Executive Resumes

Resume Writing FAQs: When Should I Send Resume Follow Up Letters?

Foreword

This section of our site is aimed at helping any person working in a freelance capacity to maximise their potential.
The resume is probably the strongest argument any freelance translator can put forward to a prospective client. In most cases it's also the first impression the client get. As the saying goes; "You don't get a second chance at making a first impression" and for this, and many other reasons it is important to get it right.

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by: Jennifer Anthony, Resume Expert

I’m often asked how long you should wait before following up on a resume submitted in response to a telecommuting position. You want them to know you are interested, but there is a fine line between pestering the hiring manager and showing your enthusiasm. Here are some tips to guide you.

A week is a reasonable time to wait for a reply from the hiring manager. Hiring managers will receive, on average, around 300 resumes in response to a position after just 12 hours of posting it online! Give it a week to calm down and then send your follow up e-mail (because e-mails are less intrusive phone calls).

Make sure to hit the following key points in your letter:

1. Ask if the position has been filled.

2. Reiterate your interest in the position.

3. Express your continued interest in working for their company (in case the position was filled).

4. Ask for an interview.

5. Give them your phone number again so they have it at their finger tips.

6. Thank them for their time and attention (because you know how valuable it is).

Attach and send your resume again as a reminder. If your resume was buried in the pile, they will appreciate the follow up. You will appear to be a focused and motivated professional worth receiving a second review. It might even get you the interview because most jobseekers overlook the power of good follow up!

In addition, if they decided you weren’t a match, this will obligate them to let you know that you were not selected. Then, you can either move on or continue to pursue employment with them at a later date. You never know – the new hire might not work out for them.

If you need help creating your resume follow up letter, here is a sample template I found by Heather Eager of ResumeLines.com (www.resumelines.com).

http://resumeasap.blogspot.com/2005/12/need-interviews-sample-letter-for.html

Change it to meet your needs and to make sure you hit all six key points discussed above.

About The Author

Jennifer Anthony, Resume Expert

Jennifer Anthony is the owner of Telecommute Resumes (www.telecommute-resumes.com), a website dedicated to providing information about telecommute resume and cover letter writing techniques. You can also learn how to find legitimate, work from home jobs and you will find links to related networking forums. She also owns ResumeASAP (www.resumeasap.com), offering professional and affordable resume writing services.

jenn@resumeasap.com

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