Best Follow Up Email Subject Lines and Templates for Job Seekers

Are you still waiting to hear the results of an important job interview or application?

If several days or even weeks have gone by, you are likely to be feeling a bit anxious. However, rather than simply waiting for the phone to ring, it is a good idea to send the interviewer a follow-up email.

But, it is important to make sure you get the tone of the follow-up email just right. If you appear to be too aggressive, impatient, or desperate, you are likely to give a bad impression of yourself.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best follow up email subject lines and templates for job seekers.

Why The Follow Up Email Subject Line Is Important?

Hiring managers and other business professionals usually receive a large number of emails every day. A certain percentage of these emails are likely to be spam emails or other unwanted correspondence. If your email appears to be spam, it is likely to be deleted without even being opened.

The subject line of the email helps to grab the attention of the recipient and make them want to know more. It helps to show that your email is important and not simply a sales pitch. It is also an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and ensure your email does not end up in the trash folder.

Tips For Writing A Follow Up Email Subject Line

Creating the perfect subject line for a follow-up email is an art. You need to make sure you capture the recipient’s attention without seeming to be too pushy. Here are some tips on how to get the balance just right.

Use a natural and conversational tone

If the subject line is too formal, it is likely to read like a sales pitch. Similarly, you need to avoid being demanding or rude. Try to convey a friendly and conversational tone that inspires the recipient to open your email.

Be brief

The subject line should get to the point in the minimum amount of words. This helps the subject line to capture the recipient’s attention if they are reading their emails on their phone. Try to aim for five words, although between six and ten words will still get your point across.

Spark the reader’s interest

Try to create an air of mystery that makes the recipient want to know more. The aim of the game is to get the recipient to open your email in the first place. If your subject line is generic or self-explanatory, you may find that your email is set aside.

Personalize the subject line

Adding the name of the recipient to the subject line is more likely to make them open your email. It indicates that you have a connection with the recipient and have important information for them. It is much more difficult to ignore an email if it has been addressed directly to you.

Take advantage of the snippet

The snippet is a short line of text that appears close to the subject line in the recipient’s inbox. This is used to provide a preview of the email without having to open it. Make sure that the first line of your email is engaging to make the recipient want to open it.

Relate it to the email contents

Make sure that your subject line is related to the contents of your email in some way. While a sensational subject line may be eye-catching, it is also likely to be misleading. This may make the recipient feel that they have been tricked into opening your email.

Examples Of Best Follow Up Email Subject Lines and Templates for Job Seekers

Now that you understand how to choose the right subject line, you will be ready to start crafting your own. The subject line you choose will depend on the contents of your email and your connection to the recipient. Let’s take a look at some of the best follow-up email subject lines that you can choose.

Next steps

This subject line is short and to the point. The recipient is sure to wonder what the next steps are and what you are hoping to receive. This is likely to make them want to open your email straight away and send you a reply.

I forgot to mention…

This subject line is ideal if you have recently had a meeting with the recipient. It gives you the chance to open a dialogue with them in a natural way. Make sure that the email actually focuses on an extra piece of information related to your meeting.

Hello again from…

This subject line is ideal if you have already had personal contact with the recipient, such as after an interview. The subject line conveys a warm yet professional tone that helps to draw the reader in. Make sure you add your name to the subject line to make the recipient find out what you have to say.

Can you help me with this?

This subject line makes it clear that you are seeking assistance with something in particular. It is a call to action that is likely to make the recipient open your email straight away. Make sure that the contents of your email actually mentions something that you need the recipient’s help with.

Your feedback on our last meeting?

This subject line reminds the recipient of your previous meeting. It indicates that you are interested in feedback and want to open a dialogue. The recipient is likely to be curious about the contents of the email and open it straight away.

Regarding my application

This subject line is ideal if you have sent a job application and are still waiting to hear the status. The subject line is short and to the point, indicating that this will also be the case with the email contents. If the recipient had forgotten to contact you, this is likely to spur them into action.

It was good chatting with you (recipient’s name)

This subject line is ideal if you have recently had a phone or in-person interview with the recipient. It gives you the chance to personalize the subject line by using the recipient’s name and features a friendly tone. The recipient is likely to remember your conversation when they read the subject line and be inspired to reply.

Where should we start?

This subject line takes a proactive approach to communication that is sure to appeal to busy professionals. It shows that you are engaged and ready to take the next step without being too pushy. However, it is also mysterious enough to spike the recipient’s interest and make them want to open the email.

Thank you for your time

This polite and professional subject line is ideal if you have recently had an interview. It shows your consideration for the recipient and appreciation of the fact that their time is valuable. Rather than feeling pressured to respond to you, the recipient is likely to feel appreciated and want to take the time.

Following up regarding the job

If you have not heard anything several days after an interview, this is a respectable subject line to use. It is direct without being pushy or begging for attention. If the recipient has forgotten to contact you for some reason, they are likely to open your email straight away.

Great meeting you today, I have something else to share

During your meeting, try to find out a little about the other person’s interests. This will give you a clue about the types of articles and other things they are likely to find interesting. You can then take the opportunity to send the recipient something of interest and start the dialogue straight away.

Here’s the info I promised you

At the end of an interview or important meeting, try to mention something that you want to send to the other person. This could be a copy of your resume, certificates, or even an article you think they would enjoy. This follow-up email shows that you are true to your word and gives you a genuine reason for contacting the recipient.

Here’s what I’ll do

This proactive subject line shows that you are in charge of your life and career. Rather than begging for some sort of contact, you are taking charge of the situation and initiating contact. The subject line is also quite mysterious, which is likely to make the recipient curious enough to open your email.

Need More Job Hunting Info And Advice?

That’s what we’re here for! For that perfect resume, take a look at my advice on How To List Education On A Resume, Achievements To List On Your Resume, How To List References On A Resume, Job Titles On Resume, Motivation Letter Writing Guide, my Hobbies Interests To Put On Resume and lastly the Most Important Skills To Put On A Resume in 2023.

If you’d like to do some further research, we’ve found some great online books such as Marketing Yourself in the Age of Digital: CVs, Applications, Interviews, Social Media, LinkedIn, CVs, Resumes, and LinkedIn: A Guide to Professional English, the English for Academic CVs, Resumes, and Online Profiles, Expert Resumes and Linkedin Profiles for Managers & Executives as well as Land Your Dream Job: Join the 2% Who Make it Past Resumé Screening.

To really stand out at your interview, we recommend you check out the Wait, How Do I Write This Email? book, You’re Hired!: Super Charge your Email Skills in 60 Minutes!, the How to Book of Writing Skills: Words at Work: Letters, email, reports, resumes, job applications, Business and Academic Letters and Emails, and Writing That Works; How to Communicate Effectively In Business also available online today

Final Thoughts

The subject line you choose can have an impact on whether it is opened and well received. Even if the recipient had previously decided to ignore you, a good subject line might win them over. You may be able to spike their curiosity enough to even consider giving you a second chance.

However, timing also plays an important role in how well your email is likely to be received. Try to avoid sending an email just before lunch or the end of the working day. The best time to send a follow-up email is in the middle of the morning or afternoon between Tuesday or Thursday.

All the very best with your Job Seeking!