How To Follow-Up On A Job Application Via Email
Not receiving a response for a job application can be a pensive situation. This is especially so if the phone isn’t ringing after an interview. If, at least, a week has passed with no word on your prospective employment, it may be time to send a follow-up letter to confirm your status.
A lot of people looking for work are apprehensive about sending follow-up letters. Afraid they’ll come across as being too eager or pushy, they’d rather spend the time waiting, all while wracking their nerves about what the real status might be.
The thing is, follow-up letters don’t need to be pushy. A subtle one can get you all the answers you need, without pushing the wrong buttons with your employer. If you do it respectfully and sincerely, chances are good that they’ll take kindly to it.
Use an appropriate tone. Before sitting down to write, make sure you use an appropriate tone. This means formal and businesslike, apart from being respectful (imagine yourself in the position of an employee). You can use a writing software and a grammar checker to help you if you need assistance shaping your letter in this way.
Restate your application. Inform them of the position you applied for, when you sent your resume and the details of your past interviews with them (dates, interviewer).
Mention the deadline. If you were given a date to wait to hear from the company, state it in your letter. If no date was given, just inform them of how long you have been waiting for a response.
State other applications. If you need to know your status because you have pending applications with other companies, let them know. Give them details (even if you do not mention the actual names) – any offers already on the table, when you expect to hear from them and such.
Request for action. Respectfully ask that you be informed of your pending application’s status. State your reasons for asking clearly (e.g. “I’m planning to take an offer with another company”).