Following up a job application

Hocky27

Two weeks ago I went around to about 8-10 different stores and handed in my resume. Tomorrow I have thought of going around to those stores and talking to the manager about my application. Now the thing is I dont really know what to say to the manager once I am talking to them.

Obviously I am going to tell them that I have applied for a position and handed in my resume, but then I am not entirely sure what to do from there. Do I ask them if they have viewed my resume ? Do I begin to tell them why I would be an ideal employee ?

Sorry if this kind of seems like a dumb thread but thanks to anyone who can help.

Improvolone

Since it doesn't sound like you've talked to anyone there yet, I would suggest simply asking if they recieved your resume. After all, you just want to make sure because you are interested in working here... right? Right.

Hocky27

Well, thats pretty obvious and I feel slightly dumb for not even having thought of that.

BlochWave

Just go in and tell them you recently gave them your resume and you want to make sure they got it and ask what the status of your application is. You'll find a bunch aren't even considering you and didn't even let you know and some are just dragging their feet.

The Valentine Zombie

Well, I was all psyched up for the interview, brimming with confidence...when, two seconds prior to stepping foot in the building, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around, and some random punter pointed out that my shoe had fallen apart. I looked down, and sure enough, the entire shoe had disentegrated, the rubber having melted in the heat or something. It was everywhere. The lining was hanging by a thread, and half the sole had dissappeared. And I hadn't noticed. I had been leaving a steady trail of black powder for the ten minutes since I left the car. And then there followed what could only be described as a sudden drop in pressure, and my confidence evaporated.

The interview...I had apparently (and unwittingly) applied for two jobs, one for Hilton Hotels, and the other for Dell, sending out discount email newsletter jobbys (as I thought). Whether I get the job depends on the guy emailing/phoning me to tell me if I have made the short-list...but, as I figure, if I had made any short-list he would have told me there and then.

He was more concerned with the two year gap since my last job than any of my achievements. I was a Senior Graphic Designer, ffs! I have experience...*sighs*...Ach, I see his point, "Why haven't you worked, blah blah, blah"; personally I think I'm overqualified for a lot of the jobs I've been going for. Which brings me to another point; should I be pushing the fact that I was a SENIOR designer, or does it scupper my chances?

Jasconius

Sometimes it depends on the size of the store you applied to.

Smaller stored, a manager might appreciate you going in to "check" on your application as a sign that you are serious about the position. When I first graduated from high school, I submitted an application to a place for a generic labor position and didn't hear anything for over a week. I went in to talk to the manager and he basically just asked me general questions and then the next day I got a phone call for a real interview.

I would say it can help, but it most likely depends on the employer and the manager/owner.

The Valentine Zombie

You know something? You're right, I should be taking a more upbeat approach to this, and contacting them regarding my chances. A few of my friends have mentioned having done this in the past, but I just thought it smacked of cockiness, so aye, cheers. I'll give them a buzz.

Improvolone

Worst case scenario, they don't hire you when they weren't going to to begin with

Hocky27

... Did my thread get hijacked ? Anyway, I ended up being busy so didnt have time to go around yet but I definately will follow the advice from here. Thanks guys