Follow-up emails serve as a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. They help you stay on the hiring manager’s radar while demonstrating your continued interest in the position.
Understanding the Purpose of Job Application Follow-Up Emails
Why Following Up Matters
Following up after submitting a job application shows initiative and genuine interest. Many hiring managers view this extra step as a sign of dedication and professionalism.
When you send a thoughtful follow-up email, you set yourself apart from other candidates who simply submit applications and wait. This small action might make the difference between being forgotten and being called for an interview.
Job seekers who follow up typically experience higher response rates. One study found that candidates who sent follow-up emails within a week of applying increased their chances of getting an interview by nearly 30%.
Following up also gives you a chance to add information you might have forgotten in your initial application.
How Follow-Up Emails Influence the Decision-Making Process
- Hiring managers often review hundreds of applications. A well-timed follow-up email brings your application back to the top of their mind.
- Your follow-up creates another touchpoint in the hiring process. Each positive interaction builds familiarity with your name and credentials.
- Follow-up emails demonstrate communication skills – a quality valued in almost every position. Clear and professional messages show you can communicate effectively.
- The tone of your message influences perception too. A respectful, confident tone leaves a positive impression.
Timing matters greatly. Following up too soon might seem pushy, while waiting too long could mean decisions have already been made. The sweet spot typically falls between 5-7 business days after submitting your application.
Key Components of an Effective Follow-Up Email
Subject Line
You might want to include your name and the job title you applied for. This helps the hiring manager quickly identify your email among dozens of others.
Some effective subject line approaches include:
- “Following Up: [Your Name] – [Position] Application”
- “Thank You for the Interview – [Position] Role”
- “John Smith – Marketing Director Application Follow-Up”
- “Quick Question About the Project Manager Position”
- “Referenced by [Connection’s Name] – Following Up on [Position]”
Avoid vague subjects like “Hello” or “Following Up” without context. These may be overlooked or marked as spam.
A professional subject line shows respect for the hiring manager’s time.
Expressing Enthusiasm for the Position
Express enthusiasm without seeming desperate. Phrases like “I remain very interested” work better than “I really need this job.”
Examples:
- “I’m writing to express my continued interest in the position”
- “I appreciate your consideration and look forward to potentially joining your team”
A balance of friendliness and formality works best. You want to come across as approachable yet businesslike in your communication style.
Your follow-up email provides an opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the role. Specific statements about why you want the position carry more weight than generic enthusiasm.
Example phrases:
- “I’m writing to express my continued interest in the Marketing Specialist position.”
- “After researching your company further, I’m even more excited about the possibility of joining your innovative team.”
- “The project management aspects of this role align perfectly with my experience leading cross-functional teams.”
- “I was particularly impressed by your company’s recent sustainability initiatives.”
- “My background in data analysis would allow me to contribute immediately to your reporting needs.”
- “I’m drawn to your organization’s commitment to customer satisfaction.”
- “The collaborative culture you’ve built is exactly the environment I thrive in.”
- “Your company’s growth in the international market is impressive and exciting.”
- “I appreciate your mission to provide affordable solutions to small businesses.”
- “The opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology is particularly appealing.”
- “I’m enthusiastic about applying my problem-solving skills to help meet your department goals.”
- “Your organization’s community involvement aligns with my personal values.”
- “I’m eager to bring my creative approach to your established brand.”
- “The mentorship opportunities mentioned in the job description particularly stand out to me.”
- “I’m confident my skills in [specific area] would be valuable to your team.”
- “Your company’s approach to innovation resonates with my professional philosophy.”
- “I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your upcoming product launch.”
- “The chance to work with industry leaders like your team is particularly motivating.”
- “I’m drawn to the challenges this position presents.”
- “Your company’s reputation for professional development makes this opportunity especially attractive.”
Initial Application Follow-Up Email Template
This type of email helps candidates confirm their application was received and express continued interest in the position. You might want to send this email 1-2 weeks after submitting your application if you haven’t heard back.
Template for Initial Follow-Up:
Subject: Following Up on [Position] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I applied for the [Position] role at [Company] on [Date] and wanted to confirm you received my application. I remain very interested in this opportunity because [1-2 specific reasons].
My background in [relevant skill/experience] aligns well with what you’re seeking. You can reach me at [phone number] or this email address if you need additional information.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A good initial follow-up briefly mentions:
โข When and where you applied
โข The specific position
โข Your continued interest
Template 2:
Subject: Following Up on [Position Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I submitted my application for the [Position Title] role on [date]. I’m writing to confirm you received my resume and express my continued interest in joining your team.
I’d appreciate any update on the hiring timeline.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
Example phrases you could use:
- “I’m writing to confirm receipt of my application for the [Position] role.”
- “I submitted my application on [date] and wanted to express my continued interest.”
- “I’m eager to learn more about the next steps in your selection process.”
- “Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.”
- “I remain very interested in contributing to your team.”
- “I wanted to check if there’s an estimated timeline for the hiring decision.”
- “My enthusiasm for this opportunity has only increased since applying.”
- “I’m particularly excited about the chance to work on [specific company project/initiative].”
- “Your company’s recent announcement about [news] further confirms my interest.”
- “I noticed your team recently [achievement], which aligns with my background in [skill].”
- “The position seems like an excellent match for my experience in [relevant skill].”
- “After researching more about your company culture, I’m even more excited about this role.”
- “I wanted to highlight my recent completion of [certification/project] relevant to this position.”
- “The job description mentions [responsibility], which matches my experience with [example].”
- “I’m following up to make sure my application materials were received correctly.”
- “I understand you may be reviewing many applications and appreciate your consideration.”
- “Would you be able to share any information about when interviews might begin?”
- “I’m available for an interview at your convenience and can be flexible with scheduling.”
- “Please let me know if you’d like me to provide references or work samples.”
- “I appreciate your time and look forward to potentially discussing this opportunity further.”
Post-Interview Follow-Up Email Template
This email serves as a gentle reminder to the hiring manager after an interview. It keeps the candidate on the employer’s radar while showing professionalism and genuine interest.
Template for Post-Interview Follow-Up:
Subject: Following Up on [Position] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m following up on our interview for the [Position] role on [Date].
You mentioned you would be making a decision by [timeframe they provided]. I’m checking in to see if there are any updates or if you need additional information from me.
Our discussion about [specific topic from interview] further increased my interest in joining your team, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [specific project or company goal].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
The timing matters. You might send this email 1-2 weeks after your interview if you haven’t received feedback as promised.
Key elements to include:
โข Reference to your interview date
โข A specific point from your conversation
โข Reiteration of your interest and fit
โข A polite inquiry about next steps
Template 2:
Subject: Thank You – [Position Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to discuss the [Position Title] role with me yesterday. I enjoyed learning about [specific company initiative or project mentioned].
Our conversation reinforced my enthusiasm for the position. My background in [relevant experience] would allow me to contribute effectively to your team’s goals.
I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
Example phrases you could use:
- “Thank you again for the opportunity to interview on [date].”
- “I appreciated learning more about the team’s goals regarding [specific project].”
- “Our conversation about [topic] reinforced my interest in joining your organization.”
- “Since our meeting, I’ve been reflecting on how my skills in [area] would benefit your team.”
- “I was particularly intrigued by what you shared about [company initiative].”
- “I wanted to follow up about the next steps in your hiring process.”
- “You mentioned you’d be making a decision by [timeframe], and I’m wondering if there’s an update.”
- “I’m still very enthusiastic about this opportunity and what I could contribute to your team.”
- “After our discussion, I feel even more confident that my background in [skill] aligns with your needs.”
- “I wanted to check if you need any additional information to help with your decision.”
- “I remain very interested in this position and am eager to move forward.”
- “Your description of the company culture confirms this would be an excellent fit for me.”
- “I’ve been thinking about the challenge you mentioned regarding [issue] and have some ideas to share.”
- “Has there been any progress in the selection process for this position?”
- “I’m writing to inquire about the status of my application following our interview.”
- “The more I learn about [Company], the more excited I am about potentially joining your team.”
- “I understand you’re likely considering several candidates and appreciate your thoroughness.”
- “If you have any hesitations about my qualifications, I’d welcome the chance to address them.”
- “I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in this role after meeting with you and your team.”
- “Please let me know when you expect to make your hiring decision.”
Crafting a Compelling Call to Action in Your Follow-Up
A good follow-up email needs a strong call to action. This tells the employer what you want them to do next. Your call to action should be clear and specific.
Your call to action should make it easy for the employer to respond.
The tone matters too. Avoid sounding desperate or demanding.
Some effective call to action phrases you might use:
- “I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application further.”
- “I’m available for an interview at your convenience.”
- “Would Tuesday at 2 PM work for a brief phone call?”
- “I look forward to sharing more about my experience in [specific skill].”
- “Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.”
- “I’m eager to learn more about the team I would be joining.”
- “Could we schedule a 15-minute call this week?”
- “I’m particularly interested in discussing how my experience with [skill] aligns with your needs.”
- “I’m free Monday through Wednesday between 1-5 PM for a conversation.”
- “May I follow up again next week if I don’t hear back?”
- “I would value the chance to demonstrate my [specific skill] in person.”
- “Could you share the timeline for the next steps in your hiring process?”
- “I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.”
- “Would it be possible to schedule a brief meeting to discuss the position further?”
- “I can be reached at [phone] any weekday after 3 PM.”
- “I believe my background in [area] would be valuable to your organization.”
- “Please feel free to contact me with any questions about my application.”
- “Could you let me know if you require any references or work samples?”
- “I remain very interested in this opportunity and welcome further discussion.”