Finding a job in Nigeria can be tough, especially when you submit an application and hear nothing back. But often, knowing how to follow up properly can make all the difference.
In Nigeria’s competitive job market, where hundreds of candidates can apply for a single position, knowing how and when to follow up can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting noticed.
Below, we’ll dive into why following up is essential, how to do it correctly, some practical steps to get you started, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about following up on job applications in Nigeria.
Why Should You Follow Up on a Job Application?
In reality, HR teams and hiring managers receive tons of applications, and sometimes, good candidates get overlooked simply because of the high volume. Following up shows:
- Interest: Following up shows the hiring team that you’re really interested in the position.
- Professionalism: It displays that you take initiative and are proactive.
- Remembrance: Following up helps the employer remember you, giving you a small edge over others who haven’t reached out after applying.
When Should You Follow Up?
One of the common mistakes is following up too soon or too often. Here’s a guideline:
- Wait at least 7–10 days after submitting your application before making your first follow-up.
- If there’s no response after the first follow-up, give it another one to two weeks and then follow up again. Any more than that may appear overly persistent.
Note: If the job posting specifically states, “No calls or follow-ups,” respect that instruction. Ignoring it might backfire.
How to Follow Up on a Job Application in Nigeria
Here are some effective ways to follow up on job applications in Nigeria:
1. Send a Follow-Up Email
Following up through email is often seen as the most professional way, allowing the hiring team to respond at their convenience.
Here’s how you can structure your follow-up email:
- Subject Line: Keep it clear and to the point, like: “Follow-Up on Job Application for [Job Title] – [Your Full Name]”
- Greeting: Address it to the hiring manager or the person in charge if you have their contact information. Otherwise, “Dear Hiring Team” is fine.
- Opening Line: Start with a polite opening, like: “I hope this message finds you well.”
- Express Your Interest: Reiterate your interest in the position and remind them of the job title you applied for.
- Ask for an Update: I ask if they can provide an update on the status of your application.
Sample Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Follow-Up on Job Application for Marketing Manager – Adeyemi Adebayo
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or Hiring Team],
I hope this message finds you well. I recently submitted my application for the Marketing Manager position on [Date] and am reaching out to express my continued interest in the opportunity to work with [Company Name].
I would appreciate any updates regarding the status of my application and am excited about the chance to contribute to your team. Please feel free to reach out if any additional information is needed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
Adeyemi Adebayo
Email: adeyemi@email.com
Phone: +234 xxx-xx
2. Make a Phone Call
In Nigeria, phone calls are sometimes faster for follow-ups. If you have the hiring manager’s number or the company’s HR contact, you may consider calling after your initial email follow-up.
Here are some tips for the call:
- Be respectful of their time and keep the call brief.
- Start with an introduction, stating your name and the position you applied for.
- Politely ask if they have any updates on the hiring process.
Sample Call Script:
“Hello, this is Adeyemi Adebayo. I recently applied for the Marketing Manager position and wanted to check for any updates on the hiring process. I would appreciate any information you could share. Thank you!”
Note: Always maintain a polite tone, even if the response isn’t what you hoped for.
3. Reach Out on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is growing as a professional networking tool in Nigeria. Following up on LinkedIn is a smart option if the hiring manager or HR personnel are active on the platform.
Tips for LinkedIn follow-up:
- Connect first: Send a connection request with a personalized note if disconnected.
- Keep it professional: Don’t overstep boundaries by bombarding them with messages.
- Message politely: Send a short, polite message expressing your interest and asking for any potential updates on your application.
Sample LinkedIn Message:
“Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name], I’m excited about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and wanted to follow up on my application for the Marketing Manager role. If there’s any update regarding the application, I would appreciate it. Thank you for your time.”
Do’s and Don’ts for Following Up
Do’s
- Be polite and professional in every form of communication.
- Keep follow-up emails and messages brief.
- Use clear subject lines in emails.
- Follow the company’s instructions if they’ve provided guidelines for the hiring process.
Don’ts
- Avoid following up multiple times in a short period.
- Don’t sound desperate or impatient.
- Don’t call or message late at night or early in the morning.
What to Expect After Following Up
Following up doesn’t always guarantee an immediate response. Here’s what might happen:
- You receive a response with an update: Some companies will give you an update, which could be positive, neutral, or sometimes indicate they’re not moving forward with your application.
- You don’t hear back: If you don’t get a reply after two follow-ups, it’s best to move on. The company might be busy or may not be interested.
FAQs on Following Up on Job Applications in Nigeria
Q1: How long should I wait before following up on my job application?
It’s advisable to wait 7–10 days before the first follow-up. Then, if there’s still no response, wait another 1–2 weeks before reaching out a second time.
Q2: What’s the best way to follow up – email, call, or LinkedIn?
Email is often preferred as it allows the hiring team to respond conveniently. However, if you don’t get a response, you could try calling or reaching out on LinkedIn.
Q3: Is it okay to follow up more than once?
Yes, following up twice is acceptable. If you still don’t hear back after the second follow-up, it’s usually best to move on.
Q4: Will following up improve my chances of getting hired?
Following up shows your interest and professionalism, which could improve your chances. However, it’s not a guarantee of getting the job.
Q5: What if the job posting says “No Calls or Follow-Ups”?
Always respect this request. Ignoring it can hurt your chances and make you seem unprofessional.
Q6: Should I follow up if I’m unsure I meet all the job requirements?
If you feel you’re close to the requirements and have relevant skills or experience, it’s worth applying and following up. However, if you’re far off from the qualifications, looking for a different role that matches your skills may be best.
Conclusion
Following up on job applications in Nigeria can sometimes feel daunting, but it’s an essential part of the job search process.
Doing it thoughtfully and professionally can leave a positive impression on the hiring team and maybe even set you apart from other applicants.
Be polite, patient, and persistent, and remember that even if you don’t get a response, it’s all part of the journey toward finding the right job for you.