Writing a Follow Up Letter After Applying demonstrates your continued interest in the position and allows you to highlight your qualifications and suitability for the role. By expressing your enthusiasm and providing additional information, you increase your chances of a positive response. This article provides a step-by-step guide and readily editable examples to help you craft a compelling follow-up letter that stands out from the crowd.
The Art of the Follow-Up Letter: A Guide to Landing That Interview
After sending out your resume and cover letter, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. You’ve put in the effort, crafted the perfect documents, and now you wait for the interview calls to roll in. But what happens when the days turn into weeks and you haven’t heard anything back? It’s time for the follow-up letter.
A follow-up letter is your chance to politely remind the hiring manager or recruiter that you’re still interested in the position and, more importantly, why you’re the best candidate for the job.
1. Timing is Everything:
The key to a successful follow-up letter is timing. You want to give the hiring manager enough time to review your initial application before you reach out. Generally, it’s best to wait about a week to ten days before sending your follow-up letter.
2. Craft a Compelling Subject Line:
Your subject line is the first impression you’ll make with your follow-up letter, so make it count. Keep it short, informative, and attention-grabbing. For example, you could use something like:
– “Following up on my application for the [Position Name] role”
– “Re: Application for [Position Name] – [Your Name]”
– “Continued interest in the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]”
3. Start Strong and Personalize:
Begin your follow-up letter with a friendly greeting and address the hiring manager by name if possible. This adds a personal touch and shows that you’ve done your research.
In the first paragraph, briefly reiterate your interest in the position and thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
4. What’s Changed? Highlight Your Added Value:
Since you first applied, you may have gained new skills, experiences, or certifications that make you an even better fit for the role. This is your chance to highlight these recent accomplishments and how they align with the position’s requirements.
5. Reiterate Your Skills and Qualifications:
While you don’t want to repeat your resume word for word, you should reiterate your most relevant skills and qualifications in a concise and engaging way. Explain why you’re the ideal candidate and how your expertise aligns with the company’s goals.
6. Show Genuine Enthusiasm:
Let your passion for the role and the company shine through in your words. Enthusiasm is infectious, and it can make a big difference in the hiring manager’s decision.
7. Call to Action:
End your letter with a clear call to action. Invite the hiring manager to schedule an interview or suggest next steps in the hiring process. You could say something like:
– “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.”
– “I’m available for an interview at your earliest convenience.”
– “Please let me know if there are any additional documents or information you need from me.”
8. Proofread and Edit:
Before you hit send, proofread your letter carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting. A sloppy follow-up letter can leave a negative impression, so take the time to make sure it’s polished and professional.
9. Send and Follow Up:
Once you’re satisfied with your letter, send it off and keep track of the date and time you sent it. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable time (usually within two weeks), you can consider sending a second follow-up letter or reaching out via email or phone.
Remember, a well-crafted follow-up letter can make all the difference in securing an interview and landing the job you want. So take the time to write a thoughtful and personalized letter that showcases your value and enthusiasm for the position.
7 Interesting Examples of Writing a Follow-up Letter
Thanking the Hiring Manager for Opportunity and Expressing Interest
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope you are well. I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had a wonderful time discussing my qualifications and learning more about the company’s goals and culture.
I appreciate the time and consideration you gave me during the interview process. I believe my skills and expertise would be a valuable asset to your team, and I am confident that I would be able to make significant contributions to the company’s success.
I am genuinely interested in becoming a part of the [Company Name] team. I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the process and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Following Up on a Job Application, Expressing Enthusiasm and Requesting Update
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and wanted to follow up to express my continued enthusiasm for the role. I believe my skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of the position, and I am confident that I would be a great fit for your team.
I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process. Would it be possible to kindly provide an update on my application status or connect with you for a brief discussion about the position?
I am available for a conversation at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Following up with Additional Information or Relevant Documents
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on my recent application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with some additional information that I believe strengthens my candidacy.
I have attached a copy of my updated resume, which includes details of my recent project experiences and achievements. I have also included a sample of my work in the form of a portfolio that showcases my skills and expertise.
I am confident that my additional information demonstrates my fit for the role and my ability to contribute to the company’s success. I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process and would be delighted to discuss my application further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Following Up After a Phone Interview or Meeting, Expressing Gratitude and Reinforcing Interest
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to have a phone interview with you yesterday for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I appreciate the time you took to discuss my qualifications and provide me with more insights into the role and the company.
I enjoyed our conversation and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the position. I am more confident than ever that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the role and that I would be a valuable asset to your team.
I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process and would be delighted to provide any additional information or participate in any further interviews as needed.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Following Up After a Networking Event or Conference, Building Rapport and Exploring Opportunities
Dear [Name],
I hope you are having a wonderful day.
It was a pleasure meeting you at the [Event/Conference Name] last week. I genuinely enjoyed our conversation and found it insightful to learn more about [Topic of Discussion].
I wanted to follow up and connect with you on LinkedIn to stay in touch. I believe we share common interests and professional goals, and I would like to explore potential opportunities for collaboration or referral in the future.
I am particularly interested in learning more about [Company/Industry Name] and the exciting projects you are involved in. If there are any job openings or relevant positions that align with my qualifications, I would be grateful if you could keep me in mind and let me know.
I have attached my resume for your reference. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to discuss potential opportunities further.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to staying connected and exploring future collaborations.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Following Up After a Job Fair, Expressing Interest and Requesting Consideration
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on our conversation at the [Job Fair Name] held on [Date]. I was delighted to meet you and learn more about the exciting opportunities at [Company Name].
I was particularly interested in the [Job Title] position and believe my skills and experiences align perfectly with the requirements. I have been working in the [Industry] industry for the past [Number] years, and I have consistently demonstrated a strong track record of success in [Relevant Job Responsibilities].
I am confident that I would be able to make significant contributions to your team and help drive the company’s success. I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process and would be delighted to provide any additional information or participate in an interview as needed.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Following Up After a Referral, Expressing Gratitude and Reinforcing Qualifications
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope you are having a productive week.
I am writing to follow up on a referral I received from [Name], who highly recommended me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply and would like to express my interest in the role.
I have been working in the [Industry] industry for [Number] years and have a proven track record of success in [Relevant Job Responsibilities]. I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of the position and that I would be a valuable asset to your team.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success and would appreciate the chance to discuss my qualifications and how I can add value to your organization.
I have attached my resume for your review. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Follow Up Tips After Applying
Landing a job interview is often a multi-step process, and sending a follow-up letter after applying for a job is one important step that you shouldn’t skip. This letter provides an opportunity for you to reiterate your interest in the position, demonstrate your continued enthusiasm, and potentially provide additional information that may have been missing from your initial application.
Timing is Key
- Send your follow-up letter within a week of submitting your job application.
- If you don’t hear back within two weeks, you can send a second follow-up letter.
- Avoid sending multiple follow-up letters in a short period of time, as this can come across as pushy or desperate.
Keep it Brief and Relevant
- Your follow-up letter should be brief and to the point, typically around 200-300 words.
- Start by thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
- Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly summarize why you’re the best candidate for the job.
- You can also use this space to address any concerns or objections that the hiring manager may have.
- Close the letter by thanking the hiring manager again and expressing your hope to hear from them soon.
Proofread Carefully
- Make sure your follow-up letter is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Have someone else proofread your letter before you send it to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Use a Professional Format
- Use a professional font and layout for your follow-up letter.
- Include your contact information at the top of the letter, including your name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Address the hiring manager by name, if possible.
- Sign the letter with your handwritten signature, if you’re sending it by mail.
Be Positive and Enthusiastic
- Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic throughout your follow-up letter.
- Demonstrate your continued excitement about the position and your eagerness to learn more about the company.
- Avoid sounding desperate or pushy, as this can turn off the hiring manager.
Offer Additional Information
- If you have any additional information that you think would be relevant to the position, you can include it in your follow-up letter.
- For example, you could mention a recent project that you completed that demonstrates your skills and abilities.
- You could also provide references who can speak to your qualifications.
Follow Up on the Follow Up
- If you don’t hear back from the hiring manager after sending your follow-up letter, you can try following up again after a few weeks.
- You can call the company’s HR department or send another email to the hiring manager.
- Be polite and persistent, but don’t be a nuisance.
FAQs: Writing a Follow Up Letter After Applying
1. How long should I wait before sending a follow-up letter?
Ideally, wait for about one to two weeks before sending a follow-up letter. This provides the hiring manager enough time to review your application and consider your qualifications.
2. What should I include in my follow-up letter?
In your follow-up letter, include a polite reminder of your application, express your continued interest in the position, and reiterate why you are a suitable candidate. Additionally, you can mention any new relevant skills or experiences you may have acquired since your initial application.
3. How should I format my follow-up letter?
Use a formal and professional tone in your follow-up letter. Keep the letter concise and easy to read. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to highlight key points. Proofread carefully for any errors before sending the letter.
4. Should I send a follow-up letter to every job I apply for?
It is not necessary to send a follow-up letter for every job application. Prioritize sending follow-up letters to jobs you are particularly interested in and qualified for. Consider the company’s hiring process and their preferred communication methods.
5. How do I personalize my follow-up letter?
To personalize your follow-up letter, address the hiring manager by name or use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager.” Tailor the letter to the specific job you are applying for by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the position requirements.
6. Can I send a follow-up email instead of a physical letter?
In most cases, sending a follow-up email is acceptable and even preferred by employers. Email is a convenient and efficient way to communicate and can be easily tracked. However, if the job posting specifically requests a physical letter, it is best to comply with the instructions provided.
7. How do I deal with being ghosted by a potential employer?
It can be frustrating to not receive a response to your follow-up letter or application. While it is important to be persistent, avoid sending multiple follow-up letters that may come across as aggressive or desperate. Instead, focus on applying for other job opportunities and continue to improve your skills.
The Key’s in Persistence
That’s a wrap for today’s tips on writing a killer follow-up letter. Remember, it’s all about timing, personalization, and a bit of confidence. Now go forth and let your application shine!
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