Following up After Applying for a Position

So, you've submitted an application or sent in your resume. It's been a couple of days or weeks and you still haven't heard. Let me tell you, this is the most frustrating, aggravating part of a job search. It's hard to remember that the other end of the computer are just people as well. Sometimes, the applications take days to even get passed along to the proper principal.

We all know that you have to follow up somehow, but how? Do you call? Who do you call, the principal? HR? Do you e-mail? I chose to e-mail. Partially because I'm a chicken and partially because you can edit an e-mail, but not a phone call.

Now, here's the tricky part, what do you say? Lucky for you, my e-mail is still stock full of "Position Inquiry" e-mails. I used a general outline for each position and changed around many of the wording.


Professor Dumbledore

I recently submitted an application for the teaching position available at Hogwarts Elementary. In Fall 2010, I completed a brief field experience at Hogwarts. I loved coming to the school every week! The environment was so welcoming and the students' diversity reminds me of my home. I would love to be a part of the Hogwarts Elementary team!

I have just recently completed my internship at Tree Hill Elementary. In May 2012, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Coastal Carolina University receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. I also have received my SC Initial Certification. Since graduation, I have been working as .....

Throughout my four years at Coastal Carolina University, I have been very active within the Whatever School District. I have completed a wide-range of practicum experiences at Hogwarts Elementary, John Adams School, and Bayside Elementary in grades 2, 3, 4, and 5. These experiences have helped me to gain a diverse background and knowledge of students.

In completing my internship at Tree Hill Elementary, I have had the privilege of teaching Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Gifted and Talented Mathematics. My experience with these subjects has allowed me to develop my idea of classroom management and educational philosophy. I have also become active within the Tree Hill community. I participated in Science Night 2012, facilitating an event where students built their own rollercoasters. I also coordinated a Read Across America activity uniting the entire student body.

My broad experiences have built a strong foundation of knowledge that can be put to immediate use by Tree Hill Elementary. Feel free to browse my web page (INSERT YOUR FANTASTIC ONLINE RESUME)  for more information including observations, letters of reference, and sample lessons. I have also attached my resume to this e-mail for your reference.  I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss any opportunities to join THE.

Thank you, 

Your Name
email@email.com
(123) 456-7890

If I knew absolutely nothing about the school other than its website, I replaced the first paragraph with: 

"I recently submitted an application for the teaching position available at Third Street Elementary through the state website. Upon visiting your website, I was encouraged by the emphasis on high expectations and family involvement."

Essentially, I was sending in my resume with a cover letter. Like everything else I did, sometimes I received a response and other times I didn't. I think the best advice I can give is don't give up!

PS Were you able to figure out which shows my schools came from? Leave a comment if you did!

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