Follow-Up Calls and Letters at a glance

WHEN SHOULD I SEND A FOLLOW-UP LETTER?
 

• Send a thank you letter within 24 hours after an interview.
• Send a follow-up letter whenever you have contact with an employer.
• Send a follow-up letter if you are asked to submit a list of references or a writing sample.
• Send a follow-up letter to update the employer on changes in your circumstances like your latest grades or an invitation to join law review.
• Send a follow-up letter if you no longer want to be considered for the position.

WHAT SHOULD I SAY IN A FOLLOW-UP LETTER?
 

• Thank the employer for interviewing you or updating you on the status of your application.
• Express your continued interest in the position.
• Use your follow-up letter to address any issues that were raised during the interview.
• Refer to any supplementary materials you are enclosing and offer to provide additional information.
• Use what you learned in the interview and stress the connection between their business needs and your skills and experience.
• Update the employer on changes in your status such as graduation or passing the bar.
• Deal with any questions you did not feel that you answered well during the interview.

 
 WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT FOLLOW-UP LETTERS?
 

• Keep your letter short and to the point.
• Prepare your follow-up letters as carefully as you did your cover letter.
• Reinforce the positive impression you made at the interview with a well-organized, well-written follow-up letter.

WHEN SHOULD I MAKE A FOLLOW UP CALL?
 

• Two to three weeks after sending out an initial application if you have gotten no response.
• After sending out an introductory letter asking for an informational interview.
• After an interview and a thank you letter if you haven't heard anything.

WHAT SHOULD I SAY IN A FOLLOW-UP CALL?
 

• You can use the follow-up call to introduce yourself and refer to your mutual acquaintance.
• You can use the follow-up call to see if your resume was received and ask if you can send more information such as writing samples or references.
• You can use the follow-up call to schedule an informational or formal interview.
• You can use the follow-up call to ask about the employer's timetable for making a decision.