When it comes to job applications, sending out a resume and cover letter is just the beginning. Following up with a letter of thanks and interest can make all the difference between getting hired or having your application overlooked. The follow-up letter serves as a reminder of your qualifications, skills, and experience, and it shows your commitment to the job.
Moreover, it provides an opportunity to clarify any issues, ask for feedback and reiterate your interest in the position. In this article, we’ll show you how to write a follow-up letter after job application, and we’ll provide you with five ready-to-use samples.
Why Write a Follow-Up Letter After Job Application
According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, only about 10% of job seekers write a follow-up letter after submitting a job application. That means that if you take the time to write a letter, you’ll stand out from the crowd. Here are some additional reasons why you should consider writing a Follow-Up Letter After Job Application:
- It demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail.
- It shows that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the position.
- It gives you a chance to provide more information or clarify any misunderstanding.
- It helps keep your name and qualifications at the forefront of the recruiter’s mind.
- It may prompt the recruiter to take a closer look at your application or even schedule an interview.
Now that you know why it’s important to write a follow-up letter, let’s move on to the next section on how to write one.
Tips for Writing an Effective Follow-Up Letter After Job Application
A follow-up letter should be concise, professional, and polite. Here are some tips for writing an effective follow-up letter after a job application:
1. Customize the Letter to the Company and Position
Take the time to research the company and the position you applied for. Use the company website, social media profiles, and other online resources to find out more about the company’s values, culture, and goals. Incorporate this information into your letter by mentioning why you’re interested in the company and how you can contribute to their success.
2. Keep It Short and Focused
Your follow-up letter should be no more than one page in length. Keep your writing focused on your qualifications, the position, and your interest in the company. Avoid discussing personal details or irrelevant information.
3. Address the Letter to the Right Person
Make sure you address your letter to the correct person. If you don’t know who to address it to, call the company or check their website for contact information. Avoid using generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”
4. Reiterate Your Qualifications and Interest
Remind the recruiter of your qualifications, skills, and experience, and explain why you’re a good fit for the position. Also, restate your interest in the position and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the company.
For More: Write a Best Employment Follow-Up Letter: 9 Ready Samples
5. Proofread Your Letter
Before sending out your letter, make sure to proofread it for errors and typos. Read it out loud or have someone else read it to check for clarity, grammar, and punctuation.
Keep these tips in mind when writing your follow-up letter, and remember to be respectful and professional throughout.
Ready-to-Use Follow-Up Letter After Job Application Samples
To help you get started, we’ve prepared five follow-up letter samples that you can customize and use. Choose the one that best fits your situation and modify it as needed.
Follow-Up Letter After Job Application After No Response
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to follow up on my job application for the [Position] at [Company]. I submitted my application on [Date], but I haven't heard back from you yet. I'm still very interested in the position, and I'm eager to learn more about it. I'm confident that my skills, experience, and qualifications make me a strong candidate for the role, and I believe I can contribute to the success of your team. If there's any additional information you need from me or if you'd like to schedule an interview, please let me know. I'm available to discuss my application at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Follow-Up Letter After Job Application After a Phone Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on the phone on [Date]. Our conversation about the [Position] at [Company] left me even more excited about the opportunity to work with your team. As we discussed, I have [Number] years of experience in [Field], and I'm confident that my skills and qualifications would make me a valuable addition to your company. I'm impressed by the work that [Company] is doing in the [Industry], and I'm eager to contribute to your mission. I want to thank you again for considering my application and for taking the time to speak with me. Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide or if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Name]
For More: Write a Creative Email Follow-Up Offer Letter: 5 Samples
Follow-Up Letter After Job Application an In-Person Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] at [Company]. It was great to learn more about the company and to meet with members of your team. I'm very interested in the position and I believe that my experience and qualifications make me a strong fit for the role. Furthermore, I appreciate the time you spent discussing the company culture and values; I believe my own values align well with those of [Company]. Please feel free to contact me if there's any additional information you need or if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Follow-Up Letter After Job Application After Rejection
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I wanted to take a moment to thank you for considering my application for the [Position] at [Company]. Although I was disappointed to learn that I was not selected for the role, I appreciate the opportunity to interview and to learn more about your company. I'm still very interested in [Company], and I would like to keep in touch about any future opportunities that may arise. I believe that my qualifications and experience would be a good fit for your organization, and I'm confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your team. Once again, thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to staying in touch. Sincerely, [Your Name]
For More: Write a Best Business Follow-Up Letter Sample 7 Ready Templates
Follow-Up Letter After Job Application After Second Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I wanted to thank you and the [Team/Department] for inviting me back for a second interview for the [Position] at [Company]. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the company and the position and to meet with more members of your team. I'm very excited about the possibility of working with your team and contributing to the success of [Company]. I believe that my skills, experience, and qualifications make me a strong candidate for the role, and I'm confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your organization. Please don't hesitate to contact me if there's any additional information you need or if you have any further questions. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Key Takeaway
Writing a follow-up letter after a job application is a simple but effective way to increase your chances of getting hired. By customizing your letter to the company and position, keeping it focused and concise, addressing it to the right person, reiterating your qualifications and interest, and proofreading it carefully, you can create a professional, polite, and effective letter that demonstrates your commitment and enthusiasm toward the job.
With the five ready-to-use follow-up letter samples provided, you can easily create a letter that fits your situation and makes a lasting impression on the recruiter. Remember to be respectful and professional at all times, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.
