Once you have sent your resume to a hiring manager, you can face an anxious wait to see if you’re called in for an interview.
But what do you do if there is no response to your resume? You can take a range of steps to see if you are still in the running for the position. Here are some tips on what you can do.
How long should you wait for a response to resumes?
The waiting period between sending your resume and hearing back can seem very long. But in reality most hiring managers will aim to get back to candidates about an interview within one to two weeks, depending on the urgency of the role and their hiring requirements.
This period may be longer if the job ad specifies a closing date several weeks later than when you submitted your resume.
First step to take if there is no response
An important first step to know why there is no response to your resume is to check where you sent the resume to.
It’s easy to misspell an email address, and even getting a single letter wrong can mean your resume has gone to entirely the wrong place. Don’t assume you will receive a message letting you know the email address is incorrect. Check for yourself.
Take action to see why there’s no response to your resume
If you are confident your resume was sent to the appropriate address, and you’ve allowed one to two weeks to pass, you can take a number of follow-up steps to check why there was no response to your resume.
Before you take further action, check the job ad. Some hiring managers will specifically request that you do not follow up your resume. If that’s the case, be sure to respect this.
Email the hiring manager – it can show you’re enthusiastic
One option if there is no response to your resume, is to send an email to the hiring manger following up on the progress of your resume. It can be a good idea to reattach your resume and note in the email the date you first responded.
This can demonstrate to hiring managers that you are taking a proactive approach, and that you are eager about the position, which could give you an edge over other candidates. It is also an opportunity to reinforce how interested you are in the role or to provide a little extra information about yourself.
Be cautious about telephoning
A second option is to telephone the hiring manager directly to understand why there has been no response to your resume. However, this approach has both positive and negative aspects.
On one hand, it is an opportunity to speak directly with the hiring manger, which can reinforce you as a quality candidate. On the downside, hiring managers are very busy, particularly during periods when they are screening resumes. They may not appreciate being interrupted by calls checking on why there has been no response to your resume. You may find that your call is not answered or returned at all.
The bottom line is that there is no single correct response on what to do if there is no response to your resume. An investment of your time sending a follow up email is a good idea but don’t become intrusive. And if you don’t hear back, it could be time to move on to a new opportunity.
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