How do you politely ask for a status offer?

The Art of the Gentle Nudge: Politely Following Up on Your Job Application

You’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting the perfect resume and cover letter. You’ve tailored your application to the specific role, researched the company inside and out, and confidently submitted it. Now, the waiting game begins. While patience is a virtue, the anxiety of the unknown can be unsettling. So, how do you navigate the delicate dance of following up without appearing pushy or desperate? The key lies in mastering the art of the gentle nudge – a polite and professional inquiry that demonstrates continued interest while respecting the hiring manager’s time.

The phrase “Following my application, I’d appreciate an update on its progress” is a good starting point, but let’s explore some variations and expand upon the reasons behind its effectiveness.

Why Follow Up?

Following up is not just about alleviating your anxiety; it’s a strategic move that showcases several positive qualities:

• Proactiveness: It demonstrates initiative and that you’re actively engaged in your job search.
• Enthusiasm: It reaffirms your genuine interest in the position and the company.
• Professionalism: A well-crafted follow-up email reinforces your professionalism and attention to detail.
• Remembrance: In a sea of applications, a gentle reminder can help keep your name top of mind.

Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email (and Beyond)

The following template is based on your provided starting point, expanded and refined for maximum impact:

Subject Line Options:

• Following Up on [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]
• Inquiry Regarding [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]
• Checking In: [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]

Email Body:

Dear [Hiring Manager Name or “Hiring Team”],

I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position, which I submitted on [Date of Submission].

I remain highly interested in this opportunity at [Company Name] and believe my skills and experience in [Mention 1-2 relevant skills/experiences] align well with the requirements outlined in the job description.

I understand you are likely reviewing a large number of applications, but I would greatly appreciate a brief update on the progress of my application.

I am available to provide any further information or clarification that might be helpful in your decision-making process.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn Profile (Optional)]

Key Improvements and Considerations:

• Personalization: Addressing the email to a specific person (Hiring Manager or Recruiter) is always preferable. Research on LinkedIn or the company website can help you find the right contact.
• Specificity: Clearly state the job title and submission date to avoid confusion.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Briefly remind the hiring manager of why you are a good fit. Focus on the skills most relevant to the job description.
• Acknowledge Their Time: Show empathy by acknowledging the volume of applications they likely receive.
• Offer Further Assistance: Reiterate your willingness to provide additional information.
• Professional Closing: Use a professional closing like “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.”
• Proofread: Ensure your email is free of typos and grammatical errors.
• Timing: Generally, wait 1-2 weeks after the application deadline before following up. If no deadline was specified, wait 1-2 weeks after you submitted your application.
• Platform Etiquette: While email is the most common method, consider the platform where you applied. If you applied through LinkedIn, a brief message via LinkedIn might be appropriate, but keep it concise.

Alternatives and Variations:

• Focus on a Shared Connection: If you have a mutual connection at the company, consider mentioning it in your follow-up. “I noticed that I am connected with [Name] on LinkedIn, and they had very positive things to say about [Company Name].”
• Reference a Recent Development: If something relevant to the company or industry has happened since you applied, you can briefly mention it to show you are keeping up with the latest news. “I was particularly interested to read about [Company Name]’s recent announcement regarding [News item] as it relates to [Your area of expertise].”

Things to Avoid:

• Demanding Language: Avoid phrases like “When can I expect a decision?” or “I expect to hear from you soon.”
• Arrogance: Don’t assume you are the best candidate. Focus on expressing your interest and suitability.
• Excessive Follow-Ups: Don’t bombard the hiring manager with multiple emails. One or two follow-ups are usually sufficient.
• Criticizing the Process: Never complain about the length of the hiring process or any perceived unfairness.
• Inappropriate Tone: Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your communication.

Conclusion:

Following up on a job application is a crucial part of the job search process. By crafting a polite, professional, and personalized follow-up email, you can demonstrate your continued interest, reinforce your qualifications, and increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember to be patient, respectful, and focus on providing value to the hiring manager. Good luck!