When to follow-up on a job application?

[Jerhart]

Well...I am graduating form school in about a month and a half...hopefully.

This means time for job hunting...I know what a time to begin.

My question is this: How long should I wait before I followup on a position I have applied for? Do I even bother?

There is a position I applied for Wednesday of last week. I feel I am well qualified, probably over qualified for the position. There are also 3 openings for this job. I have yet to hear anything and it looks as if the office is still accepting applications for the positions.

It is a job I would really enjoy starting to get my feet wet after graduating from school.

Would you advise against email/calling the HR to inquire about the position to see when they look to have it filled by? [essentially what I would be asking]

Thanks.

Edit* ...if you are an HR...PLEASE give your 2 cents...

[BPelizabeth]

If you are applying in person follow up the next day. If you are applying online which I assume you are be sure to include a cover letter that is custom for that position and follow up on that position within a week.
When you are applying for the position online look to see who the job contact is if any is listed. If there is none listed google and get the HR Directors name and call them directly. Now once you do that you can also send a follow up letter as well.

When calling ask directly for the HR person by name...you want to get away from the person that answers the phone and call directly in. You say hello MS. so and so...my name is yada yada...I recently graduated with a 3.8 gpa from blah blah....(basically you get in your amazing pts. quick prior to saying I applied on line) Basically you are trying to hook her interest.

When you do the interview and you leave go home and immediately send in a hand written note. If they give you a card also send a thank you email.

If you know you are over qualified for the position...speak to that and let them know why you are interested. Do not just blow it off as you need to address their concerns.

Ok...interviews....At the earliest point in the interview ask them what they are looking for in a potential employee for this paticular position. This will give you the information needed and will cue you to your answers that you need to give them. At the end of the interview when they ask you if you have any questions....ask them what their concerns are with you as a candidate. This will allow you to overcome any objections that they may have.

Also even if you are not paticularly interested in a position go to the interview anyways. First it is really good practice and will improve your skills in the interview process. Also it is a good way to network with ppl and last but not least they may have another position that is not on the books yet that you will be more intersted in. Still follow the same rules on after the interview even if you are not interested...you never know who that HR mgr. knows.
Ok hope this helps you...sorry I wrote a book...use to do this in my past life...

[Jerhart]

Wow...thank you ma'am!

That was exactly what I was looking for.

[BPelizabeth]

I just edited so go back and read...lol. Sorry...I think I could write a book on this stuff. Its pretty fun!!

[Seru1]

I typically give it three days to a week. But a call the next day isn't the worst move. It can show your commitment. But sometimes it can just annoy personel.