Usually, before you apply you ask them. They can connect you with a hiring manager and you interview. Later you fill out the paperwork.

If you apply formally before and get rejected, there is not much they can do.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

You can play it by ear depending on the kind of relationship you have with your contact at the firm(s). Generally it's not an issue at all and puts your name on the lookout. For the 1st round at the firm I interned, I reached out to the MD when I had applied and she got me the 1st round interview.

It's a very random process overall so you should never feel discouraged if you didn't get an interview, but your approach is good practice :)

There's a closer meaning to my user name. Try reading it quickly. Perhaps you will then understand ;P
 

just say something along the lines of "Hi --, I hope you are doing well. I wanted to follow up and let you that I've formally submitted an application for ---. Hope all is well." I normally don't attach a resume unless explicitly asked by the other party.

 

Like the others said, kept it brief, thanked them and told them I'll let them know if I move forward. Also update them on how I've been doing if it's been more than 1-2 months since I talked with them.

I usually don't receive any responses to these. Few times had responses wishing me luck and once someone asking for my resume. Usually the ones I had good convos with too so I don't think it's out of politeness. Of course if you don't receive a reply it doesn't mean that you had a bad convo, they could just be busy.

 

When I get a voicemail from some number I don't recognize, I would usually have to find the time to walk out of the office (in case it's too personal or a recruiter) and call the number to retrieve my message... and likely have to sort through other unopened voicemail before I get to the latest one. I would prefer a short email any day.

 
Best Response

Assuming you've soft kept in touch with him (occasional emails, etc) just reach out again.

"John,

How are things going since we last ____(spoke, had coffee, committed acts of Biblical Sin, etc)? I recently submitted my resume for the sa position via ____ (their website, campus recruiting, whatever) and wanted to ask your opinion on how best to get mine seen.

If you have some free time it would be great to catch up (call, coffee, whatever is practical) and get your advice.

Thanks again for all of your help.

Regards,

You"

I fall on the side of don't blow smoke up my ass so just ask. We all know what you want and it's fine so make the ask. Maybe other senior people want something different but I'm pretty sure when a bunch of college kids cold reach out to me for coffee, advice, opinions regarding the market or whatever else they're not doing so because they think I'm cute, at least I hope not.

 

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Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

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