Strategies to follow up on a job application: Email templates and tips

Landing your next great opportunity often involves more than just submitting your cover letter and resumé. One key step that many job seekers overlook is the art of follow-up. You have sent out your carefully crafted application tailored to the job description, so now the waiting game begins. But during this period, the proactive step of following up can turn the odds in your favor. After all, in a competitive job market, every extra effort counts. 

A job application follow-up shows eagerness and sets you apart from other candidates. It is a chance to reiterate your genuine interest in the position and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. 

We explore the significance of a job application follow up and why it matters so much. Our goal here is simple – to arm you with practical strategies on how to write a follow-up email after submitting your job application. We have crafted email templates and gathered valuable tips to empower you in your job search. 

Here is what we will cover:

• Why it's important to follow up on a job application
• How to write a follow-up email after submitting a job application
• Tips for writing a follow-up email
• Follow-up email examples
• Conclusion
• FAQs 

Why is it important to follow up on a job application 

Checking with the company after you apply to a job ad shows your continued interest in the position and your desire and enthusiasm to work for the company. Following up can also remind the hiring manager about your application and ensure it is not forgotten. 

A good rule is to check a week or two after submitting your application. That should be enough time for the hiring manager to review all the job applications. When you check, you should be polite and respectful but also demonstrate your interest in the job. 

How to write a follow-up email after submitting a job application 

When you write a follow up email, remember to keep it short and to the point. This not only shows you respect the recipient's time but also makes it more likely for them to reply quickly. 

Here are some things to consider:

• Use polite language: Maintain a polite and formal tone in your email message. If you know the hiring manager's name, addressing them directly by their name is a good idea.
• Use a clear subject line: Compose a concise subject line that indicates the email's purpose and is easily understood when it appears in the hiring manager's inbox. For instance, use a subject line like "Checking on My Job Application – [Your Name]."
• Greet the person: Start your email with a polite greeting like “Dear [hiring manager's name].”
• Remind the company of your qualifications: Mention the position title you applied for and a few things that make you a strong candidate for the job.
• Reiterate your interest: Tell them that you are still interested in the job and would like to know more about what is happening with your application.
• Ask about the decision timeline: Asking when you can expect to hear back about your job application might be helpful, too.
• Express gratitude: Remember to thank them for their time and attention.
• Give your contact details: Include your phone number and direct email address so they can contact you.
• End your email: End your email with a polite closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
• Check your email: Before you send your follow-up email, proofread carefully. Ensure the email message is easy to understand and without any grammatical errors. 

Tips for writing a follow-up email 

Remember, a good follow-up email is polite, and professional, and shows your continued interest in the job. If you have applied for a job and want to write an email to follow up, here are some helpful tips:

• Show your interest: Let the hiring manager know you're still keen on the job and the company. You can also explain why this specific job opportunity interests you.
• Share your achievements: If you have done anything relevant to the job since you applied or developed specific skills, tell the hiring manager about it in your email. This can help show that you are a good fit for the job.
• Be professional: Use formal language and avoid any slang or abbreviations.
• Make it personal: If your interactions with the company during the application process have been positive, mention them in your email. This can help remind the hiring manager who you are.
• Check for errors: Before sending your email, ensure you haven't made any spelling or grammatical mistakes. You can read your email out loud or ask someone to check it for you.
• Be polite: Be polite and professional in your email, and thank the hiring manager for considering your application.
• Use a professional email address: Make sure your email address is professional and appropriate. Don't use a personal or unprofessional email address when applying for a job.

Follow-up email examples 

A personal and genuine-sounding email can leave a positive impression on hiring managers. Given below are an email template and two follow-up email examples. 

The template serves as a general framework or guideline for crafting a follow-up email after submitting a job application. It outlines the key components and structure that should be included in such an email. The examples provide concrete illustrations of how the template can be applied in different contexts. You can use them to customize and personalize them to fit your specific situations. 

Follow up email template 

Subject: Following up on Job Application – [Your name] 

Dear [hiring manager's full name], 

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to check on the job application I submitted on [date] for the [job title] position at [company name]. 

I am still very keen on this job and would love to join your team and contribute to the success of [company name]. With my [mention key qualifications/experiences], I would be a valuable asset to your company. 

You are probably reviewing many applications, so I would like to ask if you need further information or documents to support my application. Could you please let me know the status of my application and the expected timeline for the next steps in the company's hiring process? 

Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sincerely, 

[Your name] 

Email: [Your email address] 

Phone: [Your phone number] 

Follow-up email example 1 

Subject: Following up on Job Application – Juan dela Cruz 

Dear Ms. Maria Santos, 

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on the job application I submitted on February 15, 2024, for the Senior Marketing Manager position at ABC Marketing Solutions. 

I remain enthusiastic about the opportunity to join ABC Marketing Solutions and contribute to its continued success. With over five years of experience in marketing strategy development and campaign management, I believe my skills and expertise align well with the requirements of the role. 

Considering the volume of applications you receive, I wanted to inquire if there is any additional information or documentation I can provide to support my candidacy. Additionally, could you please update me on the status of my application and suggest a convenient time for a follow-up discussion or interview? 

Thank you for considering my application and for your time in reviewing it. I eagerly await your response. 

Sincerely, 

Juan dela Cruz 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: +6391234567899 

Follow-up email example 2 

Subject: Following up on Job Application – Miguel Rodriguez 

Dear Ms. Sofia Gonzales, 

I trust this email finds you well. I am reaching out to inquire about the status of my application for the Customer Success Manager position at XYZ Solutions, which I submitted on February 18, 2024. 

I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to XYZ Solutions' mission of providing exceptional customer experiences. With my background in customer relationship management and my passion for ensuring client satisfaction, I am confident in my ability to excel in this role. 

Given the busy nature of your responsibilities, I wanted to ask if there is any further information I can provide to support my application. Additionally, could you please provide an update on the status of my application and suggest a convenient time for us to discuss my candidacy further? 

Thank you for considering my application and for your time. I look forward to the possibility of joining the XYZ Solutions team and contributing to its success. 

Warm regards, 

Miguel Rodriguez 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: +6399876543210 

Conclusion 

Taking the time to follow up after submitting a job application is perfectly acceptable. It shows continued interest, helps you stand out from other candidates, and shows your dedication and initiative. Following up also shows that you're enthusiastic and proactive, which increases your chances of a response and potentially getting the job. So, don't be afraid to apply these tips and stand out in the job application process. Stay positive and good luck! 

FAQs 

1. When is the best time to send a follow-up email? 
   ⁠It is usually best to wait one to two weeks after applying for a job before sending a follow-up email. This gives the person in charge enough time for reviewing applications. Waiting one to two weeks shows that you are patient and respectful of their process while also expressing interest in learning about your application status. 
2. Should I follow up if the job posting doesn't specify a deadline? 
   ⁠It is a good idea to check if a job posting mentions a deadline. Even if there is no timeline, following up could still be helpful. This is because the hiring process can take time. Sending a follow-up email one or two weeks after applying shows that you have a genuine interest in the position. You could also tell the hiring manager more about your skills and excitement about the job.
3. How long should I wait for a response after sending a follow-up email? 
   ⁠Generally, one to two weeks is a good time to wait before following up again. This time frame gives the hiring manager enough time to review all applications, conduct a job interview with each of the selected people, and then make a final decision.