In fact, some hiring managers say that they prefer not to receive follow up emails at all. They believe that it is an attention-grabbing tactic and takes away from the time they need to select qualified candidates. That said, others say that following up will make you stand out in a good way. [1] X Research source Just remember that it’s possible that dozens of applicants applied for the same position as you did, and that it takes time to sort through applications and find qualified candidates for the next round. You don’t want to seem pushy or impatient by following up too soon. [2] X Research source
You may be able to find the contact information for the hiring manager on the company website or LinkedIn page. Always check the spelling. Nothing can create a negative impression quicker than misspelling someone’s name.
Remember that the hiring manager may be hiring for multiple positions at once, so it’s important to be as specific as possible. You can even put your name in the subject to make it easier for the hiring manager to find your application.
“Dear Mr. Smith” is an appropriate salutation.
You can say something simple like, “Dear Mr. Smith, Last week I applied for the Editor position you advertised through Jobster. I have not yet heard back from Writerly Company regarding this position and would like to confirm that my application was received. "
Try, “My enthusiasm and experience make me a great fit for this position. I have been an editor for a lifestyle magazine for the past 5 years and am excited about the opportunity to take my writing and editing experience to the next level with your company. "
For example, “Please contact me at any time if you have questions about my qualifications or need any additional materials. I look forward to hearing from you and want to thank you for your time. " Sign it “Sincerely, Your Name” with your phone number on the next line.
Try reading your draft out loud to make sure it flows smoothly and makes sense.
Though some people are tempted to follow up over the telephone, you should make sure you’ve been patiently waiting before you consider this move. A phone call may help you stand out as a candidate, but it may also come off as pushy. If you do decide to make a phone call, make sure you sound confident yet respectful, and remind the hiring manager why you’re a good fit.
Try writing something like, “Editor Interview-Thank you. " If the position had a reference or requisition number, then you can add that to the subject line as well.
Don’t just say “Thank you for your time. ” Try saying something like, “Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the editor position with The Writerly Company. I truly appreciate your time and consideration. ”
You could write, “I know there are few companies as innovative as yours in which I could advance my career in the field. ” Or, “I would be honored to work for a company that values their employees as much as yours does. ”
In general, an employer will appreciate an applicant who is reliable, motivated, and has a strong desire to contribute to the company’s success. [13] X Research source Be sure to mention these things.
Say something like, “Please don’t hesitate to contact me via phone or email if you have any additional questions or concerns you would like to address. If you would like to meet in person, please respond with a date and time and I would be happy to clear my schedule. ” Don’t forget to list your phone number at the bottom of the email for easy reference.
Remember, you are still trying to make a good impression so proofreading and editing is crucial. Reading your draft out loud can be helpful in making sure that it flows smoothly and makes sense. This can also give you a sense of whether or not you’ve maintained an enthusiastic, respectful tone.
You don’t want to seem pushy or impatient by following up too soon. It’s possible that they conducted multiple interviews and for various positions, so it could take some time to get everything processed. [19] X Research source
Try something like, “Interview Follow-Up for Editor Position” or “Follow Up on Interview 06/12/2018, Jane Doe. ” If the position had a reference or requisition number, then you can add that to the subject. Try replying to an old email thread. The “Re:” that will display in front of the subject makes it appear as part of a previous communication and they may be more likely to open it sooner. [20] X Research source
It may look something like, “I’m writing regarding the Editor position I interviewed for last Monday. You mentioned that you hoped to make a final decision by the end of the week. I have not yet heard back from you regarding this position so just wanted to check in. I am looking forward to an update. “[22] X Research source
“Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or need any additional information from me. I want to thank you for your time and look forward to hearing back from you soon. " End with “Sincerely, Your Name. ”
Read your draft out loud to make sure it has a polite, professional tone, flows smoothly, and makes sense.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. It can take quite a bit of time for hiring managers to complete interviews and follow up with applicants.
