Finding the right job can be a long and arduous process. But once you’ve submitted your application, the job search isn’t over yet. Following up on job applications is an important part of the job search process. It’s a great way to stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on employers. Here’s how to do it right.
- Include Links to Your Work
- Be Polite and Professional
- Personalize Your Message
- Follow Up Promptly
- Check Your Spelling and Grammar
- Be Patient
- Follow Up Again
- Keep It Short
1. Include Links to Your Work
- Demonstrate your skills with work samples. Including links to your online portfolio or other relevant work samples in your follow-up email is an excellent way to show employers what you’re capable of. Employers are often impressed when candidates take the initiative to include samples of their work. It not only helps to showcase your skills, but it also demonstrates proactivity and enthusiasm for the job. Additionally, make sure that any works you include in your follow-up email are relevant to the job you’re applying to. This will help to demonstrate that you are a great fit for the position.
- Include an elevator pitch. Your follow-up email is a great opportunity to provide an elevator pitch about yourself and your qualifications. Summarize your strongest qualifications in two or three sentences in order to emphasize why you are the perfect candidate for the job. For example, you may mention your experience in the industry, the successes you have achieved, or any awards you have received. By providing a summary of your skills and achievements, you can make yourself stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on employers.
- Provide a link to your LinkedIn profile. If you have a LinkedIn profile, be sure to include a link in your follow-up email. Your LinkedIn profile is a great way to show employers your professional background and experience. Additionally, it’s a great way to demonstrate that you are serious about your job search and are actively looking for a position. Including a link to your profile in your follow-up email will help employers get a better sense of who you are and why you would be a great fit for the job.
- Share any relevant press. If you have been featured in any press or industry publications, be sure to include a link to it in your follow-up email. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and accomplishments in the industry. Additionally, it is a great way to show that you are well-connected and have a network of contacts who can vouch for your skills and qualifications. Including links to press coverage is a great way to show employers that you are a top candidate for the job.
2. Be Polite and Professional
It’s important to be polite and professional when following up on your job applications. Not only will it help you make a good impression on employers, but it also shows that you take the job search process seriously.
When sending a follow-up email, make sure to use language that is both polite and professional. Avoid slang and informal language; instead, use a formal tone that is respectful and courteous. Address the employer by their name, and avoid being too familiar.
In addition, be sure to use proper grammar and spelling. It is important to show employers that you have the communication skills necessary for the job. Double-check your emails before sending them to ensure that they are error-free.
Moreover, avoid making demands or being overly persistent in your follow-up emails. Show respect and courtesy, and don’t pressure employers for a response. Even if they don’t respond, you should remain polite and professional.
By being polite and professional in your job search follow-up emails, you can demonstrate to employers that you are a serious job candidate. You will leave a lasting impression on employers, and you may even increase your chances of landing the job.
3. Personalize Your Message
When following up on your application, it’s important to make sure you personalize your message. Employers will be more likely to take notice of a follow-up email that is tailored specifically to them and their job posting. Address the employer by name and mention details about the job that you are applying for. This could include referring to the job title, the skills you believe make you a good fit, and why you are passionate about joining their organization.
Taking the time to craft a personalized message will show that you have an interest in the job and that you are willing to go the extra mile to make a lasting impression. You can also use this opportunity to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that you may have left out in your initial application. This is a great way to stand out from other applicants and draw attention to the aspects of your candidacy that make you a great fit for the job.
By personalizing your message, you can show the employer that you are passionate about the opportunity and that you are taking the time to make a thoughtful and meaningful follow-up. It is also important to make sure that you keep your message short and to the point. Employers are busy and may not have enough time to read a lengthy follow-up email. Try to keep your message to a few sentences, and highlight the most important aspects of your candidacy.
Overall, the goal of your follow-up message should be to leave a lasting impression on the employer. By taking the time to personalize your message and highlight relevant skills and experiences, you can do just that. Doing so will help you to stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.
4. Follow Up Promptly
One key aspect of successful follow-up is promptness. It’s important to make sure you don’t wait too long to reach out to employers. Sending a follow-up email within one or two days of submitting your application shows employers that you’re serious about the job and eager to hear back from them. Additionally, it demonstrates that you’re keen to keep the conversation going and that you value their time.
When sending a follow-up email, make sure to be polite and to thank the employer for considering your application. Reiterating your interest in the role and providing any additional information that you think may be relevant is also important. This could include anything from a link to your portfolio to a recent article you wrote that relates to the job. By providing additional information, you demonstrate that you’re engaged with the job and that you have unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to offer.
If you don’t hear back from the employer within a few days, it’s also a good idea to reach out and ask for an update. This shows that you’re proactive and provides an opportunity to remind the employer of your interest in the role.
Finally, don’t forget that the follow-up process is an ongoing one. Even if you don’t hear back right away, or don’t get the job in the end, it’s important to stay in touch with employers. This could mean sending a quick email to say thank you for considering your application, or following up with any other updates or changes to your skills and experiences. Doing so ensures that you leave a lasting impression and that you’re top of mind for future opportunities.
By following up promptly and making sure to stay in touch, you can create a strong impression with employers and stand out from the crowd. Ultimately, it’s an important part of the job search process and should not be overlooked.
5. Check Your Spelling and Grammar
Proofreading is an essential part of the job search follow-up process. Your follow-up email is an opportunity to demonstrate your attention to detail, so it’s important to make sure all of the text is clean and free of errors. Before you hit ‘send’, take the time to double check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to quickly spot any typos or confusing syntax. Utilize tools like spell check and grammar check to ensure your message is polished and professional. After all, your follow-up communication should be an extension of your resume—so if your resume is mistake-free, make sure the same is true for your follow-up email.
One way to help avoid making typos is to write your email in a simple, easy-to-read format. Keep your sentences short and concise, and make sure the message is clear and easy to understand. If you’re including a more lengthy message, break it down into bullet points or numbered lists to make it easier to digest for the reader.
It’s also important to keep the tone of your follow-up message professional and polite. Use a friendly yet professional salutation, and be sure to let the hiring manager know why you’re the best fit for the job. Since you’ve already taken the time to proofread your email, you can be sure that the impression you’re leaving is a positive one.
The job search process can be stressful and time consuming, but taking the time to check your spelling and grammar in your follow-up emails will help to ensure that your hard work pays off. Make sure to proofread your emails carefully and double check for any errors before you hit ‘send’. After all, leaving a lasting impression on employers is the goal of job search follow-up—and taking the extra time to proofread your email is a great way to do that.
6. Be Patient
When following up on job applications, being patient is key. While it may be tempting to send multiple emails to employers asking for feedback, this could backfire and make you seem desperate. You want to leave recruiters with a positive impression, so it’s important to be mindful of your approach. Instead of sending multiple emails right away, give employers time to review your application and respond in their own time.
If you don’t hear back from an employer after a few weeks, it’s ok to follow up with a polite email. A good way to show employers that you are serious about the job is by writing a personalized message that shows you have researched the company and have considered how your skills and experience can be valuable to them. A little bit of effort can go a long way in making a good impression.
One way of staying patient during the job search process is to keep a list of all the positions you applied for. This will help you keep track of the companies you have contacted and when you last followed up with them. This will save you from having to guess when to follow up, or send multiple emails at once.
It’s also important to remember that it takes time for employers to review applications and make decisions. With the sheer number of applications they receive for each role, recruiters may take weeks or even months to respond. Don’t lose hope if you don’t hear back quickly.
Finding the right job can be a long and drawn out process, but it’s important to be patient and stay positive throughout. Following up on job applications is a great way to stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on employers. Being patient and taking the time to craft personalized messages are important pieces of the job search puzzle. With the right approach, you can set yourself up for success.
7. Follow Up Again
Following up again after a job application can be a difficult decision to make. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable amount of time, it’s okay to reach out and check in. However, it’s important to remember to give the employer some space and time to respond. Sending too many emails too soon can make you appear pushy and desperate, leaving a bad impression.
If you do decide to follow up, make sure to re-introduce yourself and briefly explain why you’re following up. Don’t simply send a copy-paste of your previous email, as this can make you appear uninterested and lazy. Show the employer that you’re engaged by adding an additional point or two that you may have forgotten to mention in your initial application.
It’s also a great idea to include any recent updates about yourself or your career progress. Perhaps you’ve achieved a certification recently, or have been selected for an award. This is an excellent way to keep the employer updated about your progress and make them aware of your achievements. Additionally, it’s a great way to show the employer your enthusiasm and commitment to the job.
Following up on a job application is a great way to make yourself stand out from the crowd. If done the right way, it can be an excellent way to leave a lasting impression on employers and increase your chances of getting the job. By being mindful, creative and adding a personal touch, you can make sure that your follow-up emails are effective and impactful.
8. Keep It Short
When it comes to leaving a lasting impression on potential employers, it’s important to keep your job search follow-up emails short and to the point. It’s easy to get carried away when writing an email, but lengthy emails can often be hard for employers to read and will lead to a swift delete. Make sure your email is concise and gets straight to the point, avoiding superfluous words and phrases.
Start your email off with a short introduction, such as a quick thank you for the opportunity to apply and a reminder of the job you applied for. This will help to jog the employer’s memory and make sure they know who you are. Then, briefly explain why you are the perfect fit for the job and provide a few relevant examples. You don’t need to write an entire essay, but make sure your points are clear and concise.
Finally, end your email with a call to action. Ask the employer for an update on the status of your job application or offer to provide additional information if needed. This will show that you are actively engaged in the process and that you are eager to hear back from them.
By keeping your job search follow-up emails short and to the point, you can make sure that you leave a lasting impression on employers. Make sure your email is direct and relevant, and that it includes a call to action that will prompt the employer to respond. That way, you can stay top of mind and increase your chances of landing the job.
