Follow up letters are an essential part of the job search process. Whether you’re following up after an interview, networking event, or sending a thank-you note, a well-crafted follow up letter can make a lasting impression on potential employers or connections. In this article, we will provide you with helpful tips and examples of follow up letters to help you stand out from the competition.
Why are Follow Up Letters Important?
Follow up letters serve several purposes in the job search process. They allow you to express your continued interest in a position or company, reiterate your qualifications, and remind the recipient of your conversation or meeting. Additionally, follow up letters can help you stand out from other candidates by demonstrating your professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication.
When should you send a Follow Up Letter?
The timing of your follow up letter is crucial. It’s best to send it within 24 to 48 hours after your initial contact or interview. This ensures that the conversation is still fresh in the recipient’s mind and shows that you are proactive and enthusiastic about the opportunity. However, if you were told a specific time frame for a decision, it’s important to respect that and wait until that time has passed before sending your follow up letter.
Follow Up Letter Sample 1: After an Interview
Subject: Thank You for the Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure meeting with you and learning more about the company and its goals.
I was particularly impressed by [specific aspect of the interview, such as the company’s culture or the team dynamic]. I believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the role, and I am even more excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.
During our conversation, we discussed [specific topic or project], and I wanted to share some additional thoughts or ideas that came to mind. [Provide a brief overview of your ideas or suggestions]. I believe these insights could potentially benefit the company and its goals.
Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I am confident that my skills and qualifications make me a strong fit for this position, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Follow Up Letter Sample 2: After a Networking Event
Subject: Nice Meeting You at [Event Name]
Dear [Contact’s Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at [Event Name] last week. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic of discussion] and learning more about your work at [Company Name].
I wanted to follow up and express my interest in exploring potential collaboration opportunities or discussing how we can support each other in our respective fields. I believe our shared interests and expertise could lead to meaningful partnerships or projects.
If you’re available, I would love to schedule a time to meet for coffee or have a phone call to further discuss our ideas. Please let me know what works best for you, and I will gladly accommodate your schedule.
Thank you once again for your time, and I look forward to connecting soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Follow Up Letter Sample 3: Thank You for the Opportunity
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Dear [Contact’s Name],
I wanted to extend my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to [specific opportunity, such as shadowing, volunteering, or attending an event] at [Company Name]. It was an invaluable experience that allowed me to gain insights into the industry and further develop my skills.
I was particularly impressed by the [specific aspect of the experience, such as the company’s dedication to innovation or the team’s collaborative environment]. It reaffirmed my passion for [industry or field] and solidified my desire to pursue a career in this field.
I am grateful for the knowledge and connections I gained during my time with [Company Name], and I am confident that this experience will greatly contribute to my professional growth. If there are any future opportunities or openings at [Company Name], I would be thrilled to be considered.
Thank you once again for your support and the chance to be a part of [Company Name]’s team. I look forward to staying in touch and potentially working together in the future.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
Follow Up Letter Sample 4: Requesting an Update
Subject: Request for Update on [Position or Application]
Dear [Contact’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Position] at [Company Name]. I am excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing my skills and expertise to [Company Name]’s mission.
Since submitting my application on [Date], I wanted to inquire about the status of the hiring process and if any decisions have been made. I understand that you receive numerous applications, and I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing mine.
I am eager to move forward in the selection process and would be happy to provide any additional information or references that may be needed. Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide to support my application.
Thank you once again for considering my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Follow Up Letter Sample 5: Expressing Continued Interest
Subject: Expressing Continued Interest in [Position or Company]
Dear [Contact’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on our previous conversation regarding the [Position] at [Company Name]. After further reflection, I remain extremely interested in this opportunity and believe that my skills and experience make me a strong fit for the role.
During our discussion, we touched upon the [specific responsibilities or projects] associated with the position, and I wanted to express my enthusiasm for contributing to these initiatives. I am confident that my background in [relevant skills or industry experience] will enable me to make an immediate impact on [Company Name]’s goals.
If there is any additional information or documentation that would assist you in evaluating my candidacy, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am more than willing to provide references, work samples, or any other materials you may require.
Thank you once again for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further about how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Follow Up Letter Samples
1. What is the purpose of a follow up letter?
A follow up letter serves to express your continued interest in a position or company, reiterate your qualifications, and remind the recipient of your conversation or meeting. It also helps you stand out from other candidates by demonstrating your professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication.
2. When should I send a follow up letter?
It’s best to send a follow up letter within 24 to 48 hours after your initial contact or interview. This ensures that the conversation is still fresh in the recipient’s mind and shows that you are proactive and enthusiastic about the opportunity.
3. What should I include in a follow up letter?
A follow up letter should include a thank-you message, a brief recap of the conversation or interview, and any additional thoughts or ideas that came to mind. It’s also important to express your continued interest in the opportunity and offer any additional information or documentation that may be required.
4. How long should a follow up letter be?
While there is no strict word limit, it’s important to keep your follow up letter concise and to the point. Aim for a length of around 300-500 words or one to two paragraphs.
5. Should I follow up more than once?
It’s generally recommended to follow up once after an initial contact or interview. However, if you were given a specific time frame for a decision and that time has passed, it may be appropriate to follow up again to inquire about the status.
6. How should I address the recipient in my follow up letter?
Address the recipient by their name, using a formal salutation such as “Dear [Contact’s Name].” If you are unsure about the appropriate title or spelling of their name, do some research or reach out to the company’s HR department for clarification.
7. What format should I use for my follow up letter?
A follow up letter can be sent via email or traditional mail, depending on your preference and the company’s communication preferences. If sending via email, make sure to use a professional subject line and include a clear and concise message in the body of the email.
8. Should I include my contact information in the follow up letter?