After submitting a job application, sending a follow-up email is a proactive strategy to stand out from other applicants. It demonstrates initiative, reinforces your interest in the position, and opens a direct line of communication with the hiring team. A well-constructed email can make a personal connection that a standard application cannot.
Deciding When to Send Your Email
The timing of your follow-up email is a delicate balance. Sending it too soon can appear desperate, while waiting too long might mean you’ve missed your opportunity. The ideal time to send your email is between 24 and 48 hours after you have submitted your application. This period shows your enthusiasm for the role but gives the recruiter enough time to have seen your application. Waiting a week or more is less effective because recruiters often begin screening candidates shortly after a position is posted, and may have already scheduled interviews.
Finding the Recruiter’s Contact Information
Locating the right person to contact is an important step. Before you send your message, you need to identify the recruiter or hiring manager responsible for the position. The job posting itself is the first place you should look, as companies sometimes include the contact person. If the posting doesn’t yield any results, there are other methods:
- Search for the company on LinkedIn and filter its employees by titles like “recruiter,” “talent acquisition,” or the specific department head.
- Check the company’s website, particularly the “About Us” or “Team” pages, which may list key personnel.
- As a final resort, make an educated guess using common email formats, such as firstname.lastname@company.com.
- If you find the right person on LinkedIn but their email isn’t public, sending a concise message directly through the platform is a viable alternative.
Crafting the Perfect Email
A clear and direct subject line is important, as recruiters scan their inboxes for relevant information. Something like, “Following up on [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]” immediately tells them who you are and why you are writing.
Your greeting should be formal and personalized. Address the recruiter by name with a simple “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name].” In the opening sentence, state the specific position you applied for and when you submitted your application. This provides immediate context and helps the recruiter locate your file quickly.
The core of your email is a brief, two-to-three-sentence pitch that connects your qualifications to the role. Review the job description and select one or two requirements that strongly align with your experience, then briefly explain how your skills can benefit the company. This isn’t about repeating your resume but about highlighting your most relevant value. Expressing genuine enthusiasm for the company or the role adds a personal touch.
Your closing should be as professional as the rest of the email. Use a standard closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name. Include your phone number and a link to your LinkedIn profile in your signature to provide the recruiter with easy access to more information.
Email Template and Example
Template:
Subject: Following up on [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]
Dear [Recruiter Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to confirm that you received my application for the [Job Title] position, which I submitted on [Date of Application].
I am particularly excited about this opportunity because of [Company’s Mission, Value, or recent Project]. My experience in [Key Skill] and my accomplishment in [Specific Achievement] align well with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. I am confident I can contribute to your team’s success.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Link to your LinkedIn Profile]
Example:
Subject: Following up on Senior Marketing Analyst Application – Jane Doe
Dear Mr. Smith,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to confirm that you received my application for the Senior Marketing Analyst position, which I submitted on Monday.
I am particularly excited about this opportunity because of Innovate Corp’s commitment to data-driven decision-making. My five years of experience in market trend analysis and my success in increasing lead generation by 15% in my previous role align well with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. I am confident I can contribute to your team’s success.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
(555) 123-4567
linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common errors is sending an email with typos or grammatical mistakes. Proofread your message carefully before hitting send, as these errors can make you appear unprofessional.
Another frequent misstep is being too informal or overly generic. Avoid casual language and ensure your email is tailored to the specific job and company. Refrain from making demands or directly asking for a status update on your application, as the purpose is to express continued interest.
There is no need to attach your resume again unless the job posting specifically requested it. The recruiter will already have it from your initial application.