Following up after an initial interaction, whether it's a job application, a sales pitch, or a networking event, is crucial for building relationships and achieving your goals. But knowing how to start a follow up letter or email can be the biggest hurdle. This guide will break down the essential elements to ensure your follow-up communication is effective, professional, and gets the positive attention you desire.
The Foundation: Getting Your Follow-Up Off to the Right Start
Starting a follow-up letter effectively sets the tone for the entire message. The very first few sentences are your opportunity to re-engage the recipient and remind them of your previous interaction without being overly pushy. The importance of a strong opening cannot be overstated, as it often determines whether your message will be read further or quickly dismissed. A clear, concise, and friendly opening is key to grabbing their attention immediately.
- Reference the previous interaction clearly.
- State the purpose of your follow-up politely.
- Keep it brief and to the point.
Consider the context when crafting your opening. Was it a formal interview, a casual coffee chat, or a brief exchange at a conference? Tailoring your opening to match the initial interaction will make it feel more natural and less robotic. For instance, a follow-up after a formal interview will likely start differently than one after a quick chat at a busy event.
| Interaction Type | Opening Strategy |
|---|---|
| Job Interview | Express continued interest and reiterate key qualifications. |
| Sales Inquiry | Remind them of the product/service discussed and its benefits. |
| Networking Event | Mention the specific topic or connection made during the event. |
How to Start a Follow Up Letter After a Job Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
It was a pleasure speaking with you yesterday about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and the team, and I am even more enthusiastic about the opportunity after our conversation.
How to Start a Follow Up Letter After a Sales Meeting
Dear [Client Name],
I hope you're having a productive week.
It was great meeting with you on [Date] to discuss your [Specific Need/Challenge] and how [Your Product/Service] can help address it.
How to Start a Follow Up Letter After a Networking Event
Dear [Contact Name],
It was a pleasure connecting with you at the [Event Name] on [Date].
I particularly enjoyed our conversation about [Specific Topic of Conversation].
How to Start a Follow Up Letter When You Haven't Heard Back
Dear [Contact Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on my [Application/Inquiry] submitted on [Date] regarding [Subject of Application/Inquiry].
How to Start a Follow Up Letter After a Conference Presentation
Dear [Attendee Name],
I hope you found my presentation on [Presentation Topic] at [Conference Name] insightful.
I wanted to reach out to see if you had any further questions or would like to discuss how [Your Solution/Idea] could benefit your work.
How to Start a Follow Up Letter After a Date or Social Meeting
Hi [Name],
I had a really great time [Activity] with you on [Day].
I wanted to see if you'd be interested in doing it again sometime soon.
How to Start a Follow Up Letter After a Business Proposal
Dear [Client Name],
I hope you've had a chance to review the proposal we submitted on [Date] for [Project Name].
I wanted to follow up and see if you have any questions or would like to schedule a brief call to discuss it further.
Mastering how to start a follow up letter is an invaluable skill for anyone looking to nurture connections and advance their objectives. By focusing on a clear, polite, and context-aware opening, you significantly increase the chances of your follow-up being well-received and achieving its intended purpose. Remember to always be genuine, respectful of the recipient's time, and tailor your approach to the specific situation. Consistent and effective follow-up can truly make a difference.