Finalizing Your Cover Letter
In this lesson, we'll explore effective strategies for following up on submitted applications, ensuring a proactive approach to increase visibility and demonstrate your continued interest in the position.
Strategies for Following Up:
1. Wait for a Reasonable Timeframe:
- Best Practice: Allow a reasonable timeframe for the hiring process before initiating follow-up.
- Explanation: Respect the hiring timeline, typically ranging from one to two weeks after the application deadline.
2. Craft a Polite and Concise Email:
- Best Practice: When following up, send a polite and concise email.
- Explanation: Clearly express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application.
Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my recent application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [specific aspect of the role], and I would appreciate any updates regarding the status of my application.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills align with the needs of [Company Name].
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
3. Utilize Professional Networking Platforms:
- Best Practice: Connect with professionals from the company on platforms like LinkedIn.
- Explanation: Engaging with employees from the company showcases your proactive interest in the organization and can lead to valuable insights.
4. Attend Networking Events or Webinars:
- Best Practice: If the company hosts events, webinars, or career fairs, attend them.
- Explanation: Participating in company-sponsored events provides additional opportunities to interact with representatives and express your enthusiasm.
5. Phone Follow-Up:
- Best Practice: If appropriate, consider making a polite phone call to inquire about your application.
- Explanation: A brief and respectful phone call can leave a more personal impression and demonstrate your commitment to the application.
Ensuring a Proactive Approach to Increase Visibility:
1. Engage with Company Content:
- Best Practice: Regularly engage with the company's content on social media.
- Explanation: Liking, commenting, or sharing relevant posts demonstrates ongoing interest and engagement.
2. Showcase Additional Achievements:
- Best Practice: If you achieve noteworthy milestones or gain additional qualifications, update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Explanation: Demonstrating continuous improvement and relevant accomplishments reinforces your candidacy.
3. Express Continued Interest:
- Best Practice: In any communication with the company, express your continued interest.
- Explanation: Reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to contributing to the company's success.
4. Seek Feedback for Improvement:
- Best Practice: If appropriate, inquire about feedback on your application.
- Explanation: Seeking constructive feedback not only demonstrates your commitment to improvement but also provides valuable insights for future applications.
Example of Proactive Engagement:
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my ongoing interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills to [specific aspect of the role], and I am eager to learn more about how I can align my expertise with the goals of [Company Name].
While awaiting updates on my application, I have continued to engage with [Company Name] on social media and attended the recent webinar on [relevant topic]. The insights shared further solidified my belief in the exciting work being done at [Company Name].
I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to the possibility of discussing my application in more detail.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
Conclusion:
Post-submission follow-up is a valuable aspect of the job application process. By employing polite and proactive strategies, such as sending a follow-up email, engaging with the company on professional networking platforms, attending events, and expressing ongoing interest, you increase your visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the position. These efforts contribute to a positive and lasting impression on the hiring team.
