Follow Up Email After Resume Template

Crafting a compelling resume is only half the battle in landing your dream job. Following up after submitting your application can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. A well-written follow-up email demonstrates your continued interest, reinforces your qualifications, and provides an opportunity to highlight specific achievements relevant to the role. This template offers a starting point for creating personalized and effective follow-up emails that will set you apart from other candidates and keep your application top-of-mind.

This template is designed to be adaptable and easily customized to fit your unique experience and the specifics of the job you are applying for. We'll guide you through the key elements of a successful follow-up email, including how to reiterate your interest in the position, reference specific qualifications, and express your availability for an interview. By tailoring the template to showcase your personality and relevant skills, you can create a message that feels both professional and authentic.

Remember, a follow-up email isn't just a polite formality; it's a strategic opportunity to reiterate your value and make a lasting impression. Use this template as a framework to craft a compelling message that resonates with the hiring manager and increases your chances of securing an interview. Let's dive in and create a follow-up email that gets results!

Why follow up emails after resume submission are crucial

Following up after submitting a resume is a crucial step in the job application process. It demonstrates your continued interest in the position and the company, setting you apart from other candidates who may have simply submitted their application and waited. A well-crafted follow-up email can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

A follow-up email acts as a gentle reminder to the hiring manager about your application. With potentially hundreds of resumes to sift through, your application might get overlooked. Your follow-up email brings your name back to the top of the pile and reinforces your qualifications. It also allows you to reiterate key skills and experiences relevant to the specific role, further emphasizing why you're a good fit.

Beyond simply reminding the hiring manager, a follow-up email provides an opportunity to showcase your professionalism and initiative. It demonstrates that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the opportunity. This can be particularly important in roles where communication and follow-through are essential skills. Furthermore, it offers a chance to address any potential concerns the hiring manager might have based on your resume.

Think of a follow-up email as an extension of your initial application. It allows you to add context, clarify points, and further personalize your message to the hiring manager. It’s also a chance to subtly highlight achievements or skills that may not have been fully emphasized in your resume due to space constraints. Essentially, it gives you more control over your narrative and allows you to proactively manage the impression you make on the potential employer.

Crafting a compelling subject line

The subject line of your follow-up email is arguably the most crucial part of the entire communication. It's the first (and sometimes only) thing a recruiter or hiring manager sees, and it determines whether your email gets opened or relegated to the digital abyss. A weak or generic subject line can doom your perfectly crafted email to be ignored. Therefore, it’s essential to spend time crafting a subject line that is both informative and engaging.

When creating a subject line, aim for clarity and conciseness. Avoid being too vague (e.g., "Following Up") or overly aggressive (e.g., "Urgent! Interview Request"). Instead, focus on reminding the recipient of your previous communication and highlighting something specific that makes you a memorable candidate. Mentioning the specific role you applied for is always a good practice.

Here are some strategies to consider when crafting your subject line:

• Reference the specific job title: This helps the recruiter quickly identify which role you're referencing.
• Mention your name: Reinforces your personal brand and provides a clear identifier.
• Highlight a unique qualification: Showcase a key skill or accomplishment that directly addresses the job requirements.
• Express enthusiasm: Convey your genuine interest in the position and the company.
• Keep it short and sweet: Aim for a subject line that is easily readable on both desktop and mobile devices (around 50 characters or less is ideal).

Examples of effective subject lines include: "Following Up: [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]", "[Your Name] - Enthusiastic about [Job Title] Opportunity", or "[Your Name] - [Relevant Skill] for [Job Title] Role". Remember to tailor your subject line to the specific company and role to demonstrate your genuine interest and attention to detail. A personalized approach can significantly increase your chances of getting your email opened and read.

Finally, A/B test different subject lines if you are sending multiple follow-up emails to different companies to see which ones get the best open rates. This will help you to optimize your approach and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Personalization and referencing the specific job

While a resume template provides a strong foundation, personalization and referencing the specific job you're applying for are crucial for making your follow-up email stand out. Recruiters often receive numerous applications, and a generic follow-up can feel impersonal and easily overlooked. Tailoring your email demonstrates that you've taken the time to understand the company's needs and how your skills align with the particular role.

Start by carefully reviewing the job description. Identify the key skills, responsibilities, and qualifications they're seeking. Then, in your follow-up email, highlight experiences and accomplishments from your resume that directly address these requirements. For example, instead of simply stating you have "excellent communication skills," you could mention a specific instance where you successfully used your communication skills to resolve a conflict or achieve a project goal, directly relating it to a potential challenge or opportunity within the role.

Furthermore, referencing something specific from the company's website, recent news, or even an interview you may have had can add a significant touch of personalization. Mentioning a project the company is currently working on or a value they emphasize shows you've done your research and are genuinely interested in contributing to their success. This demonstrates a level of engagement that sets you apart from other candidates who may only be sending out generic follow-up emails.

To effectively personalize your follow-up email, consider these points:

• Reiterate your interest: Briefly restate your enthusiasm for the specific role.
• Highlight relevant skills: Focus on 2-3 key skills or experiences that directly match the job description.
• Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Show company knowledge: Mention something specific about the company or its recent activities that resonates with you.
• End with a clear call to action: Reiterate your availability for an interview or further discussion.

By taking the time to personalize your follow-up email and directly referencing the specific job, you'll significantly increase your chances of capturing the recruiter's attention and securing an interview. It demonstrates your genuine interest, relevant skills, and proactive approach – all qualities that employers value.

Briefly reiterate key qualifications

When crafting a follow-up email after submitting a resume, it's crucial to subtly reinforce your key qualifications and remind the hiring manager why you're a strong candidate. This isn't about repeating your resume verbatim, but rather highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the role. The goal is to make it easy for the recipient to connect your qualifications to their needs, increasing the likelihood of securing an interview.

The qualifications you reiterate should be carefully selected to address the core competencies outlined in the job description. Think about the top 3-5 skills or experiences that are most critical for success in the role and focus on those. For example, if the job description emphasizes project management experience, briefly mention a successful project where you demonstrated those skills. Similarly, if communication skills are essential, highlight an instance where you effectively communicated complex information to a diverse audience.

Avoid generic statements and instead provide specific examples that showcase your abilities. Quantifiable achievements are particularly impactful. For instance, instead of saying "improved customer satisfaction," say "improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% in six months." This adds credibility and demonstrates the value you can bring to the organization. Furthermore, use keywords from the job description in a natural and relevant way to ensure your follow-up email passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) effectively and resonates with the hiring manager.

Finally, remember that the follow-up email is also a demonstration of your communication skills and professionalism. Keep the tone confident and enthusiastic, and ensure the email is free of errors in grammar and spelling. A well-crafted follow-up email that subtly reiterates your key qualifications can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

Call to action and expressing continued interest

The concluding paragraph(s) of your follow-up email are crucial for prompting a response and solidifying your interest. Clearly state your desired outcome, whether it's scheduling an interview, having a brief phone call, or simply receiving feedback on your application. Avoid being overly demanding; instead, express your enthusiasm and make it easy for the recipient to respond.

Specifically, propose a next step. For example, you could suggest: "Would you be available for a brief 15-minute call sometime next week to discuss how my skills and experience in [relevant area] align with the requirements of the [job title] role?" or "I'm available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Please let me know if you require any further information from my end." Providing specific options demonstrates your proactive nature and helps streamline the scheduling process.

Finally, reiterate your genuine interest in the position and the company. You can briefly touch upon something that resonated with you during your research or that was mentioned in the job description. For example: "I was particularly impressed by [company initiative] and believe my skills in [related area] could contribute significantly to its continued success." A brief, sincere statement reinforces your enthusiasm and leaves a positive final impression.

Consider these points when crafting your call to action:

• **Be clear and concise:** Avoid ambiguity in your request.
• **Be respectful of their time:** Acknowledge their busy schedule.
• **Offer flexibility:** Show that you're willing to work around their availability.
• **Reiterate your value:** Briefly remind them of your key qualifications.
• **End on a positive note:** Express your excitement about the opportunity.

By concluding your follow-up email with a strong call to action and a sincere expression of continued interest, you significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Maintaining a professional tone

Maintaining a professional tone in your follow-up email is crucial for making a positive impression. Your email should convey respect, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in the opportunity. Avoid overly casual language, slang, or emoticons. Remember that you are communicating with a potential employer, and your email represents your professionalism and communication skills.

Here are some key considerations for achieving a professional tone:

• Use proper grammar and spelling: Proofread your email carefully to eliminate any errors. Grammatical mistakes and typos can detract from your credibility.
• Address the recipient appropriately: Use a formal salutation, such as "Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last Name]" unless you have been instructed otherwise. If you are unsure of the recipient's name, you can use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department Name] Team."
• Be concise and to the point: Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so keep your email brief and focused on your key message. Avoid rambling or including irrelevant information.
• Express gratitude: Thank the recipient for their time and consideration. This shows appreciation and reinforces your positive attitude.
• End with a professional closing: Use a formal closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name.

By consistently maintaining a professional tone, you demonstrate your maturity, attention to detail, and respect for the hiring process. This will increase the likelihood of the recruiter or hiring manager taking your follow-up email seriously and considering your candidacy.

Resume Example: follow up email after resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to follow up email after resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Timing and frequency of follow-up emails

The timing and frequency of your follow-up emails after submitting a resume are crucial factors in determining whether you'll land an interview. While persistence is valuable, overdoing it can come across as pushy or annoying, ultimately hurting your chances. A well-thought-out strategy balances demonstrating your genuine interest with respecting the recruiter's time.

A general guideline is to wait approximately 5-7 business days after submitting your application before sending your first follow-up email. This allows the hiring manager sufficient time to review applications. In this email, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, briefly highlight your key qualifications that align with the job description, and politely inquire about the status of your application. Avoid simply asking "Did you get my resume?" Instead, frame it as an offer to provide additional information or clarify any questions they might have.

If you don't receive a response after your first follow-up, consider sending a second one, perhaps 7-10 business days later. In this email, you can reiterate your value proposition and potentially include a relevant accomplishment or project that showcases your skills. However, this should be the final follow-up unless you have new and relevant information to share or a specific reason to re-engage (e.g., you met a company representative at a career fair).

Here's a recommended timeline:

• Initial Application: Submit your resume and cover letter.
• First Follow-up: 5-7 business days after application submission.
• Second Follow-up (If no response to first): 7-10 business days after the first follow-up.

Remember to always tailor your follow-up emails to the specific role and company, maintaining a professional and respectful tone. Research the company's culture and industry to gauge the appropriate level of formality. A personalized, well-timed follow-up can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing the job.

FAQs

Following up after submitting your resume is crucial, but questions often arise about the best approach. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate this process effectively and increase your chances of landing an interview.

When is the best time to send a follow-up email? Ideally, send your follow-up email 5-7 business days after submitting your application. This allows the hiring manager enough time to review applications but keeps you fresh in their mind. Avoid following up too soon, as it might seem pushy, and waiting too long could make you appear less interested or be forgotten. If the job posting specifies a timeframe for response, adhere to that guideline. If you interviewed, follow up within 24-48 hours after the interview.

What should I include in my follow-up email? Keep it concise and professional. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly highlight your most relevant qualifications and how they align with the company's needs. Refer to specific requirements mentioned in the job description and showcase how you meet or exceed them. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. A strong subject line, such as "Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]" is essential for getting your email noticed.

How many times should I follow up? A maximum of two follow-up emails is generally recommended. If you haven't heard back after the first follow-up (5-7 days after submission), send a second follow-up approximately 1-2 weeks later. After the second follow-up, it's best to respect their decision and move on. Continuing to follow up beyond this point could be perceived as excessive and negatively impact your chances. Focus your energy on other opportunities.

What if I don't have the hiring manager's email address? If the hiring manager's email isn't publicly available, try finding the recruiter's contact information or contacting the company's HR department. You can also use LinkedIn to try and connect with the hiring manager or other relevant employees. As a last resort, you can make an educated guess about their email format (e.g., [email protected]) and send your email accordingly. However, always prioritize finding a direct contact whenever possible.

Sharpen Your Edge

We hope this template has provided a solid foundation for crafting a compelling resume. Remember that a great resume is constantly evolving. Tailor your document to each specific job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.

Don't hesitate to revisit our site for more resume templates, expert advice, and career resources. We're here to support you every step of the way in your job search journey. Best of luck!