Sending a message about a job can feel a little tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. You want to be clear and polite, but sometimes it’s hard to know the right words to use. Don’t worry, it’s a common thing many people wonder about.
We’ll break down how to send a great job update message step by step. You’ll feel confident about what to say next.
Key Takeaways
- You will learn the basic components of a job update message.
- You will discover simple ways to keep your message clear and polite.
- You will see examples of good job update messages.
- You will understand how to send updates effectively.
- You will gain confidence in communicating about your job search.
What is a Job Update Message
A job update message is simply a way to tell someone important, like a potential employer or a contact who helped you, about the progress of your job search. It’s like letting them know what’s happening after you’ve applied for a job or had an interview. Think of it as sharing news about your career path.
These messages are important because they keep people informed. When someone has put effort into helping you, or when an employer is considering you, they want to know where things stand. A well-written message shows you are organized and respectful of their time.
It also helps you stay on their radar.
Why Send Job Updates
Sending job updates is a smart move for several reasons. First, it shows you are proactive and engaged in your job search. It tells employers you are still very interested in the position and the company.
This can make you stand out from other candidates who might be more passive.
Second, it keeps you top of mind. Recruiters and hiring managers often handle many applications. A polite nudge reminds them of your qualifications and enthusiasm.
It can help you move forward in the hiring process. It also gives them a chance to offer feedback if needed.
Finally, it maintains professional relationships. If someone referred you or gave you advice, updating them is good etiquette. They appreciate knowing the outcome of their support.
This can lead to future opportunities and a stronger professional network.
Elements of a Good Message
A good job update message is usually short and to the point. It should include a clear subject line so the recipient knows what it’s about right away. For example, “Job Application Update” or “Following Up on Position.”
Start by thanking the person for their time or help. Then, clearly state the purpose of your message. Are you checking on the status of an application?
Did you have an interview and want to follow up? Be specific.
Include any relevant details, like the date you applied or interviewed. Reiterate your interest in the role and briefly mention why you are a good fit. End with a polite closing and your contact information.
Keep the tone professional and positive.
Writing Different Types of Job Updates
There are a few common situations where you might send a job update message. Each one has a slightly different goal. Knowing when and how to send them can make a big difference in your job search success.
Following Up After Applying
After you submit a job application, you might want to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable time. Typically, a week or two is a good timeframe. This shows continued interest without being pushy.
Your message should be polite and brief. Mention the job title you applied for and the date you applied. You can say something like, “I am writing to follow up on my application for the position submitted on .”
It is also good to quickly restate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. You can mention one key skill or reason why you are a strong candidate. For instance, “I remain very interested in this opportunity and believe my would be a great asset to your team.” Keep it short and end with a thank you.
After An Interview
Sending a job update after an interview is a crucial step. It’s often called a thank-you note or follow-up email. This is your chance to make a strong final impression.
You should send this within 24 hours of your interview. Start by thanking the interviewer for their time. Refer back to specific points you discussed during the interview.
This shows you were paying attention and valued the conversation.
You can also use this opportunity to add any information you might have forgotten to mention or to clarify something. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly explain why you are a good fit for the role and the company culture. End with a clear statement about looking forward to hearing from them.
Example follow-up after interview:
- Dear ,
- Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the position.
- I enjoyed learning more about the role and .
- Our conversation further confirmed my strong interest in this opportunity and my belief that my skills in align well with the needs of your team.
- I am very excited about the possibility of joining and contributing to .
- Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Sincerely,
When You Have New Information
Sometimes, you might have important new information to share that could strengthen your application. This could be a new certification, a completed project, or a significant achievement relevant to the job.
Send this update promptly. Again, keep it concise. Clearly state what the new information is and how it relates to the job you’re seeking.
You don’t want to overwhelm them, but you do want them to see you are actively growing and improving.
For example, if you just completed a course that directly applies to the job’s requirements, you could write, “I wanted to share that I have recently completed a certification, which I believe further enhances my qualifications for the role.”
Updating a Contact Person
If someone helped you by referring you to a job or giving you advice, it’s a good practice to update them. This shows your appreciation for their support.
You can send them a brief message detailing the progress of your application. Let them know if you got an interview or if you received an offer. They often want to know how their help contributed to your success.
A simple message like, “Just wanted to let you know that I had an interview for the position at that you recommended. I’m waiting to hear back. Thank you again for your help!” works well.
Crafting the Perfect Message Tone and Style
The way you write your job update message is as important as what you say. The tone should always be professional, polite, and confident. You want to sound like a capable individual who is serious about the opportunity.
Maintaining Professionalism
Professionalism in your message means using formal language, proper grammar, and correct spelling. Avoid slang, abbreviations, or overly casual phrases. Your message reflects your communication skills, which employers value highly.
Always address the recipient by their correct name and title. Double-check the spelling of their name and the company name. Using a professional email address also contributes to a professional image.
If you are unsure about a specific term or phrase, it’s better to use simpler language than to risk sounding unprofessional or incorrect. Your goal is to be clear and respectful.
Being Concise and Clear
Hiring managers and recruiters are busy. They appreciate messages that are brief and easy to understand. Get straight to the point without unnecessary words or details.
Break down your message into short paragraphs. Use bullet points if you have several distinct pieces of information to share. This makes your message easier to scan and digest quickly.
Ask yourself: Is every sentence necessary? Does this add value to my message? If the answer is no, consider removing it.
Clarity ensures your main points are not lost.
Showing Enthusiasm
While being professional and concise, it’s also important to convey your genuine interest. Enthusiasm can be shown through your choice of words and the overall positive tone of your message.
Instead of just saying “I am interested,” try phrases like “I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity” or “I am eager to bring my to your team.” Show that you are excited about the prospect of working for the company.
Remember to be specific about why you are enthusiastic. Connect it to your skills, the company’s mission, or the role itself. This makes your enthusiasm seem more authentic and less generic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, people can make mistakes when sending job update messages. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you avoid them and ensure your message has a positive impact.
Being Too Frequent
One common mistake is sending too many follow-up messages. While it’s good to show interest, bombarding someone with messages can be annoying and counterproductive. It might make you seem desperate or impatient.
Stick to reasonable follow-up times. For applications, wait a week or two. For interviews, send a thank-you note within 24 hours, and then wait for them to contact you unless they give you a specific timeline for next steps.
If you were given a timeline and it passes without word, a single polite follow-up is generally acceptable. Always gauge the situation and avoid overdoing it.
Lack of Specificity
Vague messages are easy to ignore. If you don’t provide enough detail, the recipient won’t know which job or interview you are referring to. This wastes their time and yours.
Always include the job title and the date of your application or interview. If you are referring to a specific conversation, mention a key topic discussed. Specificity helps them quickly recall who you are and what you are following up about.
For example, instead of “Following up on my application,” say “Following up on my application for the Marketing Coordinator position submitted on October 26th.”
Negative or Demanding Tone
Your message should never sound demanding, impatient, or negative. Avoid phrases like “I haven’t heard from you” in a critical way, or “You should have contacted me by now.”
The goal is to be polite and professional. Frame your follow-up as a gentle reminder of your interest and qualifications. A positive and respectful tone will always be received better than a demanding one.
If you are expressing concern about a timeline, do it gently. For example, “I wanted to check in on the status of the position, as the anticipated hiring timeline was . I remain very interested.”
Examples of Effective Job Update Messages
Seeing examples can make it much easier to understand how to write your own job update messages. Here are a few templates you can adapt for different situations.
Example 1 Following Up After Application
Subject: Following Up Job Application – –
Dear ,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on my application for the position, which I submitted on . I remain very enthusiastic about this opportunity at .
I was particularly drawn to . I believe my skills in align well with the requirements of this role.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Example 2 Thank You After Interview
Subject: Thank You – – Interview
Dear ,
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the position. I truly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the role and your team at .
I was especially interested in . Our discussion further solidified my belief that my experience in would be a valuable asset to your department.
I am very excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to ‘s success. Please let me know if there is any further information I can provide.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Example 3 Sharing New Relevant Information
Subject: Update – – Application
Dear ,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to provide a brief update regarding my application for the position. Since submitting my application on , I have successfully completed .
I believe this new further strengthens my qualifications for the role, particularly in relation to .
I remain very interested in this opportunity and am eager to bring my enhanced skills to your team.
Thank you for your continued consideration.
Sincerely,
Common Myths Debunked
Myth 1: Sending a follow-up message is always annoying to employers.
Reality: While sending too many messages can be annoying, a single, polite follow-up message after a reasonable waiting period is often appreciated. It shows initiative and continued interest. Employers expect candidates to be engaged in the hiring process.
Myth 2: You only need to send a thank-you note after a final interview.
Reality: It’s best practice to send a thank-you note or follow-up message after every interview, regardless of the stage. This reinforces your interest and provides another opportunity to make a positive impression.
Myth 3: Job update messages should be very long to show detailed interest.
Reality: Concise messages are more effective. Hiring managers and recruiters are busy. A brief, clear, and polite update that gets straight to the point is much more likely to be read and appreciated than a lengthy one.
Myth 4: It’s okay to ask directly “Did I get the job?” in a follow-up.
Reality: This can come across as demanding. Instead, phrase your follow-up by asking about the status of the hiring process or when you can expect to hear back. Maintain a polite and patient tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How soon should I send a job update message after applying?
Answer: If no specific timeline is given, it’s generally best to wait about a week to ten days after submitting your application before sending a polite follow-up message.
Question: What if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
Answer: If you can’t find the specific hiring manager’s name, address your message to the HR department or “Hiring Team.” You can often find this information on the company’s website or the job posting.
Question: Should I include my resume with every follow-up message?
Answer: Generally, no. Only include your resume if specifically requested or if you are providing significant new information that directly relates to it and would be helpful to resend.
Question: Can I send a job update message via text message?
Answer: This depends on the industry and how you’ve been communicating. For most professional roles, email is the standard and preferred method. Text messages are usually too informal unless the employer initiated that form of communication.
Question: What if I made a mistake in my job update message?
Answer: If it’s a minor typo, it’s usually best to let it go. If it’s a significant error, you can send a very brief, polite correction message, for example, “Please accept my apologies for a minor typo in my previous email.”
Conclusion
Sending a job update message is a key part of staying organized and professional in your job search. By keeping your messages clear, concise, and polite, you show respect for everyone’s time and effort. These simple communications help you stay top of mind and demonstrate your continued enthusiasm for opportunities.