How am I supposed to follow up when applying for jobs through corporate website?

[Sukhoi]

What is the proper method to follow up when applying for jobs through a company's website? Obviously for small companies I can just call their HR dept and it's probably only one person, but what about larger companies with multiple locations? It seems like when I apply through corporate sites I almost never get a reply to my submission, and I don't know why.

 

[nageov3t]

you don't follow-up and that's largely why they rely on their faceless website.

 

[Baked]

Don't call us, we'll call you. If they're interested in your resume, they'll contact you to setup an interview. Otherwise, don't wait.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

It's the way corporations do business. No one gets replies to their submissions other than automated one if they're lucky.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: loki8481
you don't follow-up and that's largely why they rely on their faceless website.

That's probably true. Unless they call you with a contact/phone interview or it's located on the website, you're going to have a hard time finding anything.

Is is usual to contact a company after an application or, as I thought, an interview. I thought it was interview.

 

[Sukhoi]

Heh I see. Guess that makes it easier!

 

[markgm]

That's the point. That's why networking is the best way to get a job. Most of those positions are only there as a formality.

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: markgm
That's the point. That's why networking is the best way to get a job. Most of those positions are only there as a formality.

But how are you supposed to get jobs if you don't have contacts?

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi

Originally posted by: markgm
That's the point. That's why networking is the best way to get a job. Most of those positions are only there as a formality.

But how are you supposed to get jobs if you don't have contacts?

From my experience, luck.

 

[QurazyQuisp]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
It's the way corporations do business. No one gets replies to their submissions other than automated one if they're lucky.

I've had several responses from big companies. (with an actual person behind them!) The GOOG, Intuit, Microsoft, IBM, D.E. Shaw.

I must be doing something right!

Although, there were several that I never heard anything back from.

 

[markgm]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi

Originally posted by: markgm
That's the point. That's why networking is the best way to get a job. Most of those positions are only there as a formality.

But how are you supposed to get jobs if you don't have contacts?

Apply with brute force! After awhile you're bound to find a company that's actually hiring. It amazes me how many companies just put feelers out there for jobs with no intent on actually hiring someone.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Sounds like you're a younger person new to the workforce. I would make a conscious decision to examine what is important to you in job seeking. Is the size of your paycheck your primary concern? Continue persueing a corporate job. If you are passionate about the work or job you do, look at smaller companies.

Keep in mind your needs, interests and responsibilities will change over time. Too few make the effort to do this kind of reality check before allowing themselves to be trapped into an unwanted situation.

 

[Aberforth]

Originally posted by: TheVrolok

Originally posted by: Sukhoi

Originally posted by: markgm
That's the point. That's why networking is the best way to get a job. Most of those positions are only there as a formality.

But how are you supposed to get jobs if you don't have contacts?

From my experience, luck.

eh??? I had to go through half-a-dozen interviews, they really drilled me with all sorts of questions. I was beginning to think whether it was really worth putting myself through it? In the end it was...the salary was above normal.

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: markgm

Originally posted by: Sukhoi

Originally posted by: markgm
That's the point. That's why networking is the best way to get a job. Most of those positions are only there as a formality.

But how are you supposed to get jobs if you don't have contacts?

Apply with brute force! After awhile you're bound to find a company that's actually hiring. It amazes me how many companies just put feelers out there for jobs with no intent on actually hiring someone.

Heh that's basically what I'm doing. It's not working well so far. It sucks because I want to get into product development engineering, and all I have is 2 years experience in manufacturing. I have my resume and cover letter focusing on the design type stuff I did during the 2 years, but I guess it isn't enough.

 

[imported_Imp]

I've always had the impression that if they don't call, they're 'politely' telling you to step off.

Two jobs ago, I worked at a small place. It was annoying having to field calls from people calling about their applications. We were a small place and easily got more than three resumes daily; this added onto an already large stack being prepared for the hiring frenzy every couple months. If it came down to it, I was one of the people responsible for calling applicants for interviews. This easily took a whole day and more if people were not at home; voice mail was useless since we had to actually speak to the person to set up a time. It may be rude and impolite not to call up every applicant, but there just isn't the time or HR doesn't feel like it.


Edit: For horrible horrible use of the english language.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Companies can get hundreds of applications for a single particular position. What do you expect to hear by contacting/following-up? HR will only give you a generic reply that they've received it, it's under review and you'll be contacted if they're interested. Send it and move on. If they contact you, great.

And a number of factors will determine if and when your resume even gets looked at.

Several years ago, I was contacted about a position several months after I submitted my resume. I didn't even remember sending it. I've also been contacted in only a couple of weeks after submission.

 

[sunzt]

I got a summer internship at ADI through their website app. Also got phone interviews from other companies as well. Just apply to every specific job position that you may be interested in.

Oh yeah, it helps to have a strong resume.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: Imp
I've always had the impression that if they don't call, they're 'politely' telling you to step off.

Two jobs ago, I worked at a small place. It was annoying having to field calls from people calling about their applications. We were a small place and easily got more than three resumes daily; this added onto an already large stack being prepared for the hiring frenzy every couple months. If it came down to it, I was one of the people responsible for calling applicants for interviews. This easily took a whole day and more if people were not at home; voice mail was useless since we had to actually speak to the person to set up a time. It may be rude and impolite not to call up every applicant, but there just isn't the time or HR doesn't feel like it.


Edit: For horrible horrible use of the english language.

It can be difficult but is there any particular reason you don't send everyone a form letter thanking them for applying and giving a time frame for when they would hear back?