Sending off your application is just the first step in the process, right? But what comes next? That's where follow-up emails come into play!
These little nuggets of communication gold can make all the difference in catching the hiring manager's eye and securing an interview, especially in such competitive times for remote jobs. So let's roll up our sleeves and dive deep into how to create an outstanding follow-up email:
- Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line
- Personalizing Your Follow-Up Email
- Expressing Continued Interest and Enthusiasm
- Providing Value and Relevant Updates
- Polishing Your Email for Professionalism
- Timing Your Follow-Up Strategically
- Following Up After Initial Follow-Up
- Data and Statistics on Remote Job Application Follow-Ups
- Top 3 Good Examples of Follow-Up Emails
- Example 1: The Personalized Powerhouse
- Example 2: The Value-Add Extraordinaire
- Example 3: The Polished Professional
- Top 3 Bad Examples of Follow-Up Emails
- Example 1: The Generic Gaffe
- Example 2: The Overly Aggressive Approach
- Example 3: The Desperate Plea
Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line
Your subject line is like the opening act of a concert – it sets the tone for the whole show! You want something that's catchy, engaging, and impossible to ignore. Think of it as your chance to make a killer first impression in just a few words. Get creative, but keep it relevant to the position you're applying for. Remember, you want to pique their curiosity, not send them running for the delete button!
Examples of a subject line:
- Eager to Chat About [Job Title] Opportunity!
- Following Up on My Application for [Company Name] – Let's Connect!
- Excited to Take the Next Step in Joining [Company Name] Team!
And here are 5 examples of bad and weak subject lines to avoid:
- Follow-Up on Application
- Just Checking In
- Job Application Follow-Up
- Regarding My Application
- Following Up Again
Personalizing Your Follow-Up Email
Now, onto the meat and potatoes of your follow-up email – the personalization. This is where you really get to show off your charm and personality!
Address the recipient by name and sprinkle in a few specific details about your application or previous interactions with the company.
Show them that you've done your homework and you're genuinely excited about the opportunity. Trust me, a little personalization goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
Expressing Continued Interest and Enthusiasm
Let's talk enthusiasm, people! You've gotta bring the energy in your follow-up email. Show them that you're not just another cookie-cutter candidate – you're genuinely passionate about the position and you're ready to hit the ground running.
But remember, there's a fine line between enthusiasm and desperation. You want to show them that you're excited about the opportunity without coming across as overly eager or pushy.
Providing Value and Relevant Updates
Think of your follow-up email as your chance to add a little extra value to the conversation. Share any relevant updates or achievements since you submitted your application. Maybe you completed a new certification or worked on a side project that's relevant to the job – don't be afraid to brag a little (but keep it humble, of course)! The goal here is to show them that you're constantly growing and evolving as a professional.
Polishing Your Email for Professionalism
Now, let's talk about everyone's favorite topic – proofreading! I know, I know, it's not the most glamorous part of the process, but trust me, it's absolutely crucial. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be a major turn-off for hiring managers, so take the time to proofread your email before hitting send. And while you're at it, double-check that you're using a professional tone and formatting – you want to come across as polished and professional at all times.
Timing Your Follow-Up Strategically
How soon should I follow up after sending my application?
Ah, timing – it's everything in the world of follow-up emails. You want to strike while the iron is hot, but you also don't want to come across as too eager or impatient. Generally, it's a good idea to follow up within one to two weeks of submitting your application. This gives the hiring team enough time to review your materials without making you seem too pushy. Of course, every situation is different, so use your best judgment and consider factors like application deadlines and the company's hiring timeline.
Is it okay to follow up more than once?
Absolutely! Sometimes, one follow-up just isn't enough. If you haven't heard back after your initial email, it's okay to send one or two additional follow-ups spaced out over a reasonable timeframe. Just be sure to maintain a polite and professional tone throughout.
Maybe you haven't heard back after your initial email, or maybe you just want to touch base one more time to keep yourself top of mind. Whatever the case may be, it's okay to send multiple follow-ups – within reason, of course.
Just be sure to space them out appropriately and maintain a polite and professional tone throughout. And hey, if you still haven't heard back after a few attempts, don't sweat it – sometimes, it's just not meant to be, and that's okay too!
Data and Statistics on Remote Job Application Follow-Ups
Ever wonder just how effective follow-up emails really are in the remote job application process? Well, wonder no more!
According to recent studies, candidates who send follow-up emails are significantly more likely to receive interview invitations and job offers compared to those who don't. In fact, some research suggests that follow-up emails can increase your chances of landing an interview by as much as 60%! Now that's some serious ROI for just a few minutes of your time.
But it's not just about the numbers – it's also about the timing. Studies show that the optimal time to send a follow-up email is typically within one to two weeks of submitting your application. This gives the hiring team enough time to review your materials without making you seem too pushy or impatient.
Top 3 Good Examples of Follow-Up Emails
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. What does a stellar follow-up email actually look like? Lucky for you, we've scoured the internet for some prime examples to help guide you on your follow-up journey. Here are three stand-out examples that hit all the right notes:
Example 1: The Personalized One
Subject: Following Up on [Job Title] Application – Excited to Chat!
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I just wanted to follow up on my recent application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I'm incredibly excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific project or goal mentioned in job description].
I've been following [Company Name] for some time now, and I'm continually impressed by your commitment to [specific value or initiative mentioned on company website]. I truly believe that my skills and experience in [relevant skill or industry or remote setup] make me a great fit for this role, and I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]'s continued success.
Thank you once again for considering my application. I'm looking forward to the possibility of working together!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: The Value-Add
Subject: Adding Value to My [Job Title] Application
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope you're having a great day! I wanted to follow up on my recent application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Since submitting my application, I've completed a certification in [relevant skill or industry] that I believe would be valuable in this role. I've also been brainstorming some ideas for [specific project or goal mentioned in job description] and would love the opportunity to discuss them further with you.
I'm incredibly passionate about [specific aspect of company mission or values], and I'm eager to bring my skills and experience to [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: The Polished Professional
Subject: Following Up on [Job Title] Application
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to touch base regarding my recent application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I'm very interested in the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific project or goal mentioned in job description].
I've attached my updated resume for your reference, as well as a few samples of my work that I believe demonstrate my skills and qualifications for the role. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there's any additional information I can provide.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Top 3 Bad Examples of Follow-Up Emails
But wait, it's not all rainbows and sunshine in the world of follow-up emails. Sometimes, even the best of us can miss the mark. Here are three examples of follow-up emails gone wrong:
Example 1: The Generic Gaffe
Subject: Following Up on Application
Hi,
I just wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I'm really interested in the job and think I'd be a good fit. Please let me know if you need any more information.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Example 2: The Overly Aggressive Approach
Subject: Urgent: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I can't believe I haven't heard back from you yet! I applied for the [Job Title] position weeks ago and still haven't received a response. I'm extremely interested in the job and need to know where things stand. Please get back to me ASAP.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Example 3: The Desperate Plea
Subject: Please Respond to My Application
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'm really excited about the opportunity to work at [Company Name], and I'm starting to get anxious because I haven't heard back from you yet. Please, please, please let me know if there's anything I can do to move my application forward.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of follow-up emails for remote job applications! Armed with these advanced strategies, real-life examples, and optimization techniques, you're well on your way to standing out from the crowd and landing that dream job.
Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and insights in our future articles. Until then, happy job hunting! 🚀