First of all, it is important to know that a recruitment process can take a long time. Companies often receive several applications per day and it can take a while to analyze them all.

It is therefore very important not to be too impatient! The ideal is to wait at least 1 to 2 weeks, to give the recruiters time to process your application. You will then give the impression that you are organized and interested in the position, without seeming overly impatient.

It is also important to know when NOT to send a follow-up email. Indeed, it is possible that when you applied, a sentence in the job offer mentioned not to contact the company or human resources directly. If you see this type of instruction, it is best to respect the company's requests. Otherwise, your approach could be viewed negatively.

Now we're getting to the heart of the matter! To summarize, you must be polite, precise and brief.

Politeness

The company or recruiters should not perceive you as too pushy. Be sure to use a polite and professional tone in your email. Ask nicely for information rather than demanding it. And most importantly, thank the person who is taking the time to read your email.

Precision

It is important to give all the necessary information in your email. The company or recruiters receive a lot of applications, so you must be clear and precise. We advise you to include the following details:

- Your first and last name
- The position you applied for
- The date you applied
- Your interest in the position
- A thank you

Length

There is no need to write a very long email or rewrite a cover letter in which you list your skills and experience. Normally, the company has already received your application, in which these details were included. The only thing that should be repeated is your interest in the position. So keep your email short, 2-3 paragraphs that get right to the point.

Now that you know that you have to wait about 2 weeks to send your follow-up email and that you need to keep your communication clear, brief and polite, there are only 4 details left to mention.

Communication via email is preferred:

An email should be the preferred means of communication to follow up on your application. It allows recruiters to return to your application and gives them time to analyze your profile and take the time to respond.

Addressing the right person :

If you send a follow-up email to a generic address like info@company.com, your email may get lost. Instead, contact the person in charge of recruiting directly, or the address you sent your application to in the first place.

Compliance with instructions :

Be sure to read the instructions when you apply. The company may have very clear instructions on how and when to contact them. For example, if you are told that applications are accepted until a specific date, it may not be appropriate to follow up until that date. As mentioned above, the company may also have said not to contact them.

Only one email is needed :

There is no need to write to recruiters multiple times. A single follow-up email is sufficient. Beyond this single email, we advise you not to insist. 

Email subject: Application Follow-up - [Job Title]

Hello [name of hiring manager].

I applied for the position of [Job Title] on [date you applied].

Allow me to follow up and reiterate my interest in the position. I am motivated to join your company and I remain available to answer any questions regarding my application.

Thank you for your time in reading this message and my application.

Sincerely,

[First Name Last Name]

Email Subject: Application Follow-up - [Job Title]

Hello [name of hiring manager].

I applied for the position of [Job Title] on [date you applied]. I am still very motivated to join your team [insert team/company/industry detail].

If you did not receive my application, or if you have any questions about it, please let me know and I will send you the necessary information.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

[First Name Last Name]

In conclusion, following up can demonstrate your initiative and interest in the position and increase your chances of being called back. In a job search process, every step counts. Whether it's your resume, your application email, your follow-up email and eventually even your interview and thank you email.

We have a number of resources to help you with this process. Check out our blog for more articles on this topic.

And above all, we wish you success in your job search!

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