There are two circumstances when you could follow up: the first
is after responding to an advertised position and the second is
after sending a "cold" cover letter and resume.
If the position has been advertised through an HR office, you
may call the company and speak to an HR staff person. He or she
can tell you if the resume has been received, and you can reiterate
your interest in the position. This gets your name in front of
an HR person, and he or she may remember you when reviewing resumes
to pass on to the hiring manager.
If you have sent a "cold" resume or cover letter (or
you have reached a hiring manager who will review resumes for
an advertised position), introduce yourself very clearly, say
that you are inquiring as to whether he or she has received your
resume and to express your sincere interest in the company or
a position. You may be able to give a two or three sentence "hook"
statement in which you state what you have to offer, and that
you hope to elaborate on it further during an interview.
Be very polite and serious in your discussion. Your resume takes
on a more personal aspect after you have spoken, even briefly,
with a person who may have the power to make a hiring decision.
