Introduction
Following up after submitting applications is crucial to demonstrate your interest and professionalism. Here are some best practices
After Submitting an Application
- Send a Thank-You Email:
- Why It’s Important: Sending a thank-you note after an interview within 24 hours is a professional courtesy that leaves a positive impression. It shows that you appreciate the opportunity and are genuinely interested in the position.
- How to Do It: In your thank-you email, briefly express your gratitude for the interviewer’s time, reiterate your interest in the position, and mention one or two key points from the interview that reinforce why you’re a great fit. Keep the email concise and professional.
- Inquire About Next Steps:
- Why It’s Important: Asking about the timeline for the hiring process shows that you are eager to move forward and keeps you informed about what to expect. It also gives you an idea of when it might be appropriate to follow up.
- How to Do It: At the end of your thank-you email or in a separate follow-up, politely ask the interviewer about the next steps in the hiring process. For example, you could say, “Could you please let me know the timeline for the next steps in the hiring process?” This shows your interest while respecting the company’s process.
- Stay Organized:
- Why It’s Important: Keeping track of your job applications helps you stay on top of deadlines, follow-up actions, and interview schedules. It prevents you from accidentally missing important communications or applying to the same position multiple times.
- How to Do It: Use a spreadsheet, job search app, or a simple document to record the details of each application, including the company name, position applied for, date of application, interview dates, and follow-up actions. Regularly update this list to keep your job search organized and efficient.
By following these steps after submitting an application, you can maintain professionalism, stay informed about the process, and keep your job search organized and on track.
Example
Subject: Thank You and Next Steps
Email Body:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure to discuss how my background in [Your Field/Relevant Experience] aligns with the needs of your team.
I’m particularly excited about the possibility of contributing to [specific project or aspect of the company discussed during the interview]. Our conversation only reinforced my interest in the role, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company Name].
Could you please let me know the timeline for the next steps in the hiring process? I appreciate any insight you can provide.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Staying Organized Example
To stay organized, you might set up a simple spreadsheet with columns like:
| Company Name | Job Title | Date Applied | Interview Date | Follow-Up Sent | Next Steps/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XYZ Corp. | Marketing Manager | Jan 15, 2024 | Jan 22, 2024 | Jan 23, 2024 | Awaiting second interview schedule |
| ABC Inc. | Data Analyst | Jan 17, 2024 | Follow up on Jan 24, 2024 | ||
| DEF Ltd. | Software Engineer | Jan 18, 2024 | Jan 25, 2024 | Jan 26, 2024 | Awaiting feedback |
Using this approach helps you stay on top of each application and ensures you follow up appropriately, without missing any crucial steps in your job search process.
Sample 2 Follow-up Email
Subject: Follow-Up on [Position] Application
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Position] role at [Company]. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and am eager to learn about the next steps in the hiring process.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
This email is concise, polite, and expresses your continued interest in the position. It’s a great way to maintain communication and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.