Spencer Lanoue
Ever sent off a job application and felt like it vanished into the void? You're not alone. The waiting game after submitting a job application is a real test of patience. But there's a way to ease that anxiety and make yourself memorable to potential employers. The follow-up email. In this post, we'll walk through crafting a follow-up email that strikes the right balance between eager and patient, ensuring you stay top of mind without being overbearing.
The Right Timing for Your Follow-Up Email
Timing can make or break your follow-up email. Send it too soon, and you might come across as impatient. Wait too long, and you risk being forgotten. So, when is the right time to hit send? Generally, a good rule of thumb is to wait about one to two weeks after submitting your application. This window gives the employer enough time to review applications and potentially start initial interviews.
Of course, if the job listing specifies a timeline for responses, adhere to that schedule. If they mention they'll contact candidates in two weeks, plan to send your follow-up after that period. This shows that you respect their process and are attentive to details.
Here’s a quick example of a follow-up email timeline:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [Date]. I'm very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team with my skills in [Your Skill/Experience].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Crafting a Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing your recipient will see, so it's crucial to make it clear and relevant. A good subject line is concise and directly references the job application. Avoid generic lines like "Following Up" or "Checking In". These don't provide enough context and could easily be overlooked.
Consider these examples for more effective subject lines:
- "Follow-Up on Marketing Manager Application"
- "Checking In: Application for Software Developer Role"
- "Interested in the Sales Associate Position. [Your Name]"
These subject lines are straightforward and remind the hiring manager of the specific role you're pursuing, which helps them quickly identify your email among the many they receive.
Opening Your Email with Confidence
The way you start your email sets the tone for the rest of your message. You want to convey professionalism and genuine interest right from the start. Begin with a polite greeting, using the hiring manager's name if possible. If you don't have a specific contact, a simple "Hi there" or "Hello" will suffice.
Here's an opening line that works well:
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [Date].
This introduction is polite, direct, and quickly establishes the purpose of your email.
Highlighting Your Interest and Fit
After your introduction, it's essential to reiterate your interest in the role and why you're a great fit. This is your chance to remind the employer of your qualifications and enthusiasm. Be specific about what excites you about the position and how your skills align with the company's needs.
For example:
I'm very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team with my skills in [Your Skill/Experience]. I was particularly drawn to this role because [mention a specific aspect of the job or company that interests you].
This section not only reiterates your interest but also personalizes your application, making it more memorable.
Keeping It Concise and Professional
While it's important to express your enthusiasm, it's equally important to keep your email concise. Hiring managers are busy, and a lengthy email could be off-putting. Stick to the essentials. A polite greeting, a reminder of your application, a brief reiteration of your interest and fit, and a thank you.
Here's a complete example of a concise follow-up email:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [Date]. I'm very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to your team with my skills in [Your Skill/Experience]. I was particularly drawn to this role because [mention a specific aspect of the job or company that interests you].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Politely Requesting an Update
It's perfectly okay to ask for an update on your application status. However, it's essential to do so politely and professionally. Asking for an update shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the position. You can phrase it like this:
Could you please provide any updates regarding my application status? I am eager to learn more about any next steps in the hiring process.
This request is courteous and keeps the conversation open without being pushy.
Expressing Gratitude
Always end your follow-up email with a note of gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. This small gesture goes a long way in leaving a positive impression.
Here's how you can incorporate gratitude into your closing:
Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate the time and effort involved in reviewing my application and look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While follow-up emails can boost your chances, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Sending too many follow-ups. Stick to one or two emails. More than that could seem desperate.
- Being too informal. Keep your tone professional even if the company has a casual culture.
- Using generic language. Tailor your email to the specific job and company.
- Neglecting to proofread. Typos and errors can undermine your professionalism.
To help with this, you might consider using tools like Spell to draft and refine your emails, ensuring they're polished and error-free.
Leveraging AI for Efficient Follow-Ups
If crafting the perfect follow-up email feels daunting or time-consuming, you're not alone. This is where AI-powered tools like Spell can be a game-changer. With Spell, you can quickly generate a well-structured draft and refine it using natural language prompts, saving you time and ensuring your message is clear and error-free.
Imagine going from a blank page to a polished email in minutes, without the hassle of formatting issues or writer's block. With AI assistance, you can focus more on personalizing your message and less on the mechanics of writing.
When Not to Send a Follow-Up Email
While follow-ups can be beneficial, there are times when it's best not to send one. If the job listing explicitly states not to follow up, respect this request. Also, if you've already received a rejection notice, it's better to move on and focus on other opportunities unless you've made significant changes or gained new experience that could change the employer's mind.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a thoughtful follow-up email can significantly enhance your job application process. It's a fine balance of persistence and patience, showing your genuine interest in the role while respecting the hiring process. With tools like Spell, you can streamline this task, creating professional and personalized emails in no time. Whether you're following up on an application or refining your job search strategy, a well-crafted email can make all the difference.
