How do you follow up with a recruiter?

You have not received any feedback from a spontaneous application or a job interview? Have you thought about following up with your interviewer? During the recruitment process, it is sometimes necessary to follow up with recruiters to get answers. In fact, beyond simply getting back to the recruiters, a reminder is a way of reiterating your motivation to them and can help them in their decision making.

Recruiters meet many candidates, so it is difficult to keep a clear overview of all profiles they encounter. Moreover, they do not always let you know when your application doesn’t correspond to the criteria defined for the position in question, or when the vacancy is no longer available. In both these cases, your reminder will give you a clear idea of the status of your application, and you will no longer be on hold. An answer, even negative, allows you to redirect yourself towards new opportunities. Here is our advice on how to follow up effectively with recruiters:

What is the purpose of a reminder e-mail? 

A follow-up e-mail is a way of checking that your application has been considered by the recruiters, showing your interest in the position and reiterating your motivation to them. Many candidates hesitate to send a follow-up e-mail by fear of being turned down. However, a follow-up e-mail can only be beneficial, as it will give you a clear idea of the situation you are in. If you get a positive response, the follow-up e-mail will have put your application at the top of the pile. If you don’t, your reminder will have given you a clearer idea of the status of your application, enabling you to go ahead and apply for other jobs. 

When and how to follow-up with recruiters

When you apply for a position, we recommend that you follow up with recruiters between 10 and 15 days after applying. Make sure you respect these deadlines, so as not to appear too impatient and give them time to analyze your application in detail.

Following an interview, it is important to consider the information you are given by the recruiters. It is not uncommon for recruiters to give you an idea of when you will hear back from them, so make sure you respect these deadlines.

We regularly send reminders by e-mail. Considered less intrusive, they have the advantage of giving you time to develop your message.

Do you have good interpersonal skills and are you comfortable speaking? Give preference to a telephone follow-up. In addition to getting a direct answer from the recruiters, you will be able to have a constructive exchange aimed at understanding their choice.

Our examples of reminder emails

When drafting your reminder e-mail, be sure to identify the essential information to be communicated:

• The date of your application or interview
• The position you are applying for
• Briefly reaffirm your desire to obtain the position 
• Salutation

Example 1 :

Dear (name of recruiters),
I would like to thank you again for the interview on (specify date).
I really appreciated the discussions we had, as well as (list what you liked about the company).
I would like to reiterate my motivation to join you, and would like to know when you think you will be able to make your decision.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions,
Best regards,
(First name/ Last name)

 Example 2 :

Dear (name of recruiters),
I am contacting you further to the application I sent you by e-mail on (specify date) for the position of (repeat job title).
Have you had a chance to read it? I am convinced that I have many of the skills listed in the job description, and I would be delighted to discuss them with you in person.
I look forward to hearing from you, and remain at your disposal should you have any questions.
Best regards,
(First name/ Last name)

At Fed Finance, our consultants, experts in temporary and permanent recruitment for finance positions in Switzerland, will support and advise you throughout your recruitment process. Are you looking for a job or looking to develop your career? Take a look at our vacancies on our website, or contact one of our consultants for advice and support in your search. Not interested in any of our vacancies? Send us your spontaneous application !