So, you've poured your heart and soul into crafting the perfect job application. You’ve tailored your resume, written a killer cover letter, and finally clicked that glorious “submit” button. Now what? Do you just sit back and wait, hoping your application rises to the top of the pile? Absolutely not! This is where the follow-up email comes in, and guys, it can be a game-changer.
A follow-up email after a job application isn't just about being polite; it's a strategic move. It demonstrates your continued interest in the position, reinforces your qualifications, and keeps your name fresh in the hiring manager's mind. In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted follow-up can be the difference between landing an interview and getting lost in the shuffle. Think of it as your final opportunity to make a positive impression and showcase your enthusiasm for the role.
But, you can't just fire off any old email. A generic or poorly written follow-up can actually hurt your chances. You need to strike the right balance between assertive and respectful, confident and humble. You want to remind them of your qualifications without sounding arrogant, and express your eagerness without appearing desperate. It's a delicate dance, but with the right approach, you can significantly increase your chances of landing that coveted interview.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about writing effective follow-up emails after a job application. We'll cover when to send them, what to include, what to avoid, and provide you with templates you can adapt to your specific situation. So, buckle up and get ready to master the art of the follow-up!
When Should You Send a Follow-Up Email?
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to follow-up emails. Send it too soon, and you risk appearing impatient. Wait too long, and they might have already filled the position or forgotten about your application altogether. So, what's the sweet spot?
As a general rule of thumb, it's best to send a follow-up email approximately one week after submitting your application. This gives the hiring manager enough time to review applications but keeps you top of mind. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
- The job posting specifies a timeline: If the job posting explicitly states a deadline for applications or a date by which they will contact candidates, adhere to that timeline. If the deadline has passed and you haven't heard anything, then it's perfectly acceptable to send a follow-up.
- You met someone at a networking event: If you spoke with someone from the company at a career fair or networking event, you can send a follow-up email sooner, perhaps within a few days of applying. Refer to your conversation and reiterate your interest in the role.
- You have a referral: If you were referred to the company by a current employee, consider sending a follow-up email a bit earlier than the one-week mark. A referral can give your application a boost, and a timely follow-up can capitalize on that advantage.
If you're unsure about the best time to send a follow-up, err on the side of waiting a full week. It's always better to be patient than to come across as pushy.
What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email: The Essential Elements
Okay, so you know when to send your follow-up email, but what should you actually say? Here's a breakdown of the essential elements to include:
- A clear and concise subject line: The subject line is your first (and sometimes only) chance to grab the hiring manager's attention. Keep it short, professional, and to the point. Here are a few examples:
- "Following Up: [Your Name] - [Job Title] Application"
- "[Your Name] - Interest in [Job Title] Position"
- "[Job Title] Application - [Your Name]"
- A polite and professional greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if you know it. If you don't, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Team" are acceptable alternatives. Avoid using informal greetings like "Hey" or "Hi."
- A brief reminder of your application: Remind the hiring manager of the specific position you applied for and the date you submitted your application. This helps them quickly locate your information in their system.
- Express your continued interest: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Briefly mention why you're particularly interested in this opportunity and what you hope to achieve if hired.
- Highlight your key qualifications: Don't just repeat your entire resume. Instead, focus on one or two key skills or experiences that are particularly relevant to the job description. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.
- Add value: Include an insight about the company or role that you recently learned. This could be from a recent article or company event.
- A call to action: Clearly state what you hope to achieve with your follow-up email. Do you want to schedule a phone call? Are you available for an interview? Make it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step.
- A professional closing: Use a professional closing such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you for your time and consideration." Followed by your full name.
- Your contact information: Include your phone number and email address in your signature, making it easy for the hiring manager to reach you.
What Not to Include: Avoiding Common Follow-Up Email Mistakes
Just as important as knowing what to include in your follow-up email is knowing what to leave out. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Typos and grammatical errors: Proofread your email carefully before sending it. Even a small error can make you look unprofessional and careless.
- Generic or template-heavy language: Customize your email to the specific job and company. Avoid using generic phrases that could apply to any position.
- Demanding or entitled language: Don't demand a response or act as if you're entitled to an interview. Be polite and respectful in your tone.
- Excessive flattery: While it's important to express your enthusiasm, avoid excessive flattery or gushing praise. Keep it genuine and professional.
- Negative comments about previous employers: Never use your follow-up email to complain about previous employers or colleagues. This is a major red flag for hiring managers.
- Personal information: Keep your follow-up email focused on your qualifications and interest in the job. Avoid sharing personal information that is not relevant to the position.
- Asking about salary or benefits too early: It's generally best to wait until you've had an interview before discussing salary or benefits. Bringing it up too early can make you seem more interested in the money than the job itself.
Follow-Up Email Templates: Get Started with These Examples
To help you get started, here are a few follow-up email templates you can adapt to your specific situation:
Template 1: The Standard Follow-Up
Subject: Following Up: [Your Name] - [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position, which I submitted on [Date].
I am very interested in this opportunity and believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements outlined in the job description. In particular, my experience in [relevant skill/experience] would be a valuable asset to your team.
I am eager to learn more about this role and discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Template 2: The Networking Follow-Up
Subject: Following Up: [Your Name] - [Job Title] Application - [Reference to Conversation]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It was a pleasure speaking with you at [Event Name] on [Date] about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I was particularly interested in your insights on [Topic discussed].
As we discussed, I have a strong background in [relevant skill/experience] and a passion for [relevant industry/area]. I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team.
I have attached my resume for your reference and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Template 3: The Value-Added Follow-Up
Subject: [Your Name] - [Job Title] Application - Insight on [Company/Industry]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position, submitted on [Date]. I was particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s work in [Specific area of company's work].
I recently came across an article about [Relevant industry trend/company achievement] that I thought might be of interest to your team: [Link to article]. My experience in [relevant skill/experience] allows me to add immediate value in this rapidly evolving market.
I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to your continued success. Please let me know if you require any further information from my end. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Remember to customize these templates to fit your specific situation and the specific job you're applying for. The more personalized your email is, the more likely it is to stand out.
Final Thoughts: Persistence Pays Off
Following up after a job application is a crucial step in the job search process. It shows your continued interest, reinforces your qualifications, and keeps your name top of mind. By following the tips and templates outlined in this guide, you can craft effective follow-up emails that increase your chances of landing an interview.
Remember, persistence pays off. Don't be afraid to follow up more than once, especially if you haven't heard back after a week or two. Just be sure to remain polite, professional, and respectful in your communications.
Good luck with your job search, and happy following up!
