Email Or Phone Call? Which Is Appropriate And When?

There are certain times when it may be more appropriate to call a hiring manager or employer, while other times it is better to send an email. Deciding on the right method of contact can ultimately create more leverage for you during the job search process. Phone calls are definitely a personalized way of showing your interest in a position, but at times, a phone call may be too forward. We examine two very important situations in the job search process: the interview wait and the job offer wait.

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Waiting For The Interview

If you are a job seeker who is waiting for the initial interview call, the waiting period can seem torturous. You stare at the phone day after day. If it has been at least 3-4 days since you sent in your resume, you can follow-up with a hiring manager to see if they have begun the interview process or if they are still collecting resumes. Should I really call so soon? I'm sure you've heard of the saying, “The early bird catches the worm." This statement rings true in the job search process. If there is a specific job you desire, being proactive about getting your foot in the door shows initiative. A candidate who truly wants a job and goes after it is a winner in the employer's eyes. With an average of 200+ resumes being submitted for each job, your resume may currently be stuck in a stack of resumes that have yet to be reviewed. A go-getter attitude is one that will stick out in the employer's mind. I'm really nervous about making that call to the company. A great way to prepare for this type of phone call is to create a short script as to what you want to say. Be prepared to let the hiring manager know when you sent in your resume and ask about the hiring steps as well as the expected time frame for the interview process. Some companies have closing dates for resume submissions and wait a few weeks before setting up interviews, yet they move very quickly in the decision-making process. By reaffirming your interest in interviewing with the company and other opportunities that may exist, you will have just opened the door to creating a strong rapport with the hiring manager. This can even result in future job leads.

Waiting For The Job Offer

You sent in your resume. You had the interview. Now you're in the waiting zone for the job offer. Why are they taking so long? Is it time to throw in the towel? A typical job offer can take anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks. It is first recommended that you thank your interviewer by email within 24-48 hours of the interview. The “thank you" following the interview is very important. Calling after your interview before you send that “thank you" email will seem presumptuous. Instead, send a positively-charged email that reaffirms your interest in the position and the company. If you have not heard back from the employer within a week or two after the interview, you may follow-up via phone as you have already established a relationship with the interviewer. Nervous to make the call? Sending a “follow-up" email is just as acceptable. In fact, some job seekers may find it more comforting to type the email and hit “send" for fear of stumbling over their words. In a “follow-up" email you will want to again reaffirm your interest in the position and ask if a decision has been made. If a decision has not been made, then you can ask if you are still being considered for the position and the time frame for the decision-making process. This type of phone call can provide you with the answers you need to enthusiastically move forward in the job process. Regardless of whether you make a phone call or email, make sure you remain professional, cordial, and appreciative.

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About the author

Wendi Weiner, creatively known as The Writing Guru, is a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with over 15 years of expertise in resume writing, essay writing, and professional editing. Visit her website here.Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert.