The Puzzle: Blog

Following up with positions to which you’ve already applied is tricky. On the one hand, if you’re very interested in a position, you want to ensure the hiring school knows of your interest and doesn’t assume that you’re indifferent. On the other hand, you also want to avoid overkill in your follow-up, which might annoy a hiring contact and jeopardize your standing.

Generally, if you’ve sent a cover letter, it’s okay to follow up a week or two after your initial outreach. You should send an email—don’t call—and make it succinct, polite, and informative.

There are two plausible situations in which you could find yourself. Here are some tips for handling each one.

Situation 1: You’ve Sent Your Cover Letter and…Crickets.

If you’ve never heard back from a hiring contact after sending your cover letter, you can send an email requesting confirmation of the letter’s receipt. Phrase your email something like this:

Dear [Contact Name],

I’m writing to follow up on an email I sent [x] days ago expressing my strong interest in the [x] position at [x] School. If you could confirm receipt of that message when you get a chance, I would greatly appreciate it. I believe my skills and experiences would be a perfect fit for [x] School’s needs, and I’m very excited about this opportunity.

Thank you in advance, and please let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Situation 2: You’ve Sent Your Cover Letter and Received a Generic Response

If you’ve already received a generic email from the hiring contact, you’ll need to phrase your email a bit differently. Try something like this:

Dear [Contact Name],

Thank you for your email confirming receipt of my application materials for [x] position. I’m writing to follow up on my initial email, as I remain very interested in the position. I believe my skills and experiences would be a perfect fit for your school’s needs, and I’m very excited about this opportunity.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

[Your Name].

 

If a hiring contact does not respond after that outreach, then pump the brakes. You’ve covered your bases, and if you start sending more regular emails, then you could inadvertently hurt—not help—your candidacy.

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