Follow-up letters are sent by applicants to their potential employers one to two weeks after sending in their resumes, in instances when they haven’t heard back from them. The follow-up letters serve two major purposes: it helps the recruiter recall your application, or review it in case the resume got lost in the mail; it shows them your enthusiasm for the job. Our website offers numerous editable follow-up letter templates for you to use. Simply sign up for our website to gain access to our library of follow-up letter templates now.
How to Write a Follow-Up Letter
Writing a follow-up letter is no longer necessary today. However, recruiters still appreciate the extra time and effort made for a follow-up. It also serves as a good opportunity to contact individuals you meet in a business meeting or during a networking event. Here are some guidelines to follow when writing a follow-up letter:
1. Start with a Header
The header includes your name, address, and contact details. In the letter, stay professional by addressing the recipient using his last name. Include a thank you note for the time they spent on your resume, and provide a recap of your interview if necessary so that you may bring out a clearer picture of your application.
2. Use the Follow-Up Letter to Reiterate Your Attributes
If you are applying for a job, remind your potential employer of your key skills. If you are representing your business, you can make a sales pitch. Offer up new insights to your appeal to add something new to your pitch.
3. Send Your Letter As Soon As Possible
If you have spoken to a recruiter over the phone regarding the job opportunity, do not wait after a week or two to send your follow-up letter. Instead, send it after the call, summing up all the details that you spoke about to help the recruiter with your application.
4. Be Polite and Concise
The rules of a follow-up letter are similar to that of any other business letter. It has to be short, polite, and it should convey the right tone of the message. Refrain from conveying any negative sentiments in your letter and instead show your continued interest in the position.