The Art of the Follow-Up-How to Stand Out After You Submit Your Resume
The Art of the Follow-Up: How to Stand Out After You Submit Your Resume
You’ve crafted a stellar resume, tailored your cover letter to perfection, and hit submit on that dream job application. Now what? The waiting game can be agonizing, but there’s a strategic way to increase your chances of landing an interview: the follow-up.
Timing is Key
Don’t come across as desperate by following up right away. Give the hiring manager some time to review applications, typically one to two weeks after submitting your resume.
Choose Your Weapon: Email, Phone, or LinkedIn?
• Email: The safest and most common option. It allows the recipient to respond at their convenience.
• Phone: Can be a bold move that shows initiative, but only if you can reach the hiring manager directly. Leave a voicemail if they don’t answer, keeping it short and professional.
• LinkedIn: A good way to connect if you have a mutual connection with the hiring manager. Send a polite message expressing your interest and mentioning your application.
Crafting Your Message
• Subject Line: Keep it clear and concise. Include the job title and your name (e.g., “Following Up – [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]”).
• Open with Confidence: Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
• Reiterate Your Value: Briefly remind them why you’re a perfect fit for the role. Mention a specific skill or experience from your resume that aligns with the job description.
• Express Enthusiasm: Convey your genuine interest in the company and the opportunity.
• Close with a Call to Action: Politely ask about the next steps in the hiring process. You can offer to provide additional information or answer any questions they might have.
• Proofread Before Sending: Typos and grammatical errors scream unprofessional. Double-check everything before hitting send.
Here’s a Template to Get You Started:
Dear [Hiring Manager name] (if possible),
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position that I submitted on [Date].
I am very interested in this opportunity at [Company Name] because [mention something specific about the company or role that excites you]. My experience in [mention a relevant skill or experience] aligns perfectly with the requirements you outlined in the job description.
In my resume, you’ll find details about my [mention achievements or projects]. I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you require any further information or if there’s a timeframe for the next steps in the hiring process.
Sincerely, [Your Name]