Introduction:
Following Up on Your Job Application When seeking a job, it is essential to demonstrate your sincere interest in the position and maintain communication with the company before the first job interview.
After sending your resume, it becomes crucial for the employer to take notice of it among the numerous applications they receive.
Importance of Following Up: Resume Thank-You Letters
This article emphasizes the significance of following up after sending resumes and provides samples of thank-you letters (follow-up letters after sending a resume) to help you make an impression.
Waiting for the employer to contact you can be frustrating, so taking the initiative to follow up can ensure that your application is acknowledged.
Mastering the Follow-Up Process
Contacting the Employer:
Email or Phone Call? If you haven’t heard back from the employer within a reasonable timeframe, it’s important to act.
You have two options:
- Send a follow-up letter after sending your resume (a resume thank-you letter)
- Make a phone call to inquire about the status of your application.
Reasons to Send a Follow-Up Letter
There are two primary reasons to send a follow-up letter:
- If the employer hasn’t read your resume yet, a resume thank-you letter might catch their attention.
- If the employer has seen your application but hasn’t decided, a resume thank-you letter can prompt them to take a closer look.
Tips for Writing a Follow-Up Letter: Thank-You Letter Guidelines
When sending a thank-you letter after submitting a resume, it is important to wait for at least five working days to allow the employer and interviewer enough time to review resumes and schedule interviews.
Here are some points to consider when composing your letter:
- Include your details: Provide your full name, the position you applied for, and the date of resume submission.
- Keep it brief: Ensure that your resume thank-you letter is concise, conveying your points effectively with as few words as possible.
- Attach your resume: Make it easy for the recipient to access your resume.
- Recap your skills briefly: Briefly summarize your experience and qualifications, reminding the employer of your suitability for the position.
- Express gratitude: Thank the employer for reviewing your resume and considering your appreciation for the opportunity to work for their company.
- Show interest: Convey your enthusiasm for the position and the chance to contribute to the company’s success.
- Customize your letter: If applicable, express gratitude for the person who forwarded your resume if you are aware of their involvement.
4 Effective Follow-Up Strategies for Job Applicants
- Timing Matters: As an applicant, it is crucial to understand the ideal timing for sending a follow-up letter after submitting your resume.
It is generally recommended to wait for about one to two weeks before reaching out to the employer. This timeframe allows them enough time to review applications and make initial selections.
- Personalized Approach: When crafting your follow-up letter, remember to customize it to reflect the specific job and company you applied to.
Take the opportunity to reference specific details from your resume or the job posting that highlight your qualifications and interest in the position. Tailoring your follow-up letter demonstrates your attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm.
- Professional Tone: Maintaining a professional tone throughout your follow-up communication is vital. Avoid using overly casual or desperate language that might give the wrong impression to potential employers.
Keep your language formal and respectful, showcasing your professionalism and respect for the hiring process.
- Persistence without Annoyance: While it’s important to follow up, it’s equally crucial to strike a balance and avoid becoming a nuisance to the employer.
Instead of bombarding them with frequent follow-ups, consider spacing out your attempts. For example, you could follow up once after the initial application and then wait another week or two before reaching out again.
If necessary, you can diversify your communication methods, such as sending follow-up emails, making a polite phone call, or sending a LinkedIn message. Varying your approach demonstrates your persistence while respecting the employer’s time.
Additional Job Application Etiquette for Job Seekers
Professional Email Address:
When applying for positions, always use a professional email address.
Avoid using email addresses that are overly casual, inappropriate, or unprofessional. Your email address should ideally consist of your name or a combination of your name and relevant numbers or initials.
Using a professional email address gives a positive impression and showcases your attention to detail.
Proofreading and Editing:
Prioritize the proofreading and editing process for both your resume and follow-up letter. Thoroughly review your documents to eliminate any typos or grammatical errors that could negatively impact your application. Consider using spelling and grammar checking tools or asking a trusted friend or mentor to provide feedback.
Taking the time to revise your materials effectively demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and attention to detail.
Remember, following these strategies and adhering to job application etiquette can significantly enhance your chances of success in the job search process.
Resume Follow Up Letter Samples
Below are two sample thank-you letters that can be customized according to your needs:
1st sample:
[Heading: The HR Manager]
[Department, Company Name] [
Location]
Re: My Application for the [Job Title, Position Number]
Dear [Enter name of the hiring manager],
I am writing in reference to the job opening posted by your company at [where]. I hope that you have received my resume for the same, which was submitted on [resume submittal date]. I would like to express my gratitude for considering my application and believe that my skills align well with the job requirements.
As mentioned in my resume, I have over ten years of experience in sales, with a strong background in [ABC]. I hold a PhD in [xx] from [university], graduating in [year]. Currently, I am employed as a [Sales and Marketing position] at [your company].
For your convenience, I have attached my resume.
Thank you for considering my application. I eagerly look forward to the opportunity to discuss this employment opportunity with you soon.
Sincerely, [Your name]
2nd sample of thank you letter for resume submittal:
I sent a resume 10 days ago applying for the [job title] as per the job opening on the [job board].
I find that my experience and skills may be perfect for this position.
To further reiterate my point, I graduated from the [University of Yale], with an MBA degree.
I have been working for the past eight years in the field of [Internet Marketing] holding very similar responsibilities to the [said job] requirements.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply for this job and for your convenience, please find attached my resume.
Yours truly,
[Your name]