Resume Follow Up Email Template

Following up after submitting your resume is a crucial step in demonstrating your genuine interest and initiative to a potential employer. It's a chance to reiterate your qualifications, subtly remind them of your application, and potentially address any initial questions they might have. A well-crafted follow-up email can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview, but knowing what to say and how to say it can be tricky. That's where this template comes in handy – it provides a structured and professional framework to help you craft a compelling follow-up that gets results.

This resume follow-up email template is designed to be adaptable to various situations and industries. It provides a solid foundation upon which you can build a personalized message that showcases your unique skills and experiences. We'll guide you through the essential components of a successful follow-up email, including subject line suggestions, key points to reiterate, and a call to action that encourages a response. Remember to tailor the template to reflect your individual voice and the specific role you're applying for, ensuring it sounds authentic and genuine.

Why resume follow up emails are crucial

Resume follow-up emails are a critical component of a successful job application strategy. In today's competitive job market, simply submitting a resume is often not enough to stand out from the crowd. A well-crafted follow-up email can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview by reinforcing your interest in the position and reminding the hiring manager of your qualifications.

One of the primary reasons follow-up emails are essential is that they demonstrate your proactive nature and genuine enthusiasm for the role. They show that you are not passively waiting for a response but actively pursuing the opportunity. This initiative can make a positive impression on the hiring manager, highlighting your commitment and eagerness to contribute to the company.

Furthermore, a follow-up email provides an opportunity to reiterate key skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. You can use this space to subtly reinforce why you are a strong candidate, perhaps by mentioning a recent accomplishment or project that directly relates to the position. This serves as a gentle reminder of your value proposition and helps you stay top-of-mind among other applicants.

Finally, a follow-up email allows you to address any concerns or questions the hiring manager may have. It's a chance to clarify any ambiguities in your resume or cover letter and to showcase your communication skills. Remember to keep the tone professional and concise, and always express your gratitude for their time and consideration.

Subject line strategies for high open rates

Crafting compelling subject lines is crucial for ensuring your resume follow-up emails are actually opened and read. A generic subject line like "Following Up on Resume" is unlikely to stand out in a recruiter's inbox, especially given the volume of applications they receive. The goal is to create subject lines that are both informative and intriguing, prompting the recipient to learn more.

Personalization is key. If possible, reference something specific from your interview or a conversation you had with the hiring manager. This shows that you were engaged and attentive. Using the recruiter's name (if you know it) in the subject line can also increase open rates. However, make sure you're absolutely certain of the spelling and accuracy before doing so. Incorrect personalization can have the opposite effect.

Consider these strategies for optimizing your subject lines:

• Refer to the Specific Role: "Following Up: [Job Title] Application" is slightly better than a generic follow-up.
• Highlight a Key Skill: "[Your Name] - [Job Title] Application - [Relevant Skill]" demonstrates your qualifications upfront.
• Reference a Conversation: "Following Up on [Topic Discussed] - [Your Name]" reminds the hiring manager of your interaction.
• Express Enthusiasm: "Excited About the [Job Title] Opportunity - [Your Name]" conveys your interest.
• Offer Additional Value: "Quick Question Regarding [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]" suggests you have something new to offer or clarify.

A/B testing different subject lines can also be beneficial. If you are sending multiple follow-up emails (which is generally not recommended unless you have a good reason), try varying the subject lines to see which ones perform better. Track your open rates and adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember that brevity is important. Keep your subject lines concise and to the point, ideally under 50 characters, so they are fully visible on mobile devices.

Finally, avoid using overly promotional or clickbait-y language. Subject lines like "Don't Miss Out!" or "Urgent: Resume Inside!" can be perceived as spam and may deter recruiters from opening your email. Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your communication.

Crafting a personalized email body

The email body is where you demonstrate genuine interest and subtly reiterate your qualifications for the role. Avoid simply restating your resume. Instead, highlight specific skills and experiences that directly address the company's needs as outlined in the job description. Show that you've done your research and understand what the company is looking for. A personalized email body significantly increases your chances of standing out from other candidates who send generic follow-up messages.

To effectively personalize your email, start by referencing a specific detail from your interview or conversation. This could be a point of discussion, a project the interviewer mentioned, or a company initiative you admire. This immediately signals that you were engaged and attentive. Then, connect that detail back to your skills and experiences, explaining how you can contribute to the company's success in that specific area. For example, you might say, "I was particularly interested in your discussion about [company initiative]. My experience in [relevant skill/experience] would allow me to contribute to [specific goal of the initiative]."

Furthermore, keep your email concise and focused. Recruiters are busy, so avoid lengthy paragraphs or rambling explanations. Aim for clarity and directness. Use bullet points sparingly if you need to highlight specific achievements or skills, but keep the overall tone conversational and professional. End the email with a clear call to action, such as reiterating your interest in the role and expressing your availability for further discussion. A well-crafted and personalized email body can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.

Key information to include

A compelling follow-up email after submitting your resume demonstrates your continued interest in the position and provides an opportunity to reinforce your qualifications. To make the most of this opportunity, ensure your email includes several key pieces of information that reiterate your suitability for the role and make it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step.

Firstly, clearly state the position you are applying for. This might seem obvious, but hiring managers often juggle multiple roles simultaneously. Remind them of the specific opportunity that piqued your interest. Secondly, briefly reiterate your key qualifications and highlight how they align with the requirements of the job description. Don't simply repeat your resume; instead, choose one or two key skills or experiences that directly address the company's needs and provide a brief, impactful summary.

Thirdly, reiterate your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Express your genuine interest in contributing to their team and achieving their goals. Referencing something specific you learned about the company or the position during your research demonstrates your proactiveness and commitment. Finally, include a clear call to action. Suggest a specific next step, such as scheduling a brief phone call or expressing your availability for an interview. Make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager to move forward in the process. Also, ensure your contact information is readily available (though likely already in your signature).

Resume Example: resume follow up email template

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

Timing: When to send your follow-up

The timing of your follow-up email is crucial. You want to be persistent without being a nuisance. Hitting the sweet spot increases your chances of getting a response and moving forward in the hiring process.

A general guideline is to wait 5-7 business days after submitting your application or after your interview to send a follow-up email. This allows the hiring manager ample time to review applications and conduct initial screenings. Sending it too soon may make you appear impatient, while waiting too long might make you seem less interested.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown to consider:

• After Application Submission: 5-7 business days.
• After an Interview: 2-3 business days (a thank-you note within 24 hours, then a follow-up after 2-3 business days).
• After Connecting with Someone at a Career Fair: Within 24-48 hours.
• If the Job Posting Mentions a Deadline: Follow up a few days after the deadline has passed.

Remember to tailor your timing based on the specific circumstances and company culture. If you have a contact within the company, consider reaching out to them for insights on the typical hiring timeline. Also, make sure to adjust your timing if you are given a specific timeframe by the recruiter or hiring manager during the application or interview process. For example, if they said, "We will be in touch in two weeks," wait until after that two-week period before following up.

Finally, when sending your follow-up, consider the day of the week and time of day. Emails sent mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) in the morning or early afternoon tend to have higher open rates. Avoid sending emails on Mondays, Fridays, or during very early or late hours, as they may get lost in the shuffle.

Professional tone and etiquette

Maintaining a professional tone in your follow-up email is crucial. This communication represents you and your interest in the role, so it must convey professionalism and respect. Avoid overly casual language, slang, or emoticons. Strive for clear, concise, and grammatically correct writing. Proofread your email carefully before sending it to catch any errors.

Show gratitude for the interviewer's time and consideration. Acknowledge their effort and express your appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the position and the company. A simple "Thank you for your time and consideration" goes a long way. This demonstrates respect and courtesy.

Reiterate your interest in the role and company, subtly highlighting your relevant skills and experience. This reinforces your suitability for the position without being overly assertive. Frame your qualifications in the context of how you can contribute to the company's success. You can briefly mention a specific aspect of the interview that resonated with you and how your skills align with that area.

Respect the interviewer's time by keeping your email brief and to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs or unnecessary details. Aim for clarity and conciseness in your message. A well-structured email that is easy to read will be appreciated. Use bullet points if appropriate to highlight key points.

End your email with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Include your contact information in your email signature to make it easy for the interviewer to reach you. This ensures they have all the necessary information to contact you for the next steps.

Resume Example: resume follow up email template

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

Tracking your email and measuring success

Once you've sent your resume follow-up email, it's crucial to track its performance to understand what's working and what isn't. This allows you to refine your approach for future applications and maximize your chances of landing an interview. Tracking doesn't necessarily require expensive software; simple methods can provide valuable insights.

One of the simplest ways to track your emails is through read receipts. While not always reliable (recipients may disable them), they can give you an indication of whether your email was opened. For more robust tracking, consider using free email tracking tools offered by providers like Mailchimp or HubSpot (even with free tiers). These tools can notify you when an email is opened, how many times it's been opened, and sometimes even the recipient's location. These metrics provide immediate feedback on whether your subject line and initial email content are engaging.

Beyond open rates, consider how you'll measure the ultimate success of your follow-up. Are you aiming for a reply, a phone call, or an interview invitation? Keep a record of the emails you send, the dates you sent them, and the responses you receive. This allows you to identify patterns and correlations between your email content and the outcome. For example, you might find that emails personalized with specific details from the job description are more likely to receive a positive response. Continuously analyze your data and adjust your template accordingly to improve your success rate.

Furthermore, don't underestimate the power of A/B testing. Experiment with different subject lines, call-to-actions, or even the overall tone of your email. Send slightly different versions to different recipients (if you are sending out multiple emails) and track which versions perform better. This iterative process of testing and refining is key to optimizing your follow-up strategy and increasing your chances of securing an interview. Remember to only change one variable at a time to accurately assess its impact.

FAQs

Following up after submitting your resume is a crucial step in the job application process. These frequently asked questions will help you understand the best practices and nuances of sending effective follow-up emails.

When is the right time to send a follow-up email? Generally, it's recommended to send a follow-up email approximately 5-7 business days after submitting your application. This shows you're proactive and interested without being overly aggressive. If the job posting specifies a timeline or instructions for follow-up, be sure to adhere to those guidelines. Avoid sending multiple follow-ups in quick succession.

What should I include in my follow-up email? Keep your email concise and professional. Reiterate your interest in the position, briefly highlight your key qualifications that align with the job description, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. You can also mention a specific achievement or skill that makes you a strong candidate. Avoid simply resending your resume; focus on adding value and demonstrating your genuine interest. A strong call to action, like expressing your availability for an interview, is also essential.

What if I don't hear back after my follow-up email? It's possible the hiring manager is still reviewing applications or the position has been filled. While it can be frustrating, try not to take it personally. You can send one final, brief follow-up email a week or two after your initial follow-up, but avoid becoming overly persistent. Focus your energy on applying for other positions and networking within your industry. Remember, persistence is important, but respecting the hiring manager's time is equally crucial.

Closing

Even if this specific role isn't the perfect fit right now, we encourage you to revisit our careers page frequently. We're constantly updating it with new opportunities.

In the meantime, consider refining your resume and tailoring it to the specific requirements of the roles you're interested in. Highlight your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible. We believe that with a few adjustments, you'll be well-positioned to land your dream job.