Landing your dream job often involves more than just submitting a stellar application. Following up is a crucial step that can set you apart from other candidates. This article provides valuable insights and a Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application to help you navigate this important post-application stage.
Why Sending a Follow Up is a Smart Move
After submitting your resume and cover letter, a well-crafted follow-up message is your second chance to make a positive impression. It demonstrates your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position. The importance of a timely and professional follow-up cannot be overstated; it can significantly influence a hiring manager's perception of your commitment.
A follow-up letter or email serves several key purposes:
- Reiterates your interest in the role.
- Reminds the hiring manager of your qualifications.
- Shows initiative and professionalism.
- Allows you to provide any additional information you might have forgotten.
Consider this breakdown of what makes a follow-up effective:
- Timing: Aim to send your follow-up within 24-48 hours of applying or after an interview.
- Personalization: Always address the hiring manager by name and reference the specific job you applied for.
- Conciseness: Keep your message brief and to the point.
- Professionalism: Maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout.
Here’s a quick look at what to include:
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Salutation | Professional greeting |
| Reiteration of Interest | Confirm your desire for the role |
| Brief Mention of Qualifications | Highlight a key skill or experience |
| Call to Action | Express hope for the next step |
| Closing | Professional sign-off |
Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application After Initial Application
Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my continued strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I applied for on [Date of Application].
Since submitting my application, I have been researching [Company Name]'s recent work in [mention a specific project or area of interest] and am even more impressed by your commitment to [mention a company value or goal]. My skills in [mention a key skill] and experience in [mention a relevant experience] align perfectly with the requirements you outlined for this role.
I am eager to learn more about this opportunity and discuss how my contributions can benefit your team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn profile (optional)]
Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application After an Interview
Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the team and the challenges involved in this role.
Our discussion further solidified my enthusiasm for this opportunity. I was particularly interested in [mention something specific you discussed, e.g., your plans for project X, the team's approach to Y]. I am confident that my [mention a skill or experience relevant to the discussion] would be a valuable asset to your team as you work towards [mention a company goal or project discussed].
I am very excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to your success. Please let me know if there is any further information I can provide. I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the hiring process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn profile (optional)]
Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application When No Response
Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title] Application
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 at [Company Name], which I submitted on [Date of Application].
I understand that you receive many applications, and I wanted to reiterate my sincere interest in this role and in contributing to [Company Name]. I believe my background in [mention a key area] and my proven ability to [mention a relevant achievement] would make me a strong candidate for this position.
I would appreciate any update you can provide on the status of my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn profile (optional)]
Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application with Additional Information
Subject: Following Up & Additional Information - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
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 at [Company Name].
Since my initial application, I wanted to share a recent accomplishment that I believe further strengthens my qualifications for this role. I recently [briefly describe a relevant accomplishment, e.g., successfully led a project that increased efficiency by 15%]. I have also attached an updated resume that includes this information.
I remain very interested in this opportunity and am eager to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn profile (optional)]
Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application After a Career Fair
Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title discussed at Career Fair]
Dear [Recruiter Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at the [Name of Career Fair] yesterday. I enjoyed our conversation about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and your insights into [mention a topic discussed].
Our discussion further confirmed my interest in this role and in [Company Name]'s work. My experience in [mention a relevant skill] and my enthusiasm for [mention a company focus area] align well with the opportunities you described. I have attached my resume for your easy reference.
I am very keen to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process. Thank you for your time and for providing information about this exciting opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn profile (optional)]
Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application After a Networking Event
Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - Connection from [Event Name]
Dear [Contact Person Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at the [Name of Networking Event] on [Date of Event]. I enjoyed our conversation about [mention a topic you discussed, e.g., the current trends in the tech industry, your work at Company Name].
I am particularly interested in [Company Name]'s approach to [mention a specific area] and would love to learn more about any potential opportunities, especially within roles related to [mention your field of interest].
Thank you for your time and insights. I would welcome the chance to connect further and discuss how my skills might be a good fit for your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn profile (optional)]
Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application Requesting Feedback
Subject: Following Up & Feedback Request - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you again for considering me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. While I understand that I was not selected for this role at this time, I would be very grateful if you could provide any brief feedback on my application or interview.
I am always looking for ways to improve my professional development, and your insights would be invaluable as I continue my job search.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application After a Referral
Subject: Following Up - [Your Name] - Referral from [Referrer's Name]
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 at [Company Name]. My colleague, [Referrer's Name], recommended that I reach out regarding this opportunity, as they believed my skills in [mention a skill] and experience in [mention an area] would be a strong asset to your team.
I was very excited to learn about this role and believe my background in [mention a key area] aligns perfectly with the requirements you've outlined. I have attached my resume for your review.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this role further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn profile (optional)]
In conclusion, a Sample Follow Up Letter for Job Application is a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. By strategically and professionally following up, you demonstrate your genuine interest, reinforce your qualifications, and increase your chances of standing out. Remember to tailor each follow-up to the specific situation and always maintain a positive and professional demeanor.