY hard to find.

**luv** · 05-12-2010, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

Also, even if it's the 10th call you've made, and the first nine said they weren't hiring, sound positive.

"I understand. Thank you for your time."

Plus, trying to sound positive will help you from feeling as deflated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_Dave

Actually, it does depend on the job. Speaking from my own hiring practices:

1. Yes, you should follow up with ANY app ONE time.
2. If we are talking about entry level jobs, listen to what is said by the hiring person when you follow up. Some people (myself for instance) will make it pretty clear that if they are interested in you, they will call you. So if you call a second time, it is showing that you have no confidence and can be annoying, in which case you have eliminated your name from the running.
3. Anything above entry level jobs will require 2+ interviews. So trying to turn in your app when you can get AT LEAST an informal interview with the hiring person is always a good idea.

I just recently made a customer service position available in my store. We simply posted an ad on Craigslist. We have had 50+ applications in 3 days. There were 2 people that stood out because they were pleasant, didnt try too hard, and both were able to make a positive first impression with me when handing in their application.

Even though we are only looking for 1 person, it is very likely that I hire both of these 2 individuals as good employees, even in this market, are VERY hard to find.

This. When I said 10th call, I meant calling ten different places you've put in applications.

**Rausch** · 05-12-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_Dave

I just recently made a customer service position available in my store. We simply posted an ad on Craigslist. We have had 50+ applications in 3 days. There were 2 people that stood out because they were pleasant, didnt try too hard, and both were able to make a positive first impression with me when handing in their application.

I don't understand the "trying too hard."

Being a pest is one thing but the "$#it" jobs are drying up around here. People are getting laid off, paycuts, and an overall crap economy has more people looking for 2nd jobs or jobs they wouldn't normally take.

Vegas_Dave · 05-12-2010, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

I don't understand the "trying too hard."

Being a pest is one thing but the "$#it" jobs are drying up around here. People are getting laid off, paycuts, and an overall crap economy has more people looking for 2nd jobs or jobs they wouldn't normally take.

For me, the definition of "trying too hard" has to do much with that first impression. When someone is applying for a fairly basic position, I dont WANT to see them come in with suit and tie... as that gives me no bearing on how they will really show up for work.

On the flip side, too many people dont try at all and come in looking like they rolled out of bed and headed in to fill out the app. They ARE giving me a true glimpse into how they will show up for work and thus I am not interested.

When someone comes in and is clean, dressed well (not Sunday's best) and presentable, they pass my first test. If they look well put together but in a way that comes off as "this is how I feel work should be approached", then they instantly move to the front of my list.

**luv** · 05-12-2010, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saulbadguy

For jobs like that, don't bother.

I'd say this. It probably won't be make or break in jobs with high turnover.

BUT...

If you were to call, you might say something like...

"Hi, my name is 'enter your name here'. I turned in an application 'enter time period here' ago, and I was wondering if I could speak to whoever does your hiring."

If you're talking to whoever does the hiring...

"Hi, my name is 'enter your name here'. I turned in an application 'enter time period here' ago, and I was wondering if you've had a chance to review it. I would love to come in for an interview."

**Saulbadguy** · 05-12-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

I'd say this. It probably won't be make or break in jobs with high turnover.

BUT...

If you were to call, you might say something like...

"Hi, my name is 'enter your name here'. I turned in an application 'enter time period here' ago, and I was wondering if I could speak to whoever does your hiring."

If you're talking to whoever does the hiring...

"Hi, my name is 'enter your name here'. I turned in an application 'enter time period here' ago, and I was wondering if you've had a chance to review it. I would love to come in for an interview."

Places like that you will get a drone who just hands the phone off to whoever the closest "manager" is, and the manager will just give you the run around.

It won't hurt, but it won't help either, IMO.

Tylerthigpen!1! · 05-12-2010, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

I'd say this. It probably won't be make or break in jobs with high turnover.

BUT...

If you were to call, you might say something like...

"Hi, my name is 'enter your name here'. I turned in an application 'enter time period here' ago, and I was wondering if I could speak to whoever does your hiring."

If you're talking to whoever does the hiring...

"Hi, my name is 'enter your name here'. I turned in an application 'enter time period here' ago, and I was wondering if you've had a chance to review it. I would love to come in for an interview."

Perfect. Thanks Luv

05-12-2010, 01:04 PM	Topic Starter
Tylerthigpen!1! Starter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Arkansas Casino cash: $7795815	Good way to follow up on a job application? Since it is summer I have been applying for a bunch of part time jobs. I applied at Bestbuy, Lowes, and Blockbuster (free movie rentals ). My question how do I follow up on my job app? At Lowes or Bestbuy who would I ask to speak to when following up by phone? How long do I wait to do it? What should I say? The last time I was looking for a job was two years ago so I don't really remember what to say. Thanks
Posts: 831

05-12-2010, 01:07 PM	#2
KurtCobain legend Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Independence, MO Casino cash: $-3337903	I always try to call in advance to turning in the app, and see if I can get an interview at the time of bringing the app in. About 75 percent of the time they'll give me a date to and time to come in without ever even seeing my app. I did this at Sutherlands just last week.
Posts: 28,544

05-12-2010, 01:13 PM	#5
Saulbadguy When a nightmare becomes real Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $736966	For jobs like that, don't bother.
Posts: 47,020