Good way to follow up on a job application?

[Tylerthigpen!1!]

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

[Vegas_Dave]

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.

[Fire Me Boy!]

I had to stop someone on the phone the other day to tell them I hadn't offered them a job yet. That I was calling to set up an interview with them.

Their file got put in the "don't call back" pile.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by Vegas_Dave

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.

I haven't gone to an interview wearing a tie in years. I don't want that to be the expectation.

Mostly I've gone in wearing khakis or slacks and a button up shirt. Occasionally, a button up, no tie and a sport coat.

[Iowanian]

Originally Posted by Rooster

This makes the most sense. However, don't under estimate just showing up for work on Monday morning like you already have the job.

Something like "Hello, I'm Tyler Thigpen and I am starting today" You might catch them so off guard that you start on the spot.

with the exception of a previously arranged freshman summer, this is pretty much what I did every summer.

I'd show up on a construction site about 6am on Monday morning with lunch and work gloves, ask for the foreman and say something like "hi mr bobthebuilder, I'm Iowanian and I'm going to dig a hole somewhere today and wondered if you'd like to be that guy."


Not once did I walk away without at least a "we'll try you until lunch, good help is hard to find". I always made the cut.

Try that.

[Groves]

Originally Posted by chefs fan in omaha

Just show up and start working. Nobody will have the guts to tell you that you weren't hired.