A letter of continued interest is a follow-up tool used in the job application process after an interview has been conducted. It serves as a professional touchpoint, allowing a candidate to stay on a hiring manager’s radar during the deliberation period. Sending such a letter is a strategic move to distinguish oneself from other applicants and can reinforce a candidate’s suitability for the role.
Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Continued Interest
The primary goal of sending a letter of continued interest is to reaffirm your strong desire for the position. It moves beyond a simple thank-you note by providing a substantive reason to contact the hiring manager. This communication showcases proactivity and a high level of professionalism, signaling to the employer that you are a serious and engaged candidate.
This letter also serves to differentiate you from a pool of qualified applicants. While others may wait passively, your initiative can make a memorable impression. The intent is not to pressure the hiring manager for a decision but to offer a positive and valuable interaction. By thoughtfully articulating your continued enthusiasm, you provide another data point that speaks to your potential contribution to the company.
When to Send Your Letter
Timing is a factor in the effectiveness of a letter of continued interest. The most appropriate time to send one is one to two weeks after your final interview, but only if the timeline provided by the hiring manager has passed without an update. This window shows patience while being timely enough to influence the decision-making process.
There are specific scenarios where sending a letter is inadvisable. If the interviewer or HR representative stated a no-contact policy during the hiring process, you must respect their instructions. If they provided a firm date for their decision, you should wait until after that date has passed before considering a follow-up.
Sending a letter is also not recommended if the company has formally notified you that you are no longer under consideration for the role. The key is to use the letter for situations where the outcome is still pending and you have a genuine reason to follow up beyond simply asking for a status update.
Key Components of an Effective Letter
A Clear and Professional Subject Line
The subject line of your email needs to be clear and professional, allowing the hiring manager to immediately identify the context. A strong subject line includes the purpose of the email and the specific job title. For example, “Following Up on Interview for [Job Title]” or “Continued Interest in [Job Title] Position” are effective choices.
A Personalized Salutation
Address your letter to the correct individual. Use the name of the person who interviewed you, or the primary hiring manager for the role. A personalized salutation like “Dear Mr. Smith,” or “Dear Ms. Jones,” is standard. Avoid generic greetings such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as this can suggest a lack of effort.
An Opening that Refreshes Their Memory
Begin the body of your letter by reminding the hiring manager of your previous interaction. State the specific position for which you interviewed and the date of the interview. A sentence such as, “I am writing to follow up on my interview on [Date] for the [Job Title] position,” is a direct way to establish context.
A Body Paragraph Reaffirming Your Interest
This paragraph is your opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Connect your interest to specific details you learned during the interview process. For instance, you could mention a particular project, a team dynamic, or a company value that resonated with you.
A Paragraph with a Relevant Update
To make your letter impactful, include a brief and relevant update about your professional development since the interview. This could be the completion of a relevant project, the acquisition of a new certification, or a significant accomplishment in your current role. This new information provides a tangible reason for your follow-up.
A Professional Closing
Conclude your letter with a polite and professional closing. Reiterate your excitement about the possibility of joining their team and express that you look forward to hearing about the next steps. A simple closing such as, “Thank you again for your time and consideration,” followed by a professional sign-off like “Sincerely,” is appropriate.
What to Avoid When Writing Your Letter
When writing your letter, avoid these common mistakes to maintain a professional impression:
- Adopting a tone that sounds desperate or demanding. Phrases like, “I really need this job,” or demanding to know the status of your application can be off-putting to hiring managers. Your letter should convey confident interest, not neediness.
- Rehashing your resume or points already discussed in your interview. Its purpose is to add new value to your candidacy. If the letter only repeats information the hiring manager already has, it becomes a redundant communication that wastes their time.
- Writing a lengthy letter. A multi-page letter is unlikely to be read in its entirety by a busy hiring manager. Aim for a length of about three to four short paragraphs to demonstrate respect for their time.
- Sending multiple follow-up emails. A single, well-crafted letter of continued interest is sufficient. Bombarding the hiring manager with messages can be perceived as pestering and unprofessional.
Next Steps After Sending the Letter
After you have sent your letter of continued interest, be patient. A response is not guaranteed, and the absence of one does not necessarily indicate a negative outcome. Avoid the temptation to send another follow-up to your follow-up message, as this can cross the line from diligent to bothersome.
While you wait, it is wise to continue with your job search. Do not put your search on hold in anticipation of an offer from this one company. Continuing to explore other opportunities keeps your momentum going and ensures you have other options available. This approach also helps manage your own expectations.