How to Write a Follow-Up Email After Applying for a Job

When you apply for a job, hitting “send” on your application is just the first step. What comes next is equally important: the follow-up email. This simple yet powerful communication can set you apart from other applicants and showcase your enthusiasm and professionalism. In this post, we’ll discuss the essential tips for crafting an effective follow-up email after applying for a job, helping you increase your chances of standing out to potential employers.

Why Send a Follow-Up Email

Sending a follow-up email after applying for a job can significantly benefit your job search efforts. Here are some key reasons why it’s beneficial to follow up:

Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm: A follow-up email shows your continued interest in the position and the company, reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role.
Reiterate Your Qualifications: It provides an opportunity to remind the hiring manager of your skills, experiences, and qualifications, keeping your application fresh in their minds.
Showcase Professionalism: Following up demonstrates your proactive and professional approach to the job application process, highlighting your attention to detail and commitment.

Timing is Key

When sending a follow-up email after applying for a job, timing is important. You want to strike the right balance between being proactive and not coming across as impatient. Ideally, you should send your follow-up email within 1 to 2 weeks after submitting your application. This timeframe shows you are eager and interested in the position without being too pushy.

If the job posting specified a deadline for applications, it’s a good idea to wait a few days after the deadline before following up. This allows the hiring team some time to review applications and shortlist candidates before receiving your follow-up email. Additionally, consider the company’s hiring process and adjust your timing accordingly. For example, if the company has a fast-paced hiring process, you may want to follow up sooner than if they typically take longer to review applications.

Keep in mind that being respectful of the hiring team’s time and process is key to making a positive impression through your follow-up communication.

Crafting the Perfect Subject Line

The subject line of your follow-up email plays a role in whether it gets opened. It is the first thing the hiring manager will see, so it needs to grab their attention and entice them to read the rest of your email. When crafting the subject line, ensure it is clear, concise, and relevant to the job application.

Avoid using generic subject lines like “Follow-Up Email” or “Checking In.”

Instead, personalize the subject line by referencing the job title or your name to make it more recognizable to the recipient.

For example, you could use

Re: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name] or
Following Up on [Job Title] Application – [Your Name].

Another effective strategy is to create a sense of urgency or highlight your enthusiasm in the subject line. Consider adding a specific detail that shows your interest in the position or reference something positive about the company that caught your attention. This can pique the hiring manager’s curiosity and prompt them to open your email.

Here are a few more examples:

Excited to Discuss Sales Specialist Opportunity Further
Eager to Contribute: Following Up on Graphic Designer Role
Inspired by Your Mission: Re: Application for Environmental Scientist Role
Last Chance to Connect: Re: Sales Associate Position
Referred by [Mutual Connection]: Following Up on Project Manager Application

Example Follow-Up Email After Job Application

This follow-up email is concise, professional, and tailored to the specific job and company, making it more likely to capture the hiring manager’s attention and leave a positive impression.

Dear (Hiring Manager’s Name),
I hope this message reaches you in good spirits. My purpose in reaching out today is to follow up on my recent application for the Marketing Specialist position at [Company Name]. I am incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your dynamic team and help drive marketing initiatives forward.

Upon reviewing the job description and researching more about (Company Name), I am even more convinced that my skills and experience align well with the needs of your team. My background in digital marketing strategies, content creation, and campaign management, combined with my passion for (specific industry or company mission), make me confident in my ability to make meaningful contributions to your marketing efforts.

I am particularly drawn to (specific aspect of the company or recent achievement) and am eager to bring my ideas and expertise to the table to support your goals in this area.

Recognizing the high volume of applications you receive, I wanted to ensure you know of my sincere interest in joining your team. At your earliest convenience, I’m available for an interview and would welcome the chance to discuss how my background and skills align with the needs of (Company Name).

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity further.

Warm regards,
(Your name)

Content of the Follow-Up Email

When it comes to the body of your follow-up email after applying for a job, clarity and brevity are key. Start by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to apply and reiterate your interest in the position. Keep the tone professional yet friendly, and avoid coming across as too casual or overly formal.

In the main body of the email, briefly remind the hiring manager of your application and mention any specific details or qualifications that make you a strong fit for the role. You can also use this opportunity to address any additional information or updates that have occurred since you submitted your application, such as relevant achievements or qualifications.

Avoid rehashing your entire resume in the email. Instead, focus on highlighting key points that align with the job requirements and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Conclude the email by thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration, and include a polite call-to-action, such as expressing your eagerness to discuss your application further in an interview.

Showcasing Continued Interest

Demonstrating continued interest in the position is essential when writing a follow-up email after applying for a job. One effective way to showcase your enthusiasm is by mentioning specific reasons why you are excited about the opportunity. Highlight key aspects of the job description or company culture that resonate with you and explain how your skills and experience align with what the organization is looking for in a candidate.

Additionally, consider including a brief anecdote or example that illustrates your passion for the industry or your dedication to pursuing a career in the field. This personal touch can help humanize your application and make you more memorable to the hiring manager.

During the follow-up email, you can also inquire about the next steps in the hiring process or express your willingness to provide any further information or materials that may be needed.

Polishing Your Email

Before hitting the send button on your follow-up email, take the time to review and polish the contents for professionalism and accuracy. Proofread the email carefully to catch any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies that could detract from your message. Consider using a tool like Grammarly to help you identify and correct any language or formatting issues.

In addition to proofreading, pay attention to the overall tone and formatting of the email. Keep the language clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make the email easier to read.

It’s also essential to ensure that your email is appropriately formatted and visually appealing. Use a professional email address, include a clear and descriptive subject line, and use a formal greeting to address the recipient. Close the email with a polite sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and contact information.

Final Thoughts

By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can enhance your follow-up email writing skills and improve your overall job search success.

Now that you have learned how to write a compelling follow-up email after applying for a job, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Review your recent job applications, identify opportunities to send follow-up emails, and start crafting personalized and professional messages to the hiring managers. Remember to be proactive, polite, and enthusiastic in your follow-up communication, as this can make a difference in how your application is perceived. Best of luck in your job search journey!

Sara Duerr

Sara has been in the career development field for over 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share. She covers topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, career planning, and more. You can connect with her on LinkedIn. She has curated our free downloadable resume templates for Word and resume templates for Google Docs.