Hi, everyone.
Thank you for joining.
My name is Clint Carnes.
I am a social media specialist and career coach
here with Indeed.
So we are here today to share the most up to date
job search information and resources that we can provide.
We want this to be as helpful and relevant as possible
for you.
Now, that more states are opening up businesses,
we've received a lot of questions
recently about how and when to follow up with employers
during a job search.
So here's our tip of the week.
A clear and concise follow up email
can reinforce you as a qualified candidate
when sent at the appropriate time.
There are many points on the job application process, where
you can anticipate waiting for a response from an employer
after you submitted your application,
and after an interview, or a couple of the most
common waiting periods.
While employers may take some time
to respond if there are lots of applications to process,
it's usually appropriate to send a follow up email
if you haven't heard back after a few days.
Let's discuss how to write a follow up email
and how the time is right to send it.
So first, what is a follow up email?
A follow up email is a message you send to gain an employer's
attention if you haven't heard back after an interview or job
application.
The email serves as a reminder to the employer
of your interest in the role and why you
are a great fit for the job.
So why are they important?
Well, they act as reminders to a pending application,
they give you a second chance to make a good impression,
they help you pick up conversations
that may have slowed, and follow up emails
resurface you as an interested candidate.
Now, that we know what a follow up email is
and why they can be useful to you,
let's talk about when to follow up.
Today, we're going to discuss went to follow up
after an application, immediately
after the interview, and after if you have not
heard back from an employer after the interview.
So after an application, if you submitted an application
and haven't heard anything back from an employer,
wait about a week before sending an email asking
about the status of your application.
Moving on from the application phase to the interview phase,
I'd recommend sending a thank you email within 24 to 48 hours
after your interview.
I use this as an opportunity to thank
your interviewer, for their time,
redirect your excitement for the role.
And recall something from your interview
that makes you stand out as a candidate.
For example.
If you share something in common with the interviewer,
or if you have specific relevant experience that
has prepared you for this role, go ahead and mention that.
Now, if you have not heard back after an interview,
it's a good practice to send a follow up email
to redirect your interest in the role no sooner than one week,
but no later than two weeks after the interview occurred.
Now, you might find yourself in a situation
where you still have not heard back from an employer
after sending your thank you email,
and that first follow up email.
At this point, you might be considering
sending an additional email.
Well, we recommend only one follow up email.
But if you're going to send a second follow up email,
make sure you do it after waiting at least one week
after your first message.
It's possible that the recruiter or hiring manager will
need time to send a response.
So it's good etiquette to give them a few days.
If you don't hear back at that point,
refocus your attention on another opportunity.
A successful interview isn't just about getting an offer.
It's about determining if the company and opportunity is
the right one for you.
Your time is valuable.
So if it's not a good fit, pivot your attention
and devote your time to finding an opportunity that is.
Plus in any situation, you want to wait a period of time
after your last action before the next follow up
to give the recipient some time to respond.
For more detailed examples of follow up emails,
be sure to check out the career guide
article how to write a follow up email LinkedIn the chat.
So now, that when to send a follow up email, let's
talk about how to write an effective message.
A follow up email has four components that
will break down further.
Subject line, reminder, purpose, and call to action.
So first up.
Write a concise subject line.
When writing a follow up email, your subject line
should be straight to the point and clear to the recipient.
It informs the person you are writing of the reason you're
following up.
If inquiring about the status of your application or interview,
consider including your name and the position you apply for.
An example might be regarding Jane Smith's application
for human resources manager position.
Next, provide context to remind the interviewer of who
you are by including information like the position title,
the date of your application, interview,
or last correspondence, and one piece of information that
makes you stand out as a qualified candidate.
And aim to keep it brief.
This makes it easy for the reader
to locate your application materials,
or remember what your previous conversation was about.
Next, reiterate your purpose for writing.
Like mentioning your interest in interviewing for the role
or moving on to the next phase of the interview process.
And finally, include a call to action.
At the end of your follow up email,
include a call to action that indicates your expected
response.
A good way to make the interviewer feel
more comfortable is to indicate that you
know they must be busy, and that you appreciate their time.
This will help you come across as patient and apathetic.
Now, a quick bonus tips.
First, address the email to the name of the person who
interviewed you.
It's appropriate to use their first name if you
were on a first name basis.
If not, address them by their last name.
Second, make sure your email is concise.
Third, close the letter with your name and contact
information, including your phone number and your email.
And finally, carefully proofread before you hit send.
Treat follow up emails with as much care
as you give your other application materials,
and give it a final edit before you hit send.
So in summary, when sending a follow up email, assess
how much time has passed, keep the emails short and concise,
include a reminder about who you are,
which position you interviewed for,
and what set you apart from other applicants,
and finally, make a call to action.
The purpose of the follow up is to elicit a response
and move you to the next stage of the hiring process.
So don't hesitate to express your desire to move forward.
Thank you so much for tuning in.
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All right, everyone.
See you soon.
Bye bye.