How to Write an Application Follow-up Email

Learning to write an effective Application Follow-up email is a crucial skill for any English learner navigating the job market. A well-crafted follow-up demonstrates your professionalism and continued interest, setting you apart from other candidates. This guide will walk you through the essential components and provide practical tips to improve your email writing skills for ESL learners, ensuring your message leaves a positive impression and helps you advance in the job search process.

Table of Contents

• Structure of an Application Follow-up Email
• Essential Vocabulary
• Email Example
• Conclusion

Structure of an Application Follow-up Email

An effective Application Follow-up email is carefully constructed to convey your message clearly and politely. Breaking it down into its core components ensures you include all necessary information while maintaining a professional tone. Following this structure will help you craft a compelling message.

1. The Subject Line The subject line is critical as it's the first thing the recipient sees. It should be concise and immediately convey the email's purpose. A clear subject line helps the recipient quickly identify your message and link it to your application. Include your name and the position you applied for.

   • Formula:Inquiry - [Job Title] Application - [Your Name] or Follow-up: [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]

2. The Salutation Always use a formal greeting unless you have an established informal relationship with the recipient. Using the correct title and last name demonstrates respect and attention to detail. If you don't know the hiring manager's name, a general formal greeting is acceptable.

   • Usage: "Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last Name]" is preferred. If the name is unknown, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Team."

3. The Body The body of your email should be broken into logical paragraphs, each serving a specific purpose. This enhances readability and ensures your message is easy to understand.

   • Opening: Start by politely reminding the recipient of your application or interview. Clearly state the purpose of your email, which is to check on the status or reiterate your interest.
   • Key Details: Include specific information that will help them identify you and your application. This might include the job title you applied for, the date you submitted your application, or the date of your interview. Briefly reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
   • The "Ask" or Main Point: Clearly and politely state what you hope to achieve with this email. This might be inquiring about the next steps in the recruitment process or the expected timeline. Avoid sounding demanding.
   • Closing Remarks: Gracefully wrap up the body by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. Express your anticipation for their response.

4. The Closing and Signature The closing should maintain the professional tone of the email. Choose an appropriate formal closing phrase, followed by your full name and contact information.

   • Appropriate Closing Phrases: "Sincerely," "Best regards," "Kind regards," or "Respectfully."
   • Signature Inclusion: Your full name, phone number, email address, and optionally, a link to your LinkedIn profile.

More: How to Write a Job Application Email: Guide & Example

Essential Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary with high-impact phrases is crucial for crafting professional and polite emails. This table provides useful words and phrases relevant to job application communication, enhancing your professional communication skills.

More: How to Write a Speculative Application Email: Guide for ESL Learners

Email Example

Here is a comprehensive example of an Application Follow-up email. This template can be adapted whether you are following up on a submitted application or a recent interview. According to the Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, "follow up" means to take further action connected with something that was started, which is exactly what this email aims to do.

Context: This email is suitable for following up on a job application after a period of no response, or after an interview you've had.

Subject: Follow-up: Marketing Specialist Application - [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to follow up on my application for the Marketing Specialist position, which I submitted on [Date of Application] / for which I interviewed on [Date of Interview].

I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the role and your team during our conversation and remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s success. My skills in [mention 1-2 key skills, e.g., digital marketing analytics and content creation] align perfectly with the requirements of this role.

Could you please provide an update on the status of my application and the expected timeline for the next steps? I am keen to learn more about the progress of my candidacy.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Your LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]

Conclusion

Mastering the Application Follow-up email is a powerful step in your professional communication journey. Remember, persistence and politeness are key when reaching out for a job application update. By applying the structured approach and vocabulary learned here, you can craft clear, impactful emails that enhance your English communication skills and significantly boost your job search efforts. Practice regularly, personalize your messages, and confidently pursue your career goals. Each email is an opportunity to showcase your readiness and dedication!