After submitting your job application, it’s common to feel anxious about hearing back from the employer. You’ve spent countless hours preparing resumes and cover letters, and you don’t want your efforts to go down the drain. So, what’s the next best thing to do to increase your chances of landing the job? Follow-up!
Sending a follow-up letter can improve your chances of getting a response from the employer and getting closer to securing the position. In this article, we’ll discuss how to write an effective follow-up letter for a job and provide seven ready samples. But first…
What is a Follow-Up Letter for a Job
A follow-up letter for a job is a professional letter or email sent to the employer after submitting a job application. The main purpose of a follow-up letter is to express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and persistence in pursuing the job.
A well-crafted follow-up letter can set you apart from other candidates and give you an edge. It shows that you’re proactive, confident, and respectful of the employer’s time. When drafting a follow-up letter, keep in mind that your goal is to persuade the employer to consider your application and schedule an interview.
For More: Effective Follow-Up Letter After a Job Interview: 9 Ready Samples
Tips for Writing a Follow-Up Letter for a Job
Before we dive into the samples, here are some tips to consider when writing your Follow-Up Letter for a Job:
- Keep it Professional: Your follow-up letter should be professional and formal in tone, just like your cover letter and resume. Use proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Address the recipient by name and avoid using slang or informal language.
- Highlight Your Qualifications: Use your follow-up letter as an opportunity to reiterate your qualifications and accomplishments. Highlight your skills and experience that make you the best fit for the job. However, don’t repeat what you’ve already mentioned in your application. Be specific and relevant to the job.
- Show Enthusiasm: Express your enthusiasm for the job and the company. Show that you’re excited about the opportunity to work for them and believe that you’ll be a valuable addition to their team. However, don’t sound desperate or pushy. Remember to be respectful and courteous.
- Personalize Your Letter: Avoid creating a generic follow-up letter that you can send to multiple employers. Customize each letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to. Mention the job title and the company’s name, and explain why you’re interested in working for them.
- Follow Up in a Timely Manner: Don’t wait too long to follow up after submitting your application. In general, it’s recommended to send a follow-up letter or email within a week or two of submitting your application. This shows that you’re actively interested in the job and eager to hear back from the employer.
For More: Best Follow-Up Letter after Job Rejection 5 Sample
For a General Position
Dear [Employer Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my recent job application for [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I'm writing to express my continued interest in the position and inquire about the status of my application. I believe that my qualifications and experience would be a great fit for the job, and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of [Company Name]. If you need any additional information or would like to schedule an interview, please let me know. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]
After an Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name], Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I enjoyed hearing more about the role and the company's culture. I wanted to follow up on our conversation and express my continued interest in the position. I believe that my qualifications and experience make me a strong candidate, and I'm excited about the opportunity to work with the talented team at [Company Name]. If you need any additional information or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm available at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]
After an Initial Contact
Dear [Employer Name], I'm writing to follow up on our recent Continue writing conversation regarding the [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about the position and the company. Based on our conversation, I believe that my qualifications and experience make me an excellent fit for the job. I'm excited about the prospect of working with [Company Name] and contributing to its success. I wanted to inquire about the status of my application and see if there are any updates or next steps that I should be aware of. If you need any additional information, please let me know. I appreciate your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]
After Sending a Thank You Note
Dear [Employer Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my recent thank you note for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I remain enthusiastic about the chance to work with such a reputable organization and contribute my skills and experience to the team. If there is any additional information you require from me, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you again for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back. Sincerely, [Your Name]
After an Internal Referral
Dear [Referral Name], I wanted to thank you again for referring me for the [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I had a fantastic conversation with [Employer Name] and appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the company. I wanted to follow up and inquire about the status of my application. Please let me know if there are any next steps or additional information that you require. I'm eager to hear back and continue the conversation. Best regards, [Your Name]
After a Recap of Qualifications
Dear [Employer Name], I'm writing to follow up on my recent job application for the [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I remain enthusiastic about the opportunity to join such a dynamic and innovative team. In case you need a refresher, I'd like to take this opportunity to recap my qualifications. As highlighted in my resume and cover letter, I possess [list your key qualifications], which aligns well with the requirements of the position. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]
After an Application Deadline
Dear [Employer Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my recent job application for the [Position Name] at [Company Name], which was submitted before the deadline. I remain enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and contribute my skills and experience to the team. Please let me know if there are any updates or next steps in the hiring process that I should be aware of. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Key Takeaway
A follow-up letter for a job is an essential tool for increasing your chances of getting a response from the employer and getting one step closer to securing the position. When writing your follow-up letter, keep it professional, concise, and personalized.
Use the samples as a starting point, but make sure to tailor your letter to the specific job and employer. Remember to show enthusiasm and highlight your qualifications. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job!
