How should you follow up on your job application in Norway?

**How to Follow Up on a Job Application in Norway**

When job seekers in Norway apply for positions, many experience long periods of silence after submitting their applications. Norwegian recruitment specialist Kathrine Evenmo Ervik, quoted in *Aftenposten*, offered guidance on how to inquire about application status without appearing overly aggressive.

**Timing the Follow‑up**

Ervik advises candidates to wait until the advertised deadline has passed before making contact. For positions with a fixed deadline (*søknadsfrist*), employers typically review applications only after the closing date, which can extend the waiting period. In contrast, vacancies advertised as “rolling” or “as soon as possible” (*snarest*) may be processed more quickly, with rejections or interview invitations sent earlier.

**Using Text Messages for Quick Updates**

If the deadline has elapsed and a prompt response is needed—such as when the applicant is involved in another hiring process—sending a brief SMS is considered acceptable in Norway. The text should be limited to a simple status request and sent during regular office hours. Ervik notes that detailed feedback is unlikely to be provided via text, and contacting recruiters outside of working hours may be perceived as disrespectful given the strong emphasis on work‑life balance in Norwegian workplaces.

**When to Call**

Phone calls are recommended only for specific, relevant questions that are not addressed in the job posting. Ervik cautions against calling merely to ask about the outcome of an application, as this is unlikely to be effective and could backfire. When calling, candidates should first confirm that it is a convenient time, keep the conversation concise, and avoid delivering an unsolicited pitch. “There’s no point in going through your CV unsolicited at this point,” Ervik said.

**Maintaining Professional Courtesy**

Regardless of the length of the hiring process or the outcome, Ervik stresses the importance of remaining polite and professional. She warns that frustration can lead applicants to convey a negative impression, which may affect future interactions within Norway’s relatively small professional networks. “If you’re disappointed by a rejection or feel like you’ve been treated poorly, your emotions can overwhelm you. Suddenly, you come across in a way that’s not really you,” she explained. Maintaining a positive demeanor helps ensure that recruiters remember the candidate favorably for future opportunities.

The advice aims to help both newcomers to Norway and those making career changes navigate the local job market more effectively. The Local Norway provides additional resources and guides for job seekers at various stages of their search.

Article and image source: thelocal.no