How to Write a Follow Up Email for a Job with Template

We all know the drill. You apply to 10 jobs just to get 1 response and that response is typically not a good one.

It seems impossible to stand out when there are so many applicants for each job, but there is one easy thing you can do to get noticed a little more often. You can send a personalized follow-up email after applying to a job, especially a job you really want!

If you need help finding a hiring manager's email, check out this article. 

Most people just apply to a job then do nothing but hope they'll receive a response. You're not most people.

Writing a follow up email after applying to a job just may be the thing that helps you stand up and land the job.

Here is exactly how to write a follow-up email for a job after applying so you can turn more applications into interviews.

Step 1: Wait 5-7 days after submitting your application

Hiring managers typically don't start reaching out to applicants right away, so it's good practice to be respectful of their time and not follow-up immediately after applying. You also don't want to wait too long and give them a chance to fill the position before you even reach out.

One week is the sweet spot when it comes to how long to wait before you write a follow-up email after applying to a job. 

Also, don't limit yourself to just one follow-up email. You can follow-up every week for 3 weeks if you don't hear back from them. You risk nothing by putting in that extra effort and are clearly showing your passion and dedication for the role 

Step 2: Be professional and brief in your follow-up email for a job

While there are probably a million things you want to say to convince that company to hire you, less is more in an email. Hiring managers are incredibly busy and don't have time to read a lengthy email.

When you write a follow up email, stick to what's important.

Step 3: Focus on your qualifications for the role

Demonstrate that you've thoroughly read the job description by citing specific job qualifications they are looking for in your email. Show them you're a perfect fit for the role and how you can make their company better.

Your follow-up email after applying to a job should only contain the most important information pertinent to the company and the role.

Sep 4: Include a clear call-to-action

When you write a follow-up email after applying to a job, give it purpose by concluding it with a clear call-to-action. If you want your follow-up email to warrant a response, this step is crucial.

Example CTA's include, "Do you have any questions about my resume?" or "Do you need any additional information regarding my application?"

Step 5: Include your application materials (resume, CV, portfolio)

Make things easy for the hiring manager by attaching all your application materials to your follow-up email. Give them everything they need to decide if you're worth interviewing.

Including your resume, cover letter, and portfolio also allows you to keep your follow-up email short and let your application materials do most of the talking.

Step 6: Proofread your follow-up email for a job carefully!

First impressions do matter and you want to make this one perfect.

Demonstrate your attention to detail by writing a grammatically correct follow-up email after applying to a job.

Also, make sure you spell the name of the person you're addressing correctly. Typing errors and spelling mistakes may seem unimportant, but they're indicative of your work style and attention to detail so make proofreading a priority.

Follow Up Email For Job Template:

Hi [hiring manager name],

I hope your week is off to a great start.

I recently applied for your [position title] position. You must be busy reviewing applicants, but I wanted to reach out to see if you had any updates on your decision timeline.

I'm extremely interested in this role because I believe my experience, specifically [name an experience or skill that's highly relevant to the position], fit the role perfectly and would make me a valuable addition to your team.

For your convenience, I've attached my application materials. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I can be reached at [phone] or [email]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Natalie

Conclusion

Application fatigue is real and going the extra mile to write a follow-up email for a job after each application might be the last thing you feel like doing, but it also may be the thing that gets you the job.

With the follow-up email template we've shared above and the tips we've outlined, you now have all the tools you need to write a follow-up email for a job.

You're one step closer to landing that job. You got this!