What’s the general rule for this? As a recent high school graduate (within the past five years), it was beat into my head that when applying for a job, you always call back within a certain amount of days to show that you take initiative and actually want employment there instead of it being one of a dozen places you hope will hire you but, being a coward, I have rarely, if ever, done so.
I’m really trying to get a supplementary part-time job at the moment though and want to do whatever I can to get it, including this dreaded custom, but the thing is, it’s only as a part-time cashier at a local retail pharmacy so I’m unsure if it’s even expected. Is this the custom in low-end retail jobs? Would it be odd to call?
If not, what exactly am I supposed to ask anyway? “Are you going to hire me or not?” doesn’t seem like the best approach but that *is *the gist of the call. Anyone have any suggestions? They’d be much appreciated.
Calling is not a bad idea. It increases the chances that the hiring person will notice you, which is good, and may increase the chance of getting picked.
That said, it’s always nice to have a *reason * for calling, aside from “so, going to hire me?” For instances where you dropped off or sent in an application, you can call to confirm that it was received, and that nothing else is required. You can also call to offer additional information, such as references, if that was not part of the original application.
Myself I’m a little on the agressive side; so if it were me, I’d say something to the effect of “Hey Mr. Johnson this is SHAKES I turned in my application with you the other day? (him yes) Well ya’ know, I’m real excited about starting my new job with you guys and I was just wondering what’s it going to take to get you to hire me…blah…blah…blah…”
I’m assuming (and hoping) you actually talked to some one when you turned in the application. If you didn’t, NEVER turn in an application to ANYBODY but the hiring manager.
It’s okay to call. People do it. It’s kind of expected. I don’t know how much it shows initiative for a cashier position. However, it will help pull your resume/application out of the pile.
You don’t have to be aggressive. Ask if they got your application and if there’s anything else they need. Then offer to provide references and state that you’re interested in the position and would like to come in to interview.
If you’re interviewed, one (actually two) of your questions (probably near the last) should be (words to the effect) “When will I know if I’ve been accepted for the position? Is it OK if I call you to find out?”. If you’ve just sent in an application form, I’d follow it up with a phone call soon after it should have arrived, ask for confirmation that they received it safely and ask the same questions as above.