Landing a job interview is a significant achievement, but the real test lies in the waiting game after the interview. The anticipation of hearing back can be nerve-wracking, especially when you're eagerly awaiting an offer letter. While every company has its own hiring process, a well-crafted email can gently nudge the hiring manager to provide an update on the status of your application.
Crafting a Professional and Polite Email
You might be feeling anxious, but it's crucial to maintain professionalism throughout the process. We'll guide you through crafting an email that is both polite and assertive, showcasing your continued interest in the position.
Subject Line: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position, which I interviewed for on [Date of Interview]. I enjoyed learning more about the role and [Company Name], and I am very excited about the opportunity.
I understand that the hiring process takes time, and I appreciate you taking the time to interview me. I am eager to learn about the next steps in the process and would appreciate any updates you can share.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Follow-Up Email
While the above email serves as a solid starting point, let's delve into key tips for crafting a winning follow-up email:
- Timing is Key: Don't send a follow-up email immediately after the interview. Give the hiring manager a reasonable amount of time to make a decision. A week is a generally accepted timeframe for follow-up.
- Avoid Being Too Pushy: Remember, you are not demanding an offer, but simply inquiring about the progress of the hiring process. A respectful tone will leave a positive impression.
- Show Continued Interest: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the job and company. A brief sentence highlighting what excites you about the opportunity adds to your professional image.
- Proofread Carefully: Carelessly sent emails with typos or grammatical errors can reflect poorly on your professionalism. Always take a moment to proofread before hitting send.
- Tailor the Email: Adapt this email template to reflect the specific details of the job and your conversation during the interview.
Sample Email for When You Haven't Heard Back
Sometimes, despite your follow-up, you might not receive a response. In such situations, you can send a follow-up email after two weeks, reiterating your interest.
Subject Line: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position, which I interviewed for on [Date of Interview]. I am still very interested in this opportunity and would like to check in on the status of my application.
I understand that you may be busy, and I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Email When You've Been Told You're a Top Candidate
If the hiring manager has indicated that you are a top candidate, you can send a more confident follow-up email after a week or two.
Subject Line: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I was excited to hear that I was a top candidate, and I am eager to learn more about the next steps in the process.
I'm confident that I can make a significant contribution to [Company Name], and I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Email When You've Been Told They're Still Interviewing
In some cases, the hiring manager might have informed you that they are still interviewing other candidates. A follow-up email after a couple of weeks acknowledging this can be a good idea.
Subject Line: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I understand that you are still interviewing other candidates, and I am confident that I would be a strong asset to your team.
I remain enthusiastic about this opportunity and am eager to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Email When You Haven't Received an Offer After a Long Time
It's important to stay positive, but if you haven't received an offer after several weeks, you may consider sending a brief email to check on the status.
Subject Line: Following Up - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to inquire about the status of my application for the [Job Title] position. I am still very interested in this opportunity, and I appreciate your time and consideration.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Email When You're Ready to Withdraw Your Application
If you haven't heard back after several weeks, you may choose to withdraw your application.
Subject Line: Withdrawing Application - [Your Name] - [Job Title]
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to withdraw my application for the [Job Title] position.
I appreciate your time and consideration during the interview process. I wish you all the best in your search for the right candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What to Do If You Don't Receive a Response
In some cases, you may not receive a response, even after sending a follow-up email. It's crucial to remain professional throughout the process. Don't be discouraged; it could be due to a backlog of applications or other unforeseen circumstances.
It's important to accept that not every job application will lead to a successful outcome. Remember, there are many other opportunities out there, and this experience can help you hone your job search skills and strengthen your network.
Additional Tips for Success
- Follow Up Through LinkedIn: Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn, if you haven't already. A well-written message expressing your continued interest can also be a valuable follow-up.
- Consider Your Communication Style: Analyze your communication style and tailor the email to match the company culture.
- Don't Overdo It: Avoid sending multiple follow-up emails within a short period, as this can be perceived as pushy.
Conclusion
Navigating the job market requires patience and persistence. A well-crafted email can play a vital role in keeping your application top of mind. By following the tips above, you can effectively follow up on your application and maintain a professional image throughout the process. Remember, even if you don't receive an offer this time, the experience gained through the job search will prepare you for future opportunities.
FAQs
1. How many times should I follow up on a job application?
Typically, two follow-up emails are appropriate – one after a week and one after two weeks. However, it's best to adhere to the hiring manager's specified timeline or any information provided during the interview process.
2. What if the company never replies to my emails?
If you don't receive a response, it's best to move on. While disappointing, it's not personal. Companies can experience delays or other unforeseen circumstances. Continue your job search and focus on opportunities where you are actively engaged.
3. Is it okay to call the hiring manager to follow up?
A phone call might be appropriate depending on the company's culture and the hiring manager's preference. If you feel comfortable, you can try to reach out, but be mindful of timing and the company's communication practices. A call can sometimes expedite the process, but it's crucial to be professional and respectful.
4. What if the hiring manager tells me they're still interviewing other candidates?
If the hiring manager indicates that they are still interviewing other candidates, acknowledge this information and reiterate your interest in the position. Express your confidence in your abilities and emphasize your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
5. Should I mention my salary expectations in my follow-up email?
It's best to avoid mentioning salary expectations in your follow-up email. The focus should be on expressing your continued interest in the job and reinforcing your qualifications. Salary discussions are typically reserved for later stages of the hiring process.