Preparing for the Follow-Up
Before you hit that send button, let’s make sure you’re fully prepared to make a lasting impression. 🚀
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile
First things first, give your LinkedIn profile a quick makeover. Trust me, recruiters will check it out! Make sure your profile picture is professional (no beach selfies, please), your headline is catchy, and your summary showcases your unique value proposition. Don’t forget to highlight your key skills and achievements – they’re your secret weapons in the job hunt!
Gathering relevant information
Now, put on your detective hat and do some digging. Refresh your memory about the job description, the company’s recent news, and the person you’re reaching out to. This intel will help you craft a personalized message that shows you’ve done your homework. As I always say to my clients, "Knowledge is power, especially in the LinkedIn game!"
Timing and frequency considerations
Timing is everything, folks! Generally, it’s best to follow up about a week after submitting your application. But remember, every situation is unique. If the job posting mentioned a specific timeline, respect it. And please, don’t bombard the recruiter with daily messages – that’s a surefire way to end up in the "do not hire" pile. 😅
Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Message
Alright, now we’re getting to the good stuff. Let’s break down how to craft a follow-up message that’ll make recruiters sit up and take notice.
Subject line best practices
Your subject line is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it short, sweet, and relevant. Something like "Following up on [Position] Application" works well. Avoid anything too salesy or gimmicky – we’re aiming for professional, not pushy.
Personalizing the message
Here’s where your earlier research pays off. Address the recruiter by name and mention something specific about the company or role. For example, "I was excited to read about [Company]’s recent expansion into sustainable tech." This shows you’re genuinely interested and not just copy-pasting the same message to every recruiter in town.
Offering value and insights
Don’t just ask for updates – offer something in return! Share an interesting industry article, a relevant achievement, or a unique perspective on a challenge the company is facing. This positions you as a valuable asset, not just another applicant.
Clear call to action
End your message with a clear next step. Whether it’s requesting an interview, asking about the timeline, or suggesting a quick call, make it easy for the recruiter to respond. Remember, clarity is key!
Maintaining professionalism
Last but not least, keep it professional. Proofread your message (twice!), use appropriate language, and resist the urge to use too many emojis (yes, even if you’re applying for a social media role 😉).
Follow-Up Message Templates
I know, I know – sometimes you just need a starting point. Here are some templates to get those creative juices flowing:
After submitting an application
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I recently applied for the [Position] role at [Company] and wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm for the opportunity. [Company]’s commitment to [specific company value or recent achievement] really resonates with me, and I believe my experience in [relevant skill] would be a great fit for the team.
I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [specific company goal or project]. If you need any additional information or would like to schedule a conversation, please let me know.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
After an interview
Hello [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to speak with me about the [Position] role at [Company]. Our conversation about [specific topic discussed] further reinforced my excitement about potentially joining your team.
I’ve been reflecting on our discussion about [challenge or project mentioned], and I had some additional thoughts I’d love to share if you’re interested.
I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
After no response
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Position] role at [Company]. I understand this is a busy time, but I remain very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any updates you can provide on the status of my application.
In the meantime, I came across this interesting article about [relevant industry topic] and thought you might find it valuable: [link].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Engaging with Recruiters
Remember, folks, building relationships on LinkedIn is about more than just sending messages. Here are some extra tips to keep you on recruiters’ radars:
Commenting on their posts
Don’t just lurk – engage! Leave thoughtful comments on recruiters’ posts. Share your insights, ask questions, or simply offer encouragement. This keeps you visible and showcases your industry knowledge.
Sharing relevant content
Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing interesting articles, industry news, or your own insights. Tag relevant recruiters if appropriate. Just remember to keep it professional – save the cat memes for your personal account!
Building relationships
LinkedIn isn’t just about job hunting – it’s about building genuine professional relationships. Engage with recruiters even when you’re not actively job seeking. You never know when these connections might come in handy!
FAQs
- How soon should I follow up after an interview?
It’s best to wait about a week after your interview before sending a follow-up message. This gives the recruiter time to process all candidates while keeping you fresh in their mind. - Is it okay to follow up multiple times?
Yes, but don’t overdo it. If you don’t hear back after your first follow-up, wait at least two weeks before reaching out again. Any more than that might come across as pushy. - Should I attach my resume to every follow-up message?
Not necessarily. If you’ve already submitted your application, the recruiter should have your resume on file. Only attach it again if specifically requested or if you’ve made significant updates. - What if the recruiter still doesn’t respond?
If you’ve followed up twice and still haven’t heard back, it’s best to move on. Focus your energy on other opportunities – the right one will come along! - Is it appropriate to connect with the recruiter on LinkedIn after applying?
Yes, but do so thoughtfully. Send a personalized connection request explaining why you’d like to connect, beyond just the job application. - How can I make my follow-up message stand out?
Personalization is key. Reference specific details from the job description or your interview, and offer unique insights or value that showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the role. - Should I follow up if the job posting says “no phone calls or emails”?
In this case, it’s best to respect the company’s wishes and refrain from following up. Focus on optimizing your application instead.