An Oh-So-Important Job Search Basic: How to Follow Up Without Sounding Pushy

By Lindsey Plewa

Your resume and cover letter are just two pieces of written communication that are part of the job search. Appropriate follow-up etiquette is just as important but there’s a fine line between being enthusiastic and being pushy. Lately, I’ve been working with students on crafting the perfect email for their particular situation.  Here are two templates to help get you started.

When following up with someone you met at a networking event you want to:

1) Reintroduce yourself

2) Explain why you’re interested in speaking with them further

3) Be specific about what you’re asking for

Sample networking follow up email:

Hi John,

It was great meeting you last week at the Direct Marketing Club’s panel discussion. I was really interested in learning how you transitioned from accounting to market research and would love to learn more as I’m going through a similar transition.

Are you open to meeting for a coffee at a place convenient for you or speaking over the phone for 15-20 minutes?

If so, please let me know a few dates/times that work with your schedule over the next two weeks.

Thanks for considering,

Sally

Another common follow up email that is tricky to write but equally important, is following up after an interview. If you’ve already sent a thank you email and it’s been the allotted time frame you were supposed to hear from the company, you should definitely follow up.

When following up after an interview, and after a thank you email has been sent, you want to:

1) Thank the person again for their time

2) Send a link to an article, networking event or anything they would find useful

3) Use a tone that’s positive, not pushy

Sample interview follow up email:

Hi James,

Thank you again for meeting with me last month to discuss the tax internship. I came across this article and given our conversation, thought you may find it interesting. (link to article)

I remain interested in the internship opportunity and look forward to hearing from you regarding the team’s decision.

Thank you,

Sally