Following up on a job application is a crucial step in demonstrating your continued interest and professionalism. It shows the hiring manager that you are proactive, detail-oriented, and genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity. However, striking the right balance between being assertive and being polite is key. This article provides 21 sample follow-up letters you can adapt to your specific situation, along with tips to help you craft effective and impactful communication.
Before diving into the examples, remember the importance of tailoring each letter to the specific job and company. Generic follow-ups often lack the impact needed to stand out. Research the company culture, understand the role’s responsibilities, and personalize your message to reflect your understanding and enthusiasm. Also, always proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A polished and professional follow-up can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
21 Sample Follow-Up Letters for Job Application Status
Sample 1: The Polite Inquiry (1 week after application)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
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 submitted on [Date]. I am very interested in the opportunity and believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements outlined in the job description.
I am eager to learn more about the role and how my contributions can benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 2: Highlighting Key Skills (1 week after application)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [Date]. I wanted to reiterate my strong interest, particularly given my experience in [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2], which I believe would be valuable assets to your team.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [Quantifiable Achievement related to Key Skills]. I am confident I can bring similar results to [Company Name].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 3: Expressing Enthusiasm and Research (1 week after application)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my continued interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I was particularly impressed by [Company Initiative or Recent News] and believe my passion for [Relevant Field] aligns perfectly with your company’s mission.
I am eager to contribute to [Company Name]’s success and believe my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] would make me a valuable asset.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 4: Post-Interview Thank You and Follow-Up (1 week after interview)
Subject: Thank You and Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team.
Our conversation further solidified my interest in this opportunity, and I am confident that my skills and experience in [Key Skill] and [Key Skill] would be a valuable asset to [Company Name].
I am eager to hear about the next steps in the hiring process. Thank you again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 5: Addressing Specific Points Discussed in the Interview (1 week after interview)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I found our discussion about [Specific Topic Discussed] particularly insightful.
As we discussed, my experience in [Relevant Experience] directly addresses the challenges [Company Name] is facing in [Specific Area]. I am confident I can contribute to finding effective solutions.
I am eager to learn more about the next steps and look forward to the possibility of joining your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 6: Offering Additional Information (1 week after interview)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you again for your time on [Date] discussing the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the team.
Following our conversation, I wanted to share a link to my online portfolio: [Link to Portfolio]. This provides additional examples of my work in [Relevant Area].
Please let me know if you require any further information. I am very interested in this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 7: Inquiring about Timeline (2 weeks after application, if no response)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position, submitted on [Date].
I understand you are likely reviewing many applications. I was hoping you might be able to provide an estimated timeline for the next steps in the hiring process.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 8: Reiterating Qualifications (2 weeks after application, if no response)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to reiterate my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], as demonstrated in my previous role at [Previous Company], align closely with the requirements outlined in the job description.
I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 9: Referencing a Shared Connection (1 week after application, if applicable)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application – Referred by [Name of Connection]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position, submitted on [Date]. [Name of Connection] suggested I reach out to you directly.
I am very interested in this opportunity and believe my experience in [Relevant Area] would be a great fit for [Company Name].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 10: Acknowledging Company Growth/Changes (1 week after application, if applicable)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I understand [Company Name] has recently [Positive Company News – e.g., launched a new product, expanded into a new market]. I am particularly excited about this development and believe my skills in [Relevant Skill] could contribute to its success.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 11: Expressing Continued Interest Even After a Delay (3 weeks after application, if no response)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I understand that hiring timelines can sometimes be extended, and I wanted to reaffirm my enthusiasm for this opportunity.
I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the role. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 12: Offering Flexibility and Availability (1 week after application)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [Date]. I am very interested in the opportunity and would be available to discuss my qualifications at your earliest convenience. I am flexible and can adjust my schedule to accommodate your availability.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 13: Highlighting a Recent Achievement (1 week after application, if applicable)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application – Recent Achievement
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position. Since submitting my application, I have [Describe recent achievement relevant to the role]. This experience further strengthens my ability to [Key skill related to achievement] and contribute to [Company Name]’s goals.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 14: Brief and to the Point (1 week after application)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [Date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 15: Referencing Company Values (1 week after application, if known)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Value]. My own dedication to [Related Personal Value] aligns perfectly with this, and I believe I can contribute to fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 16: Acknowledging Potential Delays Due to High Volume (2 weeks after application, if no response)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [Date]. I understand you are likely receiving a high volume of applications for this role. I remain very interested in the opportunity and wanted to reiterate my key qualifications in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 17: Focusing on Problem-Solving Skills (1 week after application)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I am particularly adept at [Problem-solving skill] and have a proven track record of [Example of successful problem-solving]. I believe this ability would be invaluable in addressing the challenges outlined in the job description.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 18: Expressing Gratitude for the Opportunity to Apply (2 weeks after application, if no response)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position and to express my gratitude for the opportunity to apply. I am very interested in this role and believe my skills and experience make me a strong candidate.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 19: Highlighting Leadership Skills (1 week after application)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] position. As demonstrated in my previous role at [Previous Company], I possess strong leadership skills, including [List 2-3 leadership skills]. I am confident in my ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve success.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 20: The “Closing the Loop” Email (4 weeks + with no response AND you’ve decided to accept another offer)
Subject: [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application – Update
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to respectfully withdraw my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have accepted another opportunity that aligns with my current career goals.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I appreciated learning more about [Company Name] and the team. I wish you the best in your search for a qualified candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 21: The Optimistic but Realistic Follow-Up (3 weeks+ after application, if truly interested AND no word)
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application – Final Inquiry
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am following up one final time regarding my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], submitted on [Date]. I understand that hiring decisions can take time, and I appreciate you being incredibly busy with these matters. However, I will assume that my application is no longer under consideration if I don’t hear from you in the next 7 days (by [Date]). I don’t wish to keep you waiting either.
It’s been an exciting time while I’ve been actively looking for a new role and I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to review my qualifications. I was excited at the possibility of joining the team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Key Takeaways and Best Practices
These sample follow-up letters provide a strong foundation for crafting effective communication during your job search. Remember these key principles:
- Timing is crucial: Follow up within a reasonable timeframe, typically 1 week after applying or interviewing.
- Personalize your message: Tailor each letter to the specific job and company, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
- Be professional and polite: Maintain a respectful and courteous tone throughout your communication.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.
- Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work.
- Show enthusiasm: Express your genuine interest in the opportunity and the company.
- Be concise: Keep your follow-up letters brief and to the point.
- Know When To Move On: Don’t let waiting for one job hold up your search. Sometimes no news is a bad sign.
By following these guidelines and adapting the sample letters to your specific situation, you can significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression and landing an interview. Good luck with your job search!