The prompt
Score 10 of 10, Excellent
Use it when You applied or interviewed and have heard nothing for a while, and want a short follow-up that gets an answer without sounding pushy.
- {{recipient}}
- {{job_title}}
- {{company}}
- {{channel}}
- {{stage}}
- {{last_contact}}
- {{timing_said}}
- {{thread}}
- {{new_point}}
- {{word_limit}}
Full prompt and why it works
Prompt
Write a short follow-up message to {{recipient}} about my application for the {{job_title}} role at {{company}}, so that I find out where things stand and stay on their mind for the right reasons. I will send it by {{channel}}. Where I am in the process: {{stage}} Date of my application or last contact: {{last_contact}} Anything they said about timing: {{timing_said}} Earlier messages in the thread, if any: """ {{thread}} """ One relevant thing I can add, if any (a new result, a portfolio piece, a better answer to an interview question): {{new_point}} Structure: 1. Who I am and which role, in one sentence, so they do not have to search for me. 2. A polite question about the status or the next step, with no complaint about the wait. 3. The relevant new point, in one or two sentences, if I gave one. 4. A short close that makes replying easy. Keep it under {{word_limit}} words, and give me two subject lines if it is an email. It should sound friendly and confident, not anxious or apologetic. A good follow-up can be answered in one line, such as "Still reviewing, we'll know by Friday." For example, the form of the question: "I wanted to check whether there is an update on next steps, and whether you need anything else from me." This example shows the form only. Avoid guilt-tripping lines such as "I haven't heard back", apologizing for following up, restating my whole resume, or mentioning another offer unless I say I have one. Use only facts I have given about myself. If what they said about timing means it is too early to follow up, tell me so and suggest a date to send it instead. If the thread shows I have already followed up twice with no reply, say so and tell me whether one last short note makes sense.
Variables
- {{recipient}}
- Who you are writing to, for example "the recruiter, Sam" or "the hiring manager".
- {{job_title}}
- The job title as it appeared in the posting.
- {{company}}
- The organization you applied to.
- {{channel}}
- How you will send it, for example email or LinkedIn message.
- {{stage}}
- Where you are, for example "applied online" or "second interview last Tuesday".
- {{last_contact}}
- The date you applied or last heard from them.
- {{timing_said}}
- Anything they told you about when you would hear, or "nothing".
- {{thread}}
- Earlier messages with them. Write "none" if there are none.
- {{new_point}}
- Something new and relevant you could mention, or "none".
- {{word_limit}}
- The maximum length, for example 120.
Why it works
- What good looks like. A good follow-up is defined as one that can be answered in a single line, which keeps the message short and the question easy.
- What to avoid. Guilt-tripping, apologies and invented competing offers are ruled out, the usual reasons a follow-up gets ignored or backfires.
- If unsure. If it is too early to follow up, or you have already sent two, it says so instead of drafting a message that hurts your chances.