How To Write A Follow Up Email After Application: Ace Your Job Search
Landing an interview is a significant milestone in your job search, but it’s not the end of the journey. Often, the next step involves a follow-up email after application, a crucial piece of the puzzle that can significantly impact your chances of success. This guide delves deep into the art of crafting the perfect follow-up, helping you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.
The Importance of Following Up: Why It Matters
In today’s competitive job market, proactive communication is key. A well-timed and thoughtfully written follow-up email can demonstrate your genuine interest in the position, reinforce your qualifications, and remind the hiring manager of your application. It shows you’re engaged, attentive, and eager to contribute to the company. Ignoring this step leaves a significant opportunity on the table.
Timing is Everything: When to Send Your Follow-Up
The timing of your follow-up is crucial. Sending it too early can appear pushy, while sending it too late might make you seem disengaged. A general guideline is to send the email 7-10 business days after submitting your application, assuming you haven’t heard back. If the job posting specified a timeline for response, adhere to that. If you interviewed, follow up within a week if you haven’t heard back.
Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s break down the components of a winning follow-up email, ensuring you cover all the bases and leave a positive impression.
Subject Line Mastery: Getting Their Attention
Your subject line is the first thing the hiring manager sees, so make it count. It needs to be clear, concise, and instantly recognizable. Here are some effective options:
- “Following Up: [Your Name] - [Job Title]”
- “Checking In: Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]”
- “Regarding Application for [Job Title]”
Avoid generic subject lines like “Following Up” – they lack context and might get overlooked.
Opening the Email: A Polite and Professional Approach
Start with a polite greeting and immediately state the purpose of your email. Reference the specific job you applied for to jog their memory. For example:
“Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position, which I submitted on [Date].”
Reiterate Your Interest and Value Proposition
This is your chance to reiterate your strong interest in the role and remind the hiring manager why you’re a good fit. Briefly mention key skills or experiences that align with the job description. Don’t just repeat your resume; offer a concise summary of your most relevant qualifications.
Adding Value: Showcasing Your Research
Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and the role. Briefly mention something you admire about the company or a specific project that resonates with you. This shows you’re engaged and invested. You might also include a brief relevant article or news item about the company.
The Call to Action: Making it Easy for Them
Clearly state what you’re hoping for. This is your call to action. Do you want to reiterate your interest in an interview? Are you requesting an update on the application status? Be direct and polite. For example:
“I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further. Please let me know if you require any additional information from my end.”
Closing the Email: Professionalism and Gratitude
End your email with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you for your time and consideration.” Include your full name, phone number, and a link to your LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
Tailoring Your Follow-Up: Different Scenarios
Every situation is unique. Let’s look at how to adjust your follow-up email based on different circumstances.
Following Up After an Interview
If you’ve already had an interview, your follow-up should focus on thanking the interviewer for their time, reiterating your interest, and mentioning something specific you discussed during the interview. For example:
“Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Job Title] position. I especially enjoyed our conversation about [Specific Topic discussed].”
Following Up After No Response
If you haven’t received a response after your initial follow-up, you can send a second, brief email. However, avoid being overly persistent. Keep it brief, polite, and reiterate your interest.
When To Avoid Following Up
There are rare cases where following up isn’t the best approach. If the job posting explicitly states “no calls or emails,” respect their instructions. Also, if the company is known for a slow hiring process, wait a few extra days before following up.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: The Dos and Don’ts
Let’s look at a few common pitfalls to avoid when crafting your follow-up email.
Grammatical Errors and Typos: Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
Always proofread your email before sending it. Typos and grammatical errors can make you appear unprofessional and careless. Use spell check and read the email aloud to catch any mistakes.
Being Too Pushy or Demanding
Avoid phrases that sound demanding or aggressive. Be polite, respectful, and patient. The hiring manager is likely busy, so avoid bombarding them with emails.
Sending a Generic Email: Personalization is Key
Generic emails that could be sent to anyone don’t make a good impression. Tailor your email to the specific job and company. Show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Failing to Update Your Resume or Cover Letter
Before submitting your application, make sure your resume and cover letter are updated and tailored to the specific job. This helps ensure the follow-up is consistent with your application materials.
Best Practices for Email Formatting and Design
Make your email easy to read and visually appealing.
Keep it Concise and Readable
Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and white space to make your email easy to scan. Hiring managers are busy; make it easy for them to quickly understand your message.
Use a Professional Email Address
Ensure you’re using a professional email address (e.g., [your name]@gmail.com) rather than a less formal one (e.g., [funkyusername]@gmail.com).
Mobile Optimization: Responsiveness Matters
Consider that the hiring manager might be reading your email on their phone. Ensure your email is formatted to be easily readable on a mobile device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about following up after application.
What if I don’t know the Hiring Manager’s name?
In this situation, you can use a more general greeting such as “Dear Hiring Team” or “Dear [Department Name] Hiring Manager.” Researching the name is ideal, but don’t stress if you can’t find it.
How long should I wait before sending a second follow-up?
If you don’t receive a response to your first follow-up, wait another 7-10 business days before sending a second, brief email. After that, it’s generally best to assume the position has been filled or that you’re no longer under consideration.
Is it okay to follow up if the job posting is old?
Yes, it’s still appropriate to follow up even if the job posting is a few weeks or even a month or two old. However, tailor your email to acknowledge the time that has passed and reiterate your interest. It shows you’re still interested even if the position has been open for a while.
Should I send the follow-up as a reply to my original application?
Yes, replying to your original application email ensures the hiring manager has the context of your application readily available. It also helps keep your communication thread organized.
What if I receive an automated rejection email?
If you receive an automated rejection email, it’s generally not necessary to follow up. The email usually indicates the company has moved forward with other candidates. However, if the email offers a contact for further inquiries, you can consider a brief, polite email.
Conclusion: Securing Your Next Opportunity
Crafting a compelling follow-up email after application is a crucial step in the job search process. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide – from subject line mastery to personalized content and strategic timing – you can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview and ultimately, landing the job. Remember to be proactive, professional, and persistent, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your career goals. Good luck!