How long should I wait and what would you say?

[Lisa_Louise]

Hi

I've applied for a few jobs recently but have only heard back from one.

My question is, how long should I wait to contact to the employer after I have sent my CV, and what is the best thing to say?

Thank you :)

[factor-fiction]

It depends whether it is past the closing date. If it's not then there is no point other than to appear keen but it may irritate them. Most recruiters in my experience say they don't acknowledge unsuccessful applications, so if you haven't heard it probably means they won't be interviewing you, but there's no harm in ringing up. if you weren't selected you could ask for feedback but in my experience you don't get a meaningful answer.

[Graham-W]

Give it a couple of weeks and then ring them. Tell them what job you have applied for and ask (politely) if they have had chance to read your CV yet. They will either say, "Yes, we have, but we don't have any suitable vacancies at the moment." or, "No, we have been inundated with applications and are still sorting through them. We'll contact you if you get to interview level."
Or something to that effect.
I know stamps are expensive but when I was applying for jobs I always put at the end of my application, "Please find enclosed a stamped, addressed envelope for you convenience when replying." and put a stamped, addressed envelope with the application. This seems to pressurise the employer into replying, whether it's good news or bad.

[EDDIE51]

Employers very seldom bother to reply to failed applicants now, they may well have 100s of applications for each job and replying to those that are not getting an interview is far too expensive. I applied for 120 jobs when I was looking for work and did not get a single reply let alone an interview.

[Lisa_Louise]

Thankyou much for your replies, very helpful :)

Graham, All of them now are generally emailed over to them so SAE are not involved but that is a good idea and I will use that one should I need to send my CV via mail. Also, I had forgotten about one job which I applied for about 5 weeks ago. I thought I hadn't got the job and threw the paper advert away. They contacted me via email yesterday and said they had over 200 applications but will get back to me within 5 weeks! It just seems a lot of waiting around when I NEED a job NOW ! lol

Eddie, times are tough and sounds like you've had a rough time. I hope you've found work now :)

[Lisa_Louise]

*Thank you very much for your replies, that should read lol

[rosieapple]

If you need a job now, have you registered with any temp agencies? In the past I have had roles which varied from a couple of weeks to several months maternity cover (usually with an immediate start too).

[EDDIE51]

Yes , the only way i got work was to register as a temp at an agency and tell them i'd do anything. Mainly washing up in canteens but at least a job.