What I Wish More Job Seekers Knew About Follow-Ups
The Follow-Up Mistake That’s Costing You Opportunities
Most job seekers send follow-ups like this:
📩 "Hi, just checking in to see if there’s an update."
But here’s the thing—hiring managers don’t just want reminders. They want value.
If your follow-up is only about getting an update, it might not move the needle. But if your follow-up keeps you top of mind and reinforces your value, it could be the thing that gets you the offer.
How to Follow Up Without Feeling Pushy
Instead of sending a passive check-in, make your follow-up work for you. Try these instead:
✔️ "Hi [Hiring Manager], I was thinking about our conversation on [topic] and came across this article. Thought you might find it useful!"
✔️ "Hi [Hiring Manager], I really enjoyed learning about [challenge they mentioned]. If I were in the role, I’d start by [quick insight]."
✔️ "Hi [Hiring Manager], I wanted to share a project I worked on that aligns with [something they care about]. Excited to continue the conversation!"
These messages do three things:
✅ Show you’re engaged and thoughtful.
✅ Reinforce why you’re a strong candidate.
✅ Keep you top of mind—without being pushy.
Why This Works
🔹 Hiring managers are busy. A generic “checking in” email doesn’t stand out—but one that adds value does.
🔹 It strengthens your positioning. A well-crafted follow-up keeps your name fresh in their mind and subtly reinforces why you’re the right fit.
🔹 It builds relationships. Even if you don’t get this job, a memorable follow-up could lead to another opportunity down the road.
One of my clients, a brand manager in CPG, started using this strategy. Instead of waiting on a response, she followed up with a short insight on a brand challenge the hiring manager had mentioned. The result?
Not only did she get the job—her follow-up became the foundation for her first project in the role.
3 Steps to Master Follow-Ups That Work
1️⃣ Personalize It – Reference something specific from your conversation.
2️⃣ Make It Valuable – Share an article, insight, or project related to the role.
3️⃣ Keep It Brief – Hiring managers don’t have time for long emails—2–3 sentences max.
Your Next Step
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to follow up, try this: Next time, don’t just check in—add value.
The difference between a forgettable follow-up and a standout candidate? A simple, thoughtful message that shows you’re already thinking like part of the team.
Want More Insights on Standing Out in the Job Search?
Want more insights on how to follow up strategically and stand out to hiring managers? Connect with me on LinkedIn and mention this blog in your invitation to get your free CPG Job Search Resources guide.
Explore more resources to support your job search success:
